God Views Week 12 God as a “mechanic”

God Views
Week 12
God as a
“mechanic”
http://www.pjteaches.com/GodViews.htm
In this session, we will examine the potential
for our personality traits to create a false view
of God. While the spectrum of personality (the
characteristics that distinguish us from other
individuals) will be considered, we will devote
most of our attention to two particular traits
that have been known to distort pictures of
God—perfectionism and insecurity.
perfectionism & insecurity
If you have any tendencies toward
perfectionism or insecurity, be advised
that what you are about to cover is for
you. If you do not struggle in these
areas, pray for the rest of us who do.
Personality: God’s Pallet for
Making People
Have you ever seen a
beam of light shining
through a glass prism
become a rainbow of
colors? Who would
have thought that every
beam of light contains
a pallet of color?
Personality: God’s Pallet for
Making People
In a similar fashion, you and I are like a ray of
light. As Christians, we are to be reflections of
the light of Christ that has come into the world.
But each of us is also a rainbow of personality
differences. We have distinctive personality
traits that make us unique human beings. We
are both the light of Christ and the colors of
ourselves.
Personality: God’s Pallet for
Making People
Some of the “hues” on
the palette of human
personality are
universally viewed as
being good. Some traits
are considered to be
neutral. Some are
“negative”.
Personalities according to
Tim LaHaye
The four temperament categories
are Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy,
and Phlegmatic.
Choleric
If you are a choleric, you are a dynamic, selfmotivated leader who can set your sights on a
target and relentlessly pursue it until success is
achieved. You are a strong-willed individual
who makes decisions quickly and decisively,
and who readily and easily grasps difficult
concepts and strategies. Learning comes quickly
to you, and you like to take action immediately.
Choleric
You think logically and pragmatically, and are
sometimes accused of "rolling over" people once
you have set a plan in motion. You do not
readily reveal deep emotions—except anger.
Cholerics are often accused of being stubborn,
domineering, and dictatorial. You demand
loyalty from your friends, and thrive when you
are in control.
Melancholic
Time alone is vital for this reflective,
introspective temperament. A perfectionist at
home and on the job, the melancholic is likely
the one with the perfectly organized closet and
kitchen, the tidy desk-top, and the painstaking
attention to religious observances, sometimes to
the point of scrupulosity. A melancholic longs
for a deep soul mate, yet when he is around
Melancholic
people, he often finds himself mistrustful and
disappointed. Sensing this criticism, others will
keep their distance—thus further entrenching the
melancholic in his solitary life. In relationships,
the melancholic tends to be slow to initiate,
cautious, hyper-critical, and pessimistic--yet,
once committed, they are unwaveringly loyal
and self-sacrificing.
Phlegmatic
If you are a phlegmatic, you most likely possess
a dry wit and a steady, amicable demeanor. You
are dependable, polite, and even-tempered. You
feel more comfortable in a small group of
friends or even spending a quiet evening
relaxing at home. You are never flashy,
belligerent, or self-aggrandizing. You would
rather take the blame (even unjustly) than stir up
Phlegmatic
controversy or pick a fight. On the job, you seek
neither power nor the limelight, but work
steadily, patiently, and methodically. You are
reliable, patient, and methodical on the job, and
can work alone, or with the most difficult of
personalities. You will prefer job security,
working within a structured organization, but
can also be a leader of great character and
service.
Sanguine
If you are a sanguine, then you are most likely
the life of the party. You are funny and relish the
limelight. You are affectionate, enjoy social
activities, and make friends easily. You are
imaginative and creative, and are often the one
who enthusiastically promotes new ideas on the
job. People call you vivacious, generous, and
light-hearted. You wear your emotions on your
Myers-Briggs Personality Type
(the MBTI)
Myers concluded there were four primary ways
people differed from one another. She labeled
these differences "preferences" - drawing a
similarity to "hand preferences" to illustrate
that although we all use both of our hands,
most of us have a preference for one over the
other and "it" takes the lead in many of the
activities in which we use our hands.
The first set of mental preferences relates to how
people "Perceive" or take in information. In the
Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the second letter.
Those who prefer Sensing like to take
information through their eyes, ears, and
other senses to find out what is actually
happening. They are observant of what is
going on around them and are especially
good at recognizing the practical realities
of a situation.
The first set of mental preferences relates to how
people "Perceive" or take in information. In the
Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the second letter.
In contrast, those who prefer Intuition like
to take in information by seeing the big
picture, focusing on the relationship and
connections between facts. They want to
grasp patterns and are especially good at
seeing new possibilities and different ways
of doing things.
The second set of mental preferences identifies how
people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In the
Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third letter.
Those who prefer Thinking in decision
making tend to look at logical
consequences of a choice or action.
They try to mentally remove themselves
from a situation to examine it
objectively and analyze cause and
effect. Their goal is an objective
The second set of mental preferences identifies how
people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In the
Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third letter.
standard of truth and the application of
principles. Their strengths include
figuring out what is wrong with
something so they can apply their
problem-solving abilities.
