Perspective of God

[TenthAveN]

At the moment (as has been for a while) I’ve been wanting to get right with God, but my motivation has mostly been fear of hell. It’s one of the many roadblocks I’ve experienced to accepting forgiveness. A lot of people are afraid they can’t be forgiven because they think their sin is too big, but I doubt many of them are seeking reconciliation out of a self-preservation mindset. I’ve struggled with legalism for a long time, and I can tell you firsthand that it results in depression, anxiety, and possibly even OCD, from my experience. I think our perspective of God determines how we approach Him, so how can I approach Him with God-focused motives instead of self-focused motives? Thanks!

 

[Ann77]

I totally understand. This article has helped me a bit because I also feared my motivation wasn't pure and sound. Sorry it's a bit long but worth the read:
Horatius Bonar - God's Way of Peace: Chapter 12 - Jesus Only

Added since you have a skewed image of God (like myself) I suggest you read
Meek and Lowly by Neal A. Maxwell. I haven't finished it. It is such a comforting book so far.

If you fear God as being angry at you all the time or looking for fault. Remember:
The Son is the image of the invisible God...
Colossians 1:15

He died for you and wants you to rest in His work

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Forget all that.

Read the Gospels slowly and encounter Jesus. Hang out with him.

That's all.

 

[Tolworth John]

how can I approach Him with God-focused motives instead of self-focused motives? Thanks!

Let me put it this way.

The coast guard rescue service does not bother about the feelings of the guy they are racing to pull out of the sea, they are there to save his life. His embarrassment, his pride, his swimming ability is irrelevant, he has been reported as drowning and in need of rescuing and that is what they do.

Application.

You are a sinner, an enemy of God and face God's rightousness judgement and condemnation to an eternity apart from him.

Unless you swallow your pride, admit you are a sinner and ask Jesus to save you.

Your feelings, motivation etc etc etc are irrelevant, get saved you can sort out everything else as you grow in your love and knowledge of Jesus.

Get saved.

 

[covergirl]

Let me put it this way.

The coast guard rescue service does not bother about the feelings of the guy they are racing to pull out of the sea, they are there to save his life. His embarrassment, his pride, his swimming ability is irrelevant, he has been reported as drowning and in need of rescuing and that is what they do.

Application.

You are a sinner, an enemy of God and face God's rightousness judgement and condemnation to an eternity apart from him.

Unless you swallow your pride, admit you are a sinner and ask Jesus to save you.

Your feelings, motivation etc etc etc are irrelevant, get saved you can sort out everything else as you grow in your love and knowledge of Jesus.

Get saved.

 

[covergirl]

He's asking about his relationship with God not getting saved. That's important yes but sounds like he's already saved and deals with what OCD sufferers deal with and that's legalism. He is growing in his walk with God so telling someone to get saved is actually harmful in this situation..

 

[Mari17]

At the moment (as has been for a while) I’ve been wanting to get right with God, but my motivation has mostly been fear of hell. It’s one of the many roadblocks I’ve experienced to accepting forgiveness. A lot of people are afraid they can’t be forgiven because they think their sin is too big, but I doubt many of them are seeking reconciliation out of a self-preservation mindset. I’ve struggled with legalism for a long time, and I can tell you firsthand that it results in depression, anxiety, and possibly even OCD, from my experience. I think our perspective of God determines how we approach Him, so how can I approach Him with God-focused motives instead of self-focused motives? Thanks!

Actually, this is probably more common than you think. I can think of at least one other person I know of who obsesses about not being able to gain salvation because of having the "wrong" motives. But those of us with OCD worry too much about how we feel. As Tolworth John said, Jesus saves us, even if we don't have the "perfect" feelings or motivations. In fact, being the mere humans that we are, we CAN'T have the perfect feelings or motives. That's why Jesus' grace is so awesome!!