Mayo — By Pastor John Whittington

Lighthouse Christian Center

Last week we started looking at the difference between Big God (the Real Deal) and little god (our often less-than adequate concept of God). Let's continue with a few comparisons between the two.

When you do what you shouldn't or don't do what you should, little god has no expectations and is just fine with exceptions:

"I shouldn't steal, but I really need the money!"

"I should forgive, but this person's attitude doesn't deserve it!"

"I should help others, but I have my own problems to worry about."

By contrast, Big God has impossible expectations. But He also gives you the power to do the impossible! And He's kind and forgiving in those times you don't. Where little god gives religion and lists, Big God gives a relationship and life!

Another aspect of little god are his limitations.

You can't be "cool" and Christian.

You can't be smart and saved.

You can't be holy and happy.

But Big God "has given us everything we need for life and godliness..." (2Peter 1:3). You don't have to choose. You can have both!

Little god can't sustain you for your journey. The same people who worshiped the golden calf in the wilderness kept wanting to go back to Egypt, back to slavery. The little god in your life allows you to do whatever you want, not because he's permissive, but because he's powerless. Big God, on the other hand, "led his people through the wilderness" (Psalm 136:16).

Sometimes little god may seem big, but he isn't. The statue of Zeus at Olympia was large. The base of the statue was about 20 ft. wide and 3 ft. high. The height of the statue itself was 40 ft, equivalent to a modern 4-story building. No matter how big he was, he still couldn't hear, see, or know the people who came to worship him. As a matter of fact, he was really an it.

Big God is bigger than the heavens yet hears his people pray and comes to their rescue. Big God loves you with an everlasting love. He knows even the number of hairs on your head! He sent his Son, poured out his Spirit and offers eternal life.

When you truly encounter Big God, you may be speechless, or shout His praises! You may fall on your face, or run tell others about Him! He is the God who shakes you to your very core. He’s the God who heals the sick and raises the dead. He’s the God who created the universe and holds it in His hand!



He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)



As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? (Psalm 18:30-31)



Pastor John Whittington,

Lighthouse Christian Center

Mayo, Fla.