The second set of mental preferences identifies how
people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In the
Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third letter.
People who prefer to use Feeling in
decision making tend to consider what
is important to them and to other
people. They mentally place
themselves in a situation and identify
with the people involved so that they
can make decisions based on
The second set of mental preferences identifies how
people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In the
Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third letter.
values. Their goal is harmony and
recognition of individuals, and their
strengths include understanding,
appreciating, and supporting others.
In the Myers MBTI Type Code, Extraversion or
Introversion is the first letter.
People who prefer Extraversion are
tend to focus on the outer world of
people and external events. They direct
their energy and attention outward and
receive energy from external events,
experiences, and interactions.
In the Myers MBTI Type Code, Extraversion or
Introversion is the first letter.
Those who prefer Introversion tend to
focus on their own inner world of ideas
and experiences. They direct their energy
and attention inward and receive energy
from their internal thoughts, feelings, and
reflections.
Introverts (about 25% of the general population)
need times of solitude to recharge their
“batteries.” Extraverts (about 75% of us)
recharge by being in crowds—they need and are
energized by people. Being an introvert or
extravert does not have much to do with
shyness, as some people think. It’s more about
whether a person is oriented to his inner world
or to the external world; and where one
recuperates from stress—in solitude or with
people.
Judging and Perceiving in the Myers MBTI
Type Code is the fourth letter.
People who prefer to use their Judging
process in the outer world tend to live in a
planned, orderly way, wanting to regulate
and control life. They make decisions, come
to closure, and move on. Their lifestyle is
structured and organized, and they like to
have things settled. Sticking to a plan and
schedule is very important to them, and they
enjoy their ability to get things done.
Judging and Perceiving in the Myers MBTI
Type Code is the fourth letter.
People who prefer to use their Perceiving
process in the outer world tend to live in a
flexible, spontaneous way, seeking to
experience and understand life, rather than
control it. Plans and decisions feel confining
to them; they prefer to stay open to
experience and last-minute options. They
enjoy and trust their resourcefulness and
ability to adapt to the demands of a situation.
DISC Personality Profiles
 " D " - Dominant/ Driver or Fast-Paced and
Task-Oriented
 " I " - Influencing/ Inspiring or Fast-Paced
and People-Oriented
 " S " - Stable/ Steady or Slower-Paced and
People-Oriented
 " C " - Compliant/ Correct or Slower-Paced
and Task-Oriented
Exercise 7-A
In appendix 7-A you will find a
presentation of what is called the “big
five” personality dimensions. This is not a
test. It is merely an exercise to get you
thinking a bit about your personality and
how it may influence your view of God.
Exercise 7-A
Is anyone willing to share how
their personality may influence a
view of God?
When it comes to an approach to God, it makes
sense that an introvert would be drawn to
Biblical passages about silence, solitude, and
quiet, listening prayer. The practice of
meditation would probably come very easily to
an introvert. It may be comforting for an
introvert to picture God as a gentle shepherd.
Extraverts might be more easily drawn to
Biblical passages about action and adventure.
Perhaps more extraverts than introverts would
be attracted to auditory, intercessory prayer. The
practices of meditation and contemplation may
be more difficult for the extravert to enter into.
Extraverts may enjoy images of Jesus as being
the life of a party or view God as an active,
conquering king.
It has been humorously suggested that
extraverts drive introverts crazy by
writing books on street evangelism.
But introverts have a way of getting
them back. They write books on
contemplative prayer and being quiet
before God.
Perhaps there is a person who is
more tough-minded than tenderhearted. Perhaps this aspect of
personality makes it easier for them
to view God as a tough-minded
judge than a tender-hearted
counselor.
perfectionism & insecurity
There are several personality traits that
can be destructive in relationships—
including our relationship to God. Two
of these traits often occur together—
perfectionism and insecurity.
perfectionism & insecurity
Perfectionism can be considered an extreme
form of “conscientiousness,” which was one
of the five items assessed in Exercise 7-A.
Insecurity may be one facet of the personality
dimension “emotional stability/instability.”
For some folks, insecurity can fuel
perfectionism—and the combination can be
quite combustible.
perfectionism & insecurity
We discuss these now
because of the
potential impact they
may have in
producing a particular
God view—God as
mechanic or shop
foreman.
perfectionism & insecurity
 Do you feel that what you accomplish
is never quite good enough?
 Do you often put off turning in work—
waiting to get it just right?
 Do you feel that you must give more
than 100% on everything you do?
perfectionism & insecurity
If so, instead of simply working toward
success, you may be trying to be perfect.
True perfectionism exists as a pattern of
self-defeating thoughts and behaviors
aimed at reaching excessively high and
unrealistic goals give more than 100% on
everything you do?
perfectionism & insecurity
Although perfectionism is often mistaken
in our society as desirable, recent studies
have shown that perfectionistic attitudes
actually interfere with success. The desire
to be perfect can rob you of both the joy
of personal satisfaction and the ability to
achieve as much as people with less lofty
goals.
