Introduction
In her book "Mostly What God Does," Savannah Guthrie offers a refreshing and accessible perspective on faith, drawing inspiration from Eugene Peterson's modern translation of the Bible, "The Message." Guthrie's work is centered around a simple yet profound interpretation of Ephesians 5:1-2: "Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you."
This book serves as a guide for those seeking to revitalize their faith or explore their relationship with God, regardless of where they stand on the spectrum of belief. Guthrie breaks down the essence of faith into six key elements: love, presence, praise, grace, hope, and purpose. Through these lenses, she invites readers to reflect on the omnipresent nature of God's love in their lives and how it shapes their experiences.
Love: The Foundation of Faith
At the core of Guthrie's message is the concept of God's unwavering love. She emphasizes that this love is not just an emotion but a fundamental truth that underpins our existence. The author draws parallels between God's love and the unconditional love parents have for their children, illustrating its depth and constancy.
Guthrie acknowledges the challenge of believing in a benevolent force amidst the suffering and pain in the world. However, she argues that it's precisely in these struggles that we find the strength to overcome our doubts and fears. The author presents God's love as a constant, unaffected by our actions or thoughts towards Him. This perspective encourages readers to shed layers of self-doubt, shame, and fear that may hinder their spiritual growth.
The concept of love as a daily decision is explored, drawing comparisons to marriage. Guthrie suggests that our relationship with God requires active participation and a conscious choice to remain in His love. This framing of love as both a gift and a responsibility provides a practical approach to maintaining and strengthening one's faith.
Presence: Tuning into the Divine
In a world filled with chaos and distractions, Guthrie emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seeking God's presence. She uses the analogy of a radio station that's always broadcasting, with the listener having the choice to tune in. This metaphor underscores the idea that God's presence is constant, but it's up to us to engage with it.
The author addresses the challenge of discerning God's voice amidst the noise of daily life. She refers to the biblical description of God's voice as a "still small voice," highlighting the need for intentional quiet and reflection to hear it. Guthrie encourages readers to create space for silence and contemplation in their lives, asserting that these moments of stillness are where deep connections with God are forged.
The concept of "showing up" is presented as a form of prayer in itself. Guthrie suggests that our willingness to be present and listen is a direct line to understanding the divine. This perspective offers comfort to those who may struggle with traditional forms of prayer, emphasizing that the act of being present is valuable in itself.
Praise: A Transformative Practice
Guthrie reframes the concept of praise, presenting it not as an obligation to fulfill God's needs, but as a transformative experience for the believer. She explains that seeking blessings is essentially a desire for more of God's presence in our lives. The author encourages readers to shift their focus towards gratitude, recognizing the abundance in their lives as a way to enrich their own hearts and minds.
The book presents worry as a signal that we've allowed God to slip from our central focus. Guthrie suggests that by redirecting our gaze upward and outward, beyond our immediate concerns, we can return God to His rightful place in our hearts and minds. This shift in perspective is described as more than just a change in thoughts; it's portrayed as a way to alter the very atmosphere of our daily experiences.
Openness in communication with God is emphasized as crucial. Guthrie assures readers that no concern is too small or too significant to bring before God. This transparency is presented as a pathway to greater closeness with the divine. The author also addresses the paradox of faith, where clarity and mystery, knowing and questioning, coexist within the believer. She suggests that belief often precedes seeing and invites readers to deepen their trust in this process.
Grace: Embracing Divine Compassion
Guthrie tackles a common misunderstanding in faith: confusing the voice of self-criticism with the voice of God. She emphasizes that God doesn't demand perfection as a condition for mercy. Instead, forgiveness and understanding are offered unconditionally, reflecting a fundamental aspect of divine nature that remains constant and unchanging.
The author explores the balance between judgment and compassion in faith. She warns against allowing judgment to overshadow compassion, as this can lead to despair and disconnection. Guthrie reminds readers that God, while being the ultimate judge, is inherently compassionate. This revelation challenges interpretations of scripture that emphasize condemnation over salvation, encouraging a shift from a fear-driven perception of the divine to one based on love.
