Speaking About God vs. Representing Him – Real Life Examples
Just as the sun pierces through the clouds to illuminate the ocean, so God’s presence breaks through our understanding, inviting us to rest in His light and truth.
In one of our earlier blog posts, we reflected on the critical difference between speaking about God and representing Him. That exploration led us to Job’s enigmatic friend Elihu, who spoke truths about God but failed to lead Job into God’s presence. Today, I want to take this concept further, offering real-life examples that illustrate how these distinctions play out in everyday conversations and in the broader context of this blog.
Speaking About God: A Common Trap
Let’s start with an example many of us have encountered: consoling a grieving friend. Imagine your friend has just lost a loved one. In an attempt to comfort them, you say something like:
"God works all things together for good" (Romans 8:28).
While this is a scriptural truth, it might come across as detached or dismissive if not offered with care. In such moments, are we truly representing God’s heart, or are we simply reciting truths about Him?
Here’s another example: teaching a Bible study where the focus is on dissecting doctrine rather than inviting participants to encounter God. While accurate theology is essential, if the discussion stays at the level of intellectual analysis, it might fail to lead others into the life-transforming presence of God.
Representing God: A Better Way
Contrast those situations with moments where God’s presence is tangibly represented. Imagine sitting with that grieving friend, offering no immediate explanations but simply saying:
"I’m here for you. Let’s take this to God together—He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)."
This response invites them to experience God’s comfort firsthand, rather than just hearing about His sovereignty.
Similarly, in a Bible study, imagine pausing to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths being discussed. You might say:
"Lord, we want to know You more deeply through this passage. Reveal Yourself to us as we seek You."
This approach shifts the focus from knowledge acquisition to relational encounter, embodying the heart of what it means to represent God.
Representing God in the Blog
Even in writing this blog, the distinction between speaking about God and representing Him matters. It’s one thing to explore theological truths or analyze Scripture—it’s another to use those truths as a gateway to point readers to the living God.
For instance:
When we analyze a worship song, the goal isn’t to critique the artist or their intentions but to help us see God more clearly and worship Him more deeply.
When we examine A.W. Tozer’s insights, we aren’t just celebrating his brilliance but inviting readers to encounter the God Tozer so passionately sought to know.
If this blog ever becomes more about information than transformation, it has missed its purpose. That’s why I regularly pause to ask:
Am I pointing you to Him, or merely talking about Him?
Real-Life Example: Speaking About vs. Representing God
Let me share a personal story that brought this concept to life.
A few years ago, I was counseling someone who felt abandoned by God. They poured out their pain, asking, “Why would God allow this to happen to me?” My initial instinct was to defend God, to explain His sovereignty and remind them of His goodness.
But as I started to speak, I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to stop. Instead, I quietly prayed and said, “Let’s invite God into this moment together. Let’s ask Him to meet you in your pain.”
We sat in silence, and then I prayed a simple prayer, inviting God’s presence. What followed was remarkable—not through my words, but through His Spirit. That person later said they felt a peace they couldn’t explain. It wasn’t my explanation they needed—it was God Himself.
Key Takeaways: Representing God in Everyday Life
Speak Less, Pray More: Before offering explanations, pause to pray. Invite God’s presence into the conversation. This simple act can change everything.
Empathy Over Explanation: Sometimes, the most God-honoring thing we can do is listen and be present. Job’s friends started well when they sat in silence with him (Job 2:13).
Rely on the Spirit: Representing God requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. We are not the source of comfort or wisdom—He is.
Final Thoughts
The difference between speaking about God and representing Him is subtle but profound. It requires us to shift from relying on our understanding to depending on His Spirit. It challenges us to let go of control and trust God to do what only He can.
As we engage with others—whether in conversation, teaching, or even writing blog posts—let’s ask ourselves:
Am I leading them to encounter God, or am I merely sharing truths about Him?
May we be faithful representatives, humbly pointing others to the One who can meet every need, heal every wound, and answer every question.
Scripture for Reflection:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you experienced moments where someone represented God to you in a meaningful way? I’d love to hear your reflections.