The concept of being wanted by a father was foreign to Francis Chan. His mother died while giving birth to him. His father never had a meaningful conversation with him. There was no comfort, affection, or physical touch, except for the beatings he would receive for disobeying or bothering him. His goal in the relationship was not to bother or annoy his father.
Francis naturally translated these same thoughts over to his Heavenly Father. He lived not trying to annoy or upset God. His earthly father died when he was twelve. He was relieved in many ways to be free from the burden. But he still lived with the fears and desire not to annoy God (Crazy Love, p. 52-53).
As I read Chan’s personal story I couldn’t help but wonder how many live trying to not annoy God. They view God like an umpire ready to call strikes and eventually yell loudly, “You’re Out!”. We view God like an inattentive father trying to get his own work done; the message is clear, just leave him alone and don’t bother him. This causes many to not consider pursuing a relationship with God, but they just focus on not annoying Him.
This is very bad theology though! It is a wrong view of God and strips its victim from a vibrant personal relationship with God. The truth is God wants you! He formed you from the womb and created you for a specific purpose (Jer. 1:5-6; Ps 139:13-14). God loves you personally. He knows the hair on your head and values you (Mat. 10:29-30). He sent His Son to die for your sins so you could live with him for all eternity (John 3:16, 14:1-6). God wants a relationship with you! He isn’t too busy for you. But He also isn’t a Father you can ignore! He demands your respect, obedience, and attention. He offers you comfort, love, affection, peace, security, and strength! He desires you! So don’t live aloof and distant from God, thinking you are okay just not to annoy Him. That is not who your Heavenly Father is. He wants a daily relationship with you.
