To find a better God we begin with the familiar picture of the jolly man in the red suit holding a checklist of our actions, words and desires. In our prayers, thoughts, and expectations of our wondrous Creator, do we respond to a God whom we assume keeps a list? If we are on the “nice” list we expect to be blessed when we are good. Therefore, we believe that this Santa-God keeps us safe from harm, answers our prayers, and at the end of life welcomes us into heaven.
In our search for a better God we must examine the consequences of being on the “naughty” list. The coal in the stocking image of God reminds us that punishment is due for our sinful behavior. And this God is displeased with us until we turn from our stubbornness and sins. If we persist in sin, this Santa-God will allow us to choose the final consequence of living eternally in hell.
Is not a Santa-God too petty to be the God of adult faith? Believing that God tracks our good deeds and our mistakes leads us to think that we alone can determine our destiny. But the God of adult faith does not keep lists. And our good deeds are not the deciding factor relating to our salvation.
God of Love Is Better than Santa-God
The God of unconditional love never gives up enticing us to choose life, to choose the good. God is called Father whose strength will pull us out of the pit of darkness. God is called Mother who will never let us go. The God of Love walks with us through all our questions and doubts about who God is for us. Unconditional love holds us until we surrender and until we relax into the eternal embrace.