The journey towards genuine connection with God is presented as a process of confronting personal truths without fear of judgment. Guthrie describes this as liberating, freeing individuals from the urge to hide or escape from themselves. She asserts that this leads to a profound experience of being accepted and forgiven despite one's flaws and failings.
The author also addresses the nature of divine interaction, noting that it isn't limited to reassurance but includes challenges and encouragement. However, she emphasizes that these are always delivered in a manner consistent with God's loving nature. Guthrie underscores the pivotal realization that divine mercy is freely offered without the need for penance, challenging the notion that self-punishment is necessary to receive God's grace.
Hope: A Vital Rhythm in Life's Dance
In addressing hope, Guthrie presents it as an essential rhythm guiding us through life's challenges. She acknowledges the prevalence of helplessness and sorrow in today's world, recognizing how societal turmoil and personal anguish can erode one's sense of peace. Within this context, hope is portrayed not just as a comfort but as a necessity, acting as a bulwark against despair.
The essence of hope, according to Guthrie, lies in the choice to believe and live a life oriented towards hopefulness, regardless of the ultimate truth of one's beliefs. She proposes that embracing hope enriches life's journey far more than cynical resignation to hopelessness. At the very least, it offers a lens through which life's challenges can be viewed with resilience and grace.
Guthrie presents a radical realization: doubt is an intrinsic component of faith, not its adversary. She describes faith, with its complexities and questions, as a process of continuous challenge and confirmation. This reframing of doubt as a necessary phase of faith's evolution is presented as potentially liberating for readers.
As the book contemplates the mysteries of existence and the inevitability of death, Jesus is presented as a beacon of hope, connecting the temporal with the eternal. Guthrie suggests that this connection provides reassurance and comfort as we grapple with the unknowns of our existence.
Purpose: Sharing Divine Love
In exploring purpose, Guthrie emphasizes that the essence of this endeavor lies in sharing the transformative message of divine love. She presents this sharing not as something done for God's sake, but for our own and others' benefit. The author likens it to sharing news of any beneficial discovery, aimed at enriching others' lives with the knowledge of divine affection.
Guthrie encourages readers to see their daily interactions as opportunities to put this purpose into practice. She describes the "fragrance of goodness and kindness" that results from time spent in divine fellowship as something meant to be shared. This concept challenges readers to address disparities of fortune and suffering in their communities, urging them to embody God's love for those who struggle to perceive it amid their trials.
The author presents the idea that God invites us to participate in His grand mission, transforming our trials and triumphs into sources of strength and beauty. This journey, she suggests, involves discovering and utilizing our unique gifts, contributing to something greater than ourselves, and aligning our actions with our deepest values.
Guthrie emphasizes that true purpose transcends mere aptitude; it requires applying our talents in ways that reflect love and service. She asserts that God has designated a role for each person, and it's in the convergence of our joy and the world's needs that we find our calling. As we step into this role, Guthrie suggests, we also step toward a revitalized connection with God.
Final Thoughts
"Mostly What God Does" serves as a heartfelt reminder of the central message of faith: God's unwavering love for us. Guthrie acknowledges the challenges of maintaining this perspective amidst life's chaos and complexity but reaffirms its constancy. Whether one identifies as faith-full, faith-less, or somewhere in between, the book suggests that God is continuously shaping our experiences to bring us closer to Him.
By breaking down our connection to God into the distinct facets of love, presence, praise, grace, hope, and purpose, Guthrie provides a framework for readers to recognize divine influence in every aspect of their lives. She encourages a deeper, more personal relationship with God, one that is based on love and acceptance rather than fear and judgment.
The book's approach is inclusive and non-judgmental, making it accessible to readers at various stages of their spiritual journey. Guthrie's writing style, which blends personal anecdotes with spiritual insights, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for reflection and growth.
Ultimately, "Mostly What God Does" is an invitation to see the world through a lens of divine love and to participate in spreading that love to others. It challenges readers to move beyond passive belief to active engagement with their faith, finding purpose and meaning in their daily lives. Through this journey, Guthrie suggests, we can discover a renewed sense of connection with God and a deeper understanding of our place in His grand design.