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What if God 'Friended' You?By Paul Hayden October 8, 2018 There it sits front and center in many homes. The TV! I have been in some homes that have a TV in almost every room, including the bathroom, kitchen, garage, and even on the covered deck or porch! What do you call it? The 'Boob-Tube.' The 'Lobotomy Box.' 'The American Idol.' The 'Mind-Grinder.' There is a new show on CBS called "God Friended Me." (Sunday evenings for now.) You might find it interesting. Only two episodes have aired, and I am happily fairly impressed with the show. It is about a millennial who is an atheist and his dad is a pastor - as you might imagine they have a strained relationship. One day this young man gets a text message that God has requested friendship with him, on an unnamed 'social media.' So far the gist of the story revolves around various relationships that are initiated by text from this "God account." (See the official description below for more details.) Unlike so much that can be found on television and other forms of entertainment today, this show so far seems good and wholesome. Shocking! The official description calls it a "comedy" or "humorous drama." I would beg to differ. Sure there can be some funny stuff along the way, but that's life. Every day our lives are filled with serious events and thoughts and relationships. Is the show a treatise on Biblical theology? No, not really. But so far there have been some good plugs for the central theme of the Bible - love. There has been nothing really spectacular as far as some deep revelation. But there are simple and basic situations that make up the stuff of life. Communication. Relationships. God caring about our lives, right where we live them. People caring for and helping one another. The lead roles are very pleasant and sharp, and the writing/acting holds my attention. It doesn't seem too 'hokey,' like some "God-stuff" can be sometimes (to me - IMHO!) on TV or in movies. Will the show explore any of the Bible? Who knows? For now, it opens the door for conversations. Though this main character claims to be an "atheist," certain things start happening in his life that seem to be more than coincidental. Just like in our lives sometimes... This show is not what I would call an evangelistic show, with a goal to bring people to a deep and saving knowledge of God. But it can sure make you think, and open up some healthy discussion. Would God ever reveal Himself in such a bold and brash manner as through an 'instant message?' You might be quick to say "No!" But think twice... The Bible says He is revealing Himself all the time through His creation. (Romans 1:20) We certainly have the Bible to go to, filled with truth, where many a seeking heart has found comfort, wisdom, peace, and salvation. And though it is not a quote from Scripture, I believe it to be true that "God works in mysterious ways..." So, what do you think of God? What do you believe? Have you ever heard God speak to you perhaps to the quiet place in your heart? Do you have faith in God for your life? If we are honestly seeking to know 'the truth,' God can handle all the questions that we can raise to Him, I truly believe. Some related Bible verses: "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29) "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." (I Chronicles 28:9, King David speaking to his son Solomon) "I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me." (Proverbs 8:17) "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) Two more, to end with the words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27) "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."(John 16:33) Description from the show's website: "God Friended Me is a humorous, uplifting drama about an outspoken atheist whose life is turned upside down when he receives a friend request on social media from God and unwittingly becomes an agent of change in the lives and destinies of others around him. Miles Finer is intelligent, hopeful and optimistic, but he doesn't believe in God. This puts him at odds with his father, Reverend Arthur Finer, a beloved preacher at Harlem's Trinity Church for 25 years who is stung by his son's strong rejection of his faith. Miles feels he's found his purpose in life hosting a podcast where he's free to speak his mind, but that changes when he receives the ultimate friend request. After repeated pokes by God, Miles' curiosity takes over, and he accepts the request and follows the signs to Cara Bloom, an online journalist suffering from writer's block. Brought together by the "God Account," the two find themselves investigating God's friend suggestions and inadvertently helping others in need. Joining them on their journey are Miles's supportive sister, Ali, a doctoral psych student by day and bartender by night, and his best friend, Rakesh, a sometime hacker who helps Miles and Cara research the enigmatic account. Miles is set on getting to the bottom of what he believes is an elaborate hoax, but in the meantime he'll play along and, in the process, change his life forever." (1) Other good analysis of this show can be found here (2), and here (3). 3. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/oct/7/god-friended-me-cbs-faith-based-comedy/
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 Paul Hayden is a Christian believer, and an American patriot, necessarily in that order. He is a student of the Bible, and is avidly interested in our role in the context of history, as understood through the heart and eyes of faith. Paul has lived and traveled somewhat widely, and now lives in the heartland of the U.S. (central Illinois), with his wife Donna - they have five grown children. Since December of 2016, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of www.ConservativeTruth.org."I was raised by a Christian minister, Kenneth Hayden, until his death when I was 10. Then my mom married a farmer. So I was raised in a very down-to-earth home. My faith has grown through the years, but both in conjunction with the institutional church and through small groups and individuals, including books as well as group settings, where deep, sincere faith is shared that aligns with Biblical truth."
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