Some people who act arrogant, controlling and selfish are sometimes accused of “playing God.” I can’t think of a worse way of insulting God. Is this the way we perceive God – putting us little humans through pain so that God can get a little cheap entertainment? I hope not.

If people were really “playing God,” I would like to think we would act differently: with unconditional love, compassion for all, and inner strength. We would not act needy, because we wouldn’t lack anything. All the power of the universe would be at our disposal. Peace and joy would be our main motives. We would go through each day, not asking “What can I get out of this?” but rather “How can I make the world a more beautiful place?” and “In what way can I best express my infinite compassion today?”

There are a few of us in the world who have come to believe, in a “New Age” way (what a weird label), that we are all – all of us, every human being – children of God, and therefore, we ARE God. So, “playing God” should come naturally to us. Well, except that we have been treating ourselves like dumb animals for so long that we have forgotten Who we really are.

Last night I was working out at the gym, and the staff was playing “Christian rock” and “praise music” on the satellite radio. I grew up with this kind of music, so although I wouldn’t listen to this kind of music on my own any more, I was able to let it play in the background without it bothering me. But then as I was finishing my workout, sweating to the oldies, a song came on that told me “You are Everlasting God.”

“Thank you,” I said. Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten Who I really was.

Now, hopefully, I will remember my true identity long enough through the work day that I will play God with my co-workers, and make a genuinely positive difference in their lives.

Postlude, December 12:
I’ve had a few Christians ask me how I can say that I am God. Well, I’m not saying I’m the one true God, or that I’m better than anyone else. But do yourself a favour and read Psalm 82. Here is an excerpt:

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
They know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
“I said, ‘You are gods’;
you are all sons of the Most High.’
But you will die like mere men;
you will fall like every other ruler.”

And here we are, in 2008, forgetting that we are children of God, and the world is falling apart. Let’s get together and remember.