8. Demanding Drill Sergeant God

Unloving God-Image: Demanding Drill Sergeant God.

Description: Demanding Drill Sergeant God is demanding and never satisfied. He has little mercy and compassion. He has no tolerance for errors and is very punitive when I do not perform correctly.

Potential Reasons for this God-Image: You parents set very high standards, were very observant of your behavior and always corrective. Love is based on behavior not identity. Anxious avoidance to please the parents. As you grew up, you became an overachiever, workaholic, set the standard high for yourself in other areas of life.

Unlovable Self-Image: I Must Do More (“Never-Enough Ned” – Slave).

Description: Since Demanding Drill Sergeant God is demanding, you have a strong sense of being inadequate and defective. This is a shame-based self image. You feel a desire to earn God’s love. And must always be at your best. But it’s never enough. You are a workaholic, overachiever, always striving for more. Say yes to every ministry (ministry-aholic – volunteer for everything). You feel like you can never do enough to get God’s approval. Slave mentality. God is impossible to please. He barks orders at you. Keep up the pace or get kicked out. You feel inadequate and guilty. If you mess up, God’s angry at you. You don’t pray much personally. Ministry takes priority. You must meet very high standards for God to accept you. Always win. Everything must be perfect.

Scripture Passage: “Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor? Has God’s mercy ceased forever? The promise to go unfulfilled for future ages? Has God forgotten how to show mercy, in anger withheld his compassion?” I conclude: “My sorrow is this, the right hand of the Most High has abandoned us.” Psalm 77: 8-11

Loving God-Image: Accepting God (“Hall of Fame Coach”)

Description: God accepts me regardless of my performance; He is considerate and understanding of my struggles; He isn’t harsh or overly demanding, but is flexible. He’s the best coach ever. Jesus is my personal trainer / teammate. God loves having me on His team. He chose me. He knows my unique skill set. He helps me out for playing my best. He’s the coach everyone wants to play for!

Scripture Passage: Jesus calls Peter after his rejection (to heal wounds of shame & fear).

Lovable Self-Image: I’m acceptable.

Description: I’m worth being accepted by God even if I’m not a success; I don’t have to earn God’s love or make up for my mistakes; God helps me to achieve success.