What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.
Hey, how are you? Thank you for joining me and the rest of the Equipped for Purpose community for another episode. This episode’s primary challenge or question is, what do you believe about God?
There is a quote from A.W. Tozer’s book, The Knowledge of the Holy:
What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.
This is a fascinating and bold statement: ‘What you think about God is the most important thing about you.’
What do you think about God? Or more directly, what do you believe about God? This is the nexus of the question I pose to each of us in this episode.
This is a crucial question for us to answer primarily because it has a direct correlation to discipleship. Yes, your discipleship is affected by your answer to this question. We are going to get into this more in a minute, but I want this to be in the forefront of your mind, how you answer this question will impact and shape the rest of your thoughts and ultimately your actions.
The Significance of Our Beliefs about God
I want to first touch on the significance of our beliefs about God. Our beliefs about God shape our identity and ethical framework, influencing how we interact with the world. In the previous episode, I began talking about identity and the sources of defining your identity as a leader. That discussion can be extended into understanding and defining your identity as a whole, but I want you to be thinking about yourself as a leader because that is what you are, or will become as you progress in your maturity as a follower of Jesus and turn your attention to disciple-making.
What you choose to believe or discount about God influences your perspectives of the people around you, and the world and how you interact with it. Yes, you will choose your beliefs as odd as that statement may sound. You make choices every day when you scroll through social media about what to believe is real or not. Fake news seems to be the endless debate these days.
You can see the choice there, and we all do this. You see a story and people’s comments about the story and we form ideas and judgments about real or fake. The same logic is applied to your thoughts about God, making Tozer’s statement a little less bold and a lot more truthful.
When you answer the question, what do you believe about God, you can begin to follow the links between your answer to this question and your thinking. How is your answer changing the way you interact with God? How is your answer shaping your worldview? How is your answer influencing the decisions you make, and the actions you take?
James Orr, in The Christian View of God and the World, maintains that there is a definite Christian view of things, which has a character, coherence, and unity of its own, and stands in sharp contrast with counter theories and speculations. [1]
Tozer’s insight suggests that your perception of God is not just a theological exercise but a foundational element that influences your values, decisions, and actions. Consider how your beliefs about God’s nature—His goodness, justice, omnipotence—affect how you live day-to-day. If you see God as distant or indifferent, you may struggle with trust and purpose. Conversely, if you view God as loving and sovereign, it can instill in you a sense of peace and direction.
Research supports Tozer’s claim, showing that your worldview—how you perceive and interact with the world—is deeply intertwined with your understanding of God. Studies have found that those with a coherent and positive view of God often exhibit stronger moral convictions and a more robust sense of community and purpose.
A Christian worldview provides a framework for ethical thinking and serves as an anchor, linking us to God’s faithfulness and steadfastness. You can see that there is a significance attached to our beliefs about God.
Biblical and Theological Perspectives
Next, let’s look at some biblical and theological perspectives relating to Tozer’s quote.
What is the scriptural foundation that connects Tozer’s quote to biblical passages?
Let’s start with Proverbs 23:6-7:
Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies, for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
This verse highlights the idea that a person’s internal thoughts and beliefs shape their identity and actions. Tozer’s quote resonates with this principle, asserting that our conception of God profoundly influences who we are at the core.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Paul speaks of the renewal of the mind as a transformative process for believers. Tozer’s emphasis on the importance of what you think about God aligns with this call to renew your mind by focusing on the truth about God.
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of knowing God. In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus highlights the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This love, rooted in understanding, underscores the necessity of knowing who God is to love Him fully.
Jesus commands us to love God with our minds, among other faculties. This underscores the importance of engaging your intellect in understanding and contemplating God, which directly ties into Tozer’s assertion about the significance of your thoughts about God.
Theologians have echoed this throughout history. R.C. Sproul asserted that:
“The greatest need of every human being is to know God.”
Similarly, J.I. Packer in Knowing God stated:
“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord.”
These reflections reinforce that our understanding of God forms the bedrock of our faith and daily living. Even early church fathers like Augustine of Hippo reflected this truth. Augustine’s famous quote:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you,”
…captures the inherent human need for a relationship with God, a relationship grounded in knowledge and love.
Contemporary Application
Modern research continues to affirm Tozer’s perspective. For instance, studies from Liberty University and articles in PLOS ONE illustrate how a person’s belief system—their view of God—can significantly impact their behavior and psychological well-being. These studies suggest that a clear and positive perception of God correlates with higher levels of happiness, ethical behavior, and societal engagement. [2]
What does that mean for us practically as disciples and disciple-makers? That means that the cliche of, ‘actions speak louder than words’ becomes relevant. Your answer to the question, what do you believe about God must elicit action. If not, what you believe is only revealed in the actions you take making it your actions that speak.
The relevance of that cliche does have its perspectives. If your actions are betraying your words, then the cliche is an annoyance that you desire to dismiss. But, if your actions display alignment with your words, then great, the better it will go for you in making disciples.
