Mrs. Mahoney was my 2nd grade teacher and one of the most influential people in my life. The rule was, as long as she wasn't paying attention to you, you were OK. It's too bad that I took that understanding of how to get along with Mrs. Mahoney into my relationship with God.

Perhaps your picture of God is like mine was... sort of a Celestial School Tyrant... ready to whip you back into line should you stray off course. Oh sure, it's all for your good, but too much of that sort of good thing gets old in a real hurry.

But God's Word makes it clear: It's relationship that He wants. Good performance on our part should be an expression of our new heart responding to His love. And if your image of God is keeping you from Him, perhaps it's time that you came to know Him up close, as He really is. You'll be glad you did.