What comes to mind when you think about God?

A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

The way we see Him shapes everything—our prayers, our expectations, our ability to receive from Him, and how we respond to life's challenges.

Many believers think they trust in the true God of the Bible, but often, they unknowingly operate from a distorted view of Him. And the enemy does not need to defeat you if he can distort your view of God.

Let’s look at 3 common (but flawed) views of God, and then discover who He really is in the 4th view.

Note: this blog is inspired by Richard Murray's description and teaching of the 4 views of God in his book, "God Versus Evil."

1. God as Puppeteer

In this view, God pulls all the strings. Everything—good or evil—happens because He willed it. People, angels, demons, and even Satan are just puppets on His divine stage, acting according to a script He wrote.

This idea comes from a misunderstanding of sovereignty. Yes, God is supreme over all things (which is the dictionary definiton of sovereignty), but that doesn’t mean He controls everything (which is the religous definition of sovereignty).

He gave humans real choices (Deut. 30:19) and allows us to partner with Him—or resist Him.

Why This View is Wrong:

• It makes God responsible for evil, contradicting James 1:13: "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone."

• It nullifies free will and the need for faith. If everything is predetermined, why pray, believe, or resist sin?

• It ignores scriptures where God expresses grief over human choices (e.g., Gen. 6:6, Matt. 23:37).

Better Perspective:

God is supreme over all, but He partners with humanity. He gave authority to mankind (Psalm 115:16), and He calls us to co-labor with Him (1 Cor. 3:9).

God is supreme over all, but He’s not controlling.

2. God as Jekyll and Hyde

This view sees God as unpredictable—one day, He blesses, the next, He might curse you with sickness, disaster, or tragedy to "teach you a lesson." It portrays Him as a mix of love and wrath, generosity and terror.

Some misinterpret Old Testament events to support this, but Jesus fully revealed God’s nature (Heb. 1:3). He never made anyone sick, never sent a storm to destroy His disciples, and never said suffering was from God. Instead, He healed, calmed storms, and set people free.

Why This View is Wrong:

• Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). If Jesus never acted like Jekyll and Hyde, neither does God.

• The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus brings life (John 10:10).

• God’s nature is consistent—He doesn’t change (Mal. 3:6, James 1:17).

Better Perspective:

God is only good and doesn’t afflict His children to "teach them lessons." He corrects, but through His Spirit and Word, not with sickness or disaster.

If it wouldn’t be legal for a father to do to his child, God wouldn’t do it to His either.

3. God as Good Cop/Bad Cop

This view sees God and Satan working together like a twisted crime drama. God plays "Good Cop," offering love and grace, while Satan plays "Bad Cop," punishing disobedience. Some believe that when people sin, God hands them over to Satan to be tormented until they repent.

Why This View is Wrong:

• God and Satan are NOT on the same team. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

• The idea that God "uses Satan" to discipline people contradicts James 1:16-17: “Do not be deceived… every good and perfect gift is from above.”

• Jesus rebuked religious people for suggesting He worked with Satan (Matt. 12:25-26).

Better Perspective:

God is never the author of evil, even for discipline. He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

God doesn’t hire the devil as His assistant.

4. God as a Good Father and Victorious King (The Truth)

Many people struggle to see God as He truly is—completely good, unwaveringly faithful, and already victorious. But when we understand that He is both a Good Father and a Victorious King, everything changes.

God as a Good Father

A good father loves, provides, teaches, and protects his children. He doesn’t withhold good things or use suffering to "teach a lesson." Instead, He lovingly leads His children into maturity. Jesus made this clear:

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” — Matthew 7:11

God is not distant, unpredictable, or harsh. He is near, consistent, and overflowing with love. He invites us to trust Him as sons and daughters, resting in His care rather than striving in fear.

God as a Victorious King

God is not in a battle for victory—He has already won. Through Jesus, sin, sickness, and death have been defeated (Colossians 2:15). He reigns with authority, and He invites us to partner with Him in enforcing His victory on the earth.

“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:57

Instead of seeing God as distant or passive, we recognize that He is active, reigning, and calling us to live from His victory, not for it.

The Right View of God Leads to a Right Life

When we truly see God as a Good Father and a Victorious King, everything shifts:

• We stop questioning whether He wants to help us—He always does (Psalm 84:11).

• We stop living in fear, thinking we must earn His blessings—He freely gives (Romans 8:32).

• We stop trying to "convince" Him to move—He has already made the way (2 Peter 1:3).

God is not distant or unpredictable—He is a Good Father who provides and a Victorious King who reigns.

5 Practicals To Grow With Your Good Father and King

1. Meditate on Scripture – Regularly read and reflect on verses that reveal God's goodness and victory (e.g., Psalm 84:11, 1 Corinthians 15:57).

2. Challenge False Beliefs – Ask yourself, “Is this belief about God consistent with Jesus?” If not, replace it with the truth.

3. Pray as a Child, Not a Beggar – Talk to God as a beloved son or daughter, knowing He delights in answering (Matthew 7:11).

4. Declare His Victory – Speak out loud that God is a good Father and has already won the victory in your life.

5. Surround Yourself with Truth – Listen to teachings, worship, and testimonies that reinforce God's true nature.

God is not a Puppeteer, a Jekyll and Hyde or a Good Cop/Bad Cop. He is a good Father (Luke 11:11-13).

He is:

• Always good (Psalm 145:9)
• Never the author of evil (James 1:13)
• Faithful even when we struggle (2 Tim. 2:13)
• Partnering with us, not controlling us (1 Cor. 3:9)

So, how do you see Him?

If there’s any trace of these false views in your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. Let the truth of who God is set you free to fully trust Him.

The way you see God determines the way you receive from Him.