How does the cliche of ‘actions speak louder than words’ overlay on your life? Do you see betrayal or alignment? This may be another tough question to answer, but it is a necessary moment of honesty you need to have with yourself and the Holy Spirit.
In practical terms, this means your daily choices and actions are influenced by what you believe about God. If you trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, you might approach life’s challenges with greater resilience and hope.
I said we would discuss this more in-depth, and that I wanted at the forefront of your mind, how you answer this question will impact and shape the rest of your thoughts and ultimately your actions. This is at the heart of examining Tozer’s quote and answering the question about what you believe.
The betrayal or alignment of your actions with what you say you believe is the evidence supporting your answer. I sincerely hope that you are seeing that theme throughout this episode, and the significance of taking time to answer this question because your answer does have far-reaching implications.
Your answer becomes the catalyst that shapes your thoughts and actions. Tozer nailed it when he said,
What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.
Discipleship and Knowing God
At its core, discipleship is about following Jesus and becoming more like Him. This transformation process is deeply connected to how we understand God. A proper and deepening knowledge of God leads to genuine worship, ethical living, and a heart aligned with His purposes.
Tozer’s emphasis on the “high view” of God calls us to regularly reflect on our understanding of God and seek a clearer, more biblical perspective. This involves engaging with Scripture, prayer, and community to cultivate a faith that is both deep and impactful.
I gave my current definition of discipleship and a disciple in episode 82, but I want to give them here again.
Here is how I am currently defining discipleship:
One who is first a disciple of Jesus Christ, and second, is seeking replication of disciples. This is done through 1 – daily prayer of relationship building and petition; 2 – deep study of scripture; 3 – Engaging in community by encouraging one another in the faith, challenging one another to grow in spiritual maturity, and holding one another accountable to the collective calling of the Great Commission and the individual assignments we each carry; and 4 – sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in such a way that it’s inviting and conveying good news.
Here is the definition I am currently using for a disciple:
One who has faith to intentionally place believing trust and loyalty in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. One who is taking intentional and focused daily action to see the fruit of transformation to be more like Christ. And, one who is taking intentional and purposeful action to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What are some practical ways to deepen your knowledge of God?
First, regularly study the Bible. Set aside dedicated time daily to read and study the Bible. If it helps, find and use a structured reading plan to cover different parts of Scripture systematically. You may also want to utilize study tools like commentaries, concordances, and Bible dictionaries to gain deeper insights into the text. Then meditate (simply meaning to think about) on passages that reveal God’s character, such as His holiness (Isaiah 6), love (1 John 4:8), and sovereignty (Romans 8:28). The Bible is God’s self-revelation, providing the most direct way to learn about His nature, will, and works.
Second, read books by trusted theologians and authors that explore the attributes of God, such as A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy or J.I. Packer’s Knowing God. You can take part in theology classes or online courses offered by reputable seminaries or churches. Join a study group or discussion forum that focuses on theological topics to gain diverse perspectives. Theological works can help clarify and deepen understanding of complex biblical concepts, offering a more comprehensive view of God.
Third, dedicate time each day for prayer, focusing on praising God for His attributes, confessing areas where your view of Him may be lacking, and asking for a deeper understanding of His nature. Reflect on how God has revealed Himself in your life and journal these experiences, noting how they align with Scriptural truths. Practice the discipline of silent meditation, allowing space to listen for God’s guidance and to reflect on His character. Prayer nurtures a relationship with God, and reflection helps internalize what you learn about Him, making it a lived experience rather than just intellectual knowledge.
Conclusion
In summary, what you believe about God shapes your identity, purpose, and discipleship journey. Tozer’s assertion is a call to examine and refine your understanding of God, allowing this knowledge to transform how you live and relate to others.
Challenge
As you consider this, ask yourself: What do I believe about God? How do these beliefs influence my daily life and my journey as a disciple of Christ?
Reflecting on these questions can lead to a more profound and authentic faith experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a one-and-done event where you answer the question and move on. As you grow and transform to be more like Christ through experiences with God, the study of Scripture, prayer and contemplation, and engaging your community of fellow disciples, you will need to revisit this question because what you believe about God will change. You will see him move in your life and the lives of people around you, and each encounter will challenge what you believe and cause you to grow.
So, what do you believe about God?
I challenge you to step out boldly—share your thoughts with me! Whether it’s through an email or a DM on social media, I’d love to hear from you. You’ll find all the ways to reach me in the show notes.
I can’t wait to connect and continue the conversation with you!
1 Dockery, David. “Shaping a Christian Worldview: An Introduction (Part I) | Article | Teaching | Center for Faculty Development | Union University, a Christian College in Tennessee.” Uu.edu, 2025, www.uu.edu/centers/faculty/teaching/article.cfm?ID=364#_edn3. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
2 Mifsud, Rebekah, and Gordon Sammut. “Worldviews and the Role of Social Values That Underlie Them.” PLOS One, vol. 18, no. 7, Public Library of Science, July 2023, pp. e0288451–51, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288451. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.