I cannot count the number of times the phrase, "My god wouldn't do that," has been repeated to me over the years when something unfortunate has happened. The phrase conjures up an interesting image with a person above "his god" and pulling the strings on a puppet.

These days it's tempting for established churches to do the same thing – believing that passing a resolution in assembly will make anything acceptable to God. Collectively people can become just as audacious.

The declaration that "My god wouldn't do that," really means, "I won't allow my god to do that." I'm the one who decides just what "my god" can and cannot do.

I can make "my god" into many things, but it certainly is not the God who created the universe. Nor the God who promised Abraham a son and vast progeny; nor the God who gave Moses the Ten Commandments; nor the God who sent his Son to die on the cross.

Following one's own god is audacious and folly. It makes no sense at all to follow something of one's own creation. It means a sinner has become his own "god." Such totally removes someone from following Jesus because no one can follow two leaders in opposite directions.

Not following Jesus removes one from the blessings Jesus declared when He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," and "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Such blessings are not for the audacious!

Continued study of God's Word revealing Jesus – His life and actions – gives us the anchor we need to handle whatever comes our way! Using the Christ-focused, Bible-centered materials developed by WordAlone helps make the study of Jesus more complete. Check out Sola Publishing and the Institute of Lutheran Theology.

Thankfully, we don't have to create our own god! Nor should we.