“When People are Big and God is Small”

Can I highly recommend a book to you that I was required to read in Bible School? It is, “When People are Big and God is Small” by Edward Welch. It is easy to read and convicting. You should pass it on to another after reading it yourself.

Mr. Welch writes that many people know God loves them, but they think they need love or approval from other people. They are controlled by whomever or whatever they believe can give them what they think they need. Their fear of man includes not only being afraid of someone, but it goes farther—holding someone in awe! They are controlled or mastered by people, maybe worshipping them, putting all their trust in needing people!

As I read this, I had to admit to these things of myself (a lot of times). There are three categories mentioned that we claim. In our teens we call it “peer-pressure”; next we fall into “people-pleasing”; and as we get older we seek “co-dependency”. Where does God fit in? I read that Scripture shows us we shouldn’t put a need or want on people; we should love them. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord is kept safe.” Great verse! Why do we have to have someone (even Jesus) think we are great?
One whole chapter of Ed Welch’s book deals with a problem many have; it covers self-esteem, low esteem, etc. Not only do we worry about how people see us; but will they reject us? We want acceptance, love and to get rid of worthlessness. We have all that in Christ! We have love and salvation, and He liberates us form sin and guilt. The ‘gaze of God” should be our first concern, not the gaze of people!

God knew we’d have need in this area. He records many men in Scripture who had thoughts and words for us. Deuteronomy 1:17 – Moses said, ‘Do not fear any man, for judgment belongs to God.’ King Saul feared rejection; Peter battled as he feared man and denied Christ three times. Imagine Peter as Jesus gazed into His eyes! Read 1 Peter 3:13-14 to see how Peter changed
whom he served. Mr. Welch’s book ends by telling us we do have a need for people – for the
body of Christ. We need each other. One can’t do it alone, so we work together, love each other, and serve for the glory of the Lord. The “gaze of God” is in His Word. I need to read it, fear Him and do all for His glory, not for people. God is big, people are small. Best of all, God is love!

Dottie