Exercise 7-B
Take a look at Exercise 7-B. It’s a
series of questions to help you decide
if you are something of a perfectionist.
Perfectionism
If you are a perfectionist, it is likely that you
learned early in life that other people valued you
because of how much you accomplished or
achieved. Perfectionists often wrestle with a
deep insecurity concerning their worth to others
and to God. As a result, they may have learned
to value themselves only on the basis of other
people’s approval—which leaves self esteem
based on external standards .
Perfectionism
Perfectionists need to do several things to
help themselves before the failure to meet
unrealistic goals (or the failure of loved
ones to meet their unrealistic standards)
produces depression, anger, and isolation.
Worksheet 7-C
Worksheet 7-C contains some suggestions
for overcoming perfectionism.
perfectionistic god
According to J. B. Phillips, “…Of all the
false gods, there is probably no greater
nuisance in the spiritual world than the god
of one hundred percent [a perfectionist,
performance-driven god]. For he is
plausible.” (p. 27)
perfectionistic god
This false view of God is particularly
difficult to dislodge—especially for the
perfectionist. It is difficult because it is
plausible. After all, doesn’t the Bible say,
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly
Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
perfectionistic god
Yes, it does. But the perfection to which
Jesus alludes is a perfection of love and
relationship, not task and toil. And even
this perfection (loving as the Trinity loves)
is not possible by human effort, but only by
allowing Christ to come live and love
through us.
perfectionistic god
But for some, what was
meant to be perfect freedom
has become an anxious
slavery that can lead to
nervous breakdowns and rob
the Christian life of
spontaneity and joy.
In this DVD segment,
Curt Cloninger portrays
God as a mechanic who is
interested only in
performance and cannot
possibly spare the time
to attend to the details
of the lives of his
“employees” (you and me).
What was
happening with
your emotions as
you watched this
vignette?
What are some
passages of
Scripture that
argue against this
type of God
view?
Jesus says, “My
yoke is easy and
my burden light.”
(See
Matthew 11:30.)
Or Paul, even after many
years of following Christ,
confesses that
he is still “press[ing] on
toward the goal”
(Philippians 3:14).
(i.e., He has not attained
100% perfection.)
Bible Study
Exercise 7-D
Matthew 11:28-30
&
Galatians 3:2-4
Matthew 11 & Galatians 3
1. J. B. Phillips believes “…the conscientious,
sensitive, imaginative person who is somewhat
lacking in self-confidence and inclined to
introspection will find one-hundred-per-cent
perfection truly terrifying.” (p. 28) How should
reading Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30 help
such an individual?
Matthew 11 & Galatians 3
2. What is Jesus’ suggestion for living
“freely and lightly”? And how has this
worked in your life?
Matthew 11 & Galatians 3
3. In the Galatians passage, what is Paul so
concerned about? And how does this
situation in the Galatian church relate to
the notion of God as a demanding
mechanic?
Matthew 11
In the passage from Matthew, it seems
important to remember that we enjoy an “easy
yoke” only when we are yoked together with
Christ. And in actuality, we have it even better
than oxen. Our yoke partner is not just beside
us but also inside us—giving us [His] strength
and power from within.
Matthew 11
A veteran farmer—who had spent many
seasons behind a couple of oxen—told me
there can be a problem when one of the oxen
attempts to walk ahead of the other. Not only
is he doing too much of the work, but the yoke
irritates his neck. Perfectionists who are
Christians must guard themselves against
walking ahead of their partner, Jesus—or they
could get hot under the collar.
Galatians 3
For the Galatians passage, it is important to
keep the context in mind. In Paul’s early
ministry, he had traveled in the Roman
province of Galatia and planted several
churches. His message was about the free life
in God that was available through Jesus Christ.
A few years later, Paul learned that religious
leaders from the “old school” were attempting
Galatians 3
to convince others that God was big on perfect
compliance with religious rules and
regulations.
Paul wrote his letter to tell the Galatian
Christians not to give up the free life they had
in Jesus. In the words of Eugene Peterson in
his introduction to Galatians, “God did not
coerce us from without, but set us free from
Galatians 3
within.” God is more concerned that we
surrender to Christ’s presence and love than to
keep a list of rules perfectly.
Summary
Dallas Willard, in his book Hearing God:
Developing a Conversational Relationship
With God, provides the best summary for this
session. In a section of the second chapter
labeled “God as Taskmaster,” he has this to
say:
In the same way we demean God immeasurably
by casting him in the role of the cosmic boss,
foreman or autocrat, whose chief joy in relation
to humans is ordering them around, taking
pleasure in seeing them jump at his command
and painstakingly noting down any failures.
Instead we are to be God’s friends (2
Chronicles 20:7; John 15:13-15) and fellow
workers (1 Corinthians 3:9).
The role of taskmaster,
whether a pleased one or an angry
one, is a role that God accepts
only when appointed to it by our
own limited understanding. (p. 33)