The problem we have trusting God with all areas of our life is due to our perceptions of the character of God; particularly as they relate to places in our life (the secret places) that we are uncomfortable with God being involved with; even being aware of for that matter. If we knew God to be merciful, compassionate, kind, and yes, patient from a gracious heart of unconditional love, would we trust Him with everything, hiding nothing? But if we know God to be strict, judgmental, and punishing from a heart of disappointment, even anger, can we trust Him with everything, hiding nothing?
NLX 101 examines the character of God covering these points:
- God Is Changeless
- God Is All Powerful
- God Is All Knowing
- God Is Everywhere
- God Is Eternal
- God Is Holy
- God Is Righteous
- God Is Love
- God is Truth
- God Is Wisdom
The lesson proceeds to explore with participants their perceptions of God, according to the characteristics of God. For example, “God is Changeless” might lead to the perception that God is rigid. “God is Righteous” might feed into the perception that God is judgmental. “God is Holy” might fuel someone feeling too unworthy to even approach God.
Questions are asked in the lesson to challenge folks to reconsider how they see God, and how past experiences might distort one’s perceptions of God. The purpose is to promote the belief that negative perceptions of God are in fact a distortion from the loving personality of God illustrated by what He has done for the participant that sheds a far more accurate light on His character.