Distorted Viewpoint: God is a Disappointed Observer

This is the view that God is distant and is more concerned about my obedience and morality than having a relationship with me. Here are some ways it shows up:

God is viewed as more of a distant/absent father who is stern and demanding.
God is viewed as the morality police.
“God doesn’t care about me, my thoughts, or my feelings – only that I obey.”
“God is more concerned with my obedience than a relationship built on love and trust.”

Better Viewpoint: God is a loving Father who seeks after us, rejoices over us, and forgives us

Christianity isn’t about trying harder to please a distant God—it’s about trusting a God who already loves you and is near. Here are some important verses to remember:

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” In Luke 15:20, we have this parable that points us to a God who runs to embrace a lost son even before the apology comes out of the son’s mouth.
“How great is the love that the father has lavished upon us that we should be called children of God.” – 1 John 3:1
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Talking Points and Questions for Discussion

As parents, we often spend a lot of time addressing and shaping our children’s behavior—and that’s important. Our students will hear from you and from the church about the Ten Commandments and God’s expectations for how we live. But Christianity is more than rules to follow; it is first and foremost a relationship with our Savior.

God’s standards are high, and He knows that none of us can keep His Law perfectly. That’s why He sent Jesus—not only to fulfill the Law on our behalf, but to restore us into a loving, trusting relationship with God as our Father. As we talk with our children about behavior, it’s important to keep those conversations balanced with the even greater truth of God’s unconditional love and grace.

Remind your students:

It has always been God’s desire to be near to his people. We see this in the Garden of Eden where he walked with Adam/Eve, in the tabernacle where he dwelt with his people, in the incarnation of Jesus (Immanuel – which means God With Us), and even dwells with in us today.” His promise to “always be with us” is woven through the scriptures and can be found all throughout the Old and New Testament in places like Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20
You are God’s child through faith in Christ – not because you follow the Law well.
God does care about how we live—but never apart from relationship and grace.
God is not standing at a distance with crossed arms, tallying failures. Scripture consistently shows Him moving toward people—especially when they’re broken.
God is active and working in our lives in ways we see (especially through Word and Sacrament) and can’t see.

Questions you might consider asking:

What thoughts come to mind when you hear that God is always with you? Does this bring you comfort or invoke fear?
What does it mean to you that God calls you His child?
How is following God different from just trying to be a “good person”?
Do you think God is usually more happy with you, disappointed in you, or something else? Why?
Do you feel as though God is close to you or distant?
Read through the prodigal son parable in Luke 15. How is that view of the father in that story similar or different than your view of God?

God’s grace to you today!
~Nathan