Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
“I just don’t believe anymore.” Those words reflect the mindset of many these days who describe themselves as “deconstructing” their faith.
Simply stated, deconstructionism refers to the widespread movement of former Christians dismantling their faith, saying they no longer believe in the Bible, Jesus, or the church. Although the term sounds edgy and sophisticated in a postmodern world, authors Alisa Childers and Tim Barnet expose it as nothing new.
In their book, The Deconstruction of Christianity, they write that deconstructionism is just a current, hip way to describe falling away. They explain how Satan uses the same tactics on believers today that he used in the Garden against Eve.
And it all begins with “deconstructing” God’s character.
Satan told the woman she wouldn’t die from eating the forbidden fruit; that God didn’t want her to eat it because she would become like him (Genesis 3:4-5). He implied God was not loving enough, honest enough or sufficient enough to trust. Eve bought into the “Father of Lies,” ate the fruit, and ushered in the most devastating of consequences.
It reminds me of a woman I know who has left the faith. It began when she faced a deep disappointment. Later when I asked about her spiritual life, she responded, “God and I aren’t on speaking terms right now.” Her anger toward God caused her to see him through distorted lenses. Now, I’m not sure she even believes there’s a God to be angry with.
Jesus warned that in the last days many would fall away (Matt. 24:10). If we hope to remain faithful it begins with not letting anything distort the character of God. Not our disappointments, not the culture, not savvy “exvangelists.” Always make sure our view of God lines up with scripture, because scripture is where he defines himself. When we start to define God’s character by combining our feelings with a splash of culture, it’s like building our own golden calf.
We create God in our image and then wonder why he lets us down.
Ah, friend, always trust in the character of God. When you can’t see him at the moment, remember this: he is loving enough, powerful enough, sufficient enough. Don’t let Satan trick you into thinking the true God doesn’t deserve your trust.