A God of the people, by the people, and for the people

It seems that the American increasingly favor a god of their own creation.

From Premier Christian News,

A study by the Cultural Research Center has revealed that 'Christianity' in America is becoming an increasingly vague term, as only 40% of Americans believe God exists and influences human lives.

Even for those who believe, an increasing number say they are hesitant to “develop intimacy” with God, or allow Him to impact their lifestyle choices.

Two-thirds of American adults identify as “Christian” – yet only 16% of those surveyed say that God is the “most important” element of their life.

Of those who believe in God’s existence, 30 million reject the notion that He is actively involved in every aspect of their life, whilst over 80 million admit they do not have an intimate, interactive relationship with Him.

When asked what the God of the Bible provides to them, a majority of believers said He supplies hope (72%), comfort (71%), love (70%), peace (65%), guidance (64%), compassion (60%), joy (60%), and mercy (58%)...

...Barna describes the figures as “shocking”, saying that the survey indicates a widespread version of ‘Christianity’ which has little to do with God – and more to do with nominal cultural markers.

Author and research director, Dr George Barna says: “When you put all of these insights together, we understand we have fashioned the God of the Bible to be a deity reconfigured into our own image in order to fit within our personal comfort zone.

“[Therefore], the trials and tribulations, as well as the multifaceted demise of the nation, come into sharper focus.”

A god of the people, by the people, and for the people huh?

How well is that working out for us?

A god that fits within your comfort zone is not the God of the Bible.  

So how do you keep God as the "most important" element in your life?