Throughout scripture we are reminded that “there is no one like the Lord our God” (Ex. 8:10, 9:14, Deut. 4:35, 39). Elaborating on this truth, Jen Wilkin has written a book on ten incommunicable (not shared with us) attributes of God. Her book, which was published in 2016, is entitled appropriately None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us (and why that’s a good thing).
A group of women at my church recently went through Wilkin’s book together discussing each chapter which focuses on a different attribute of God. From the title, we came in to the study knowing we were going to learn about God and why it’s good that we are not like Him in many ways. A practice Wilkin incorporated throughout her book was thinking through practical ways we strive to achieve these unachievable qualities of God. There are a few “questions for reflection” at the end of each chapter, which makes this a helpful resource for women discussing its contents.
Wilkin begins her book by crediting authors such as Sproul and Tozer with writing at length on the character of God. She shares how her desire for this book is to take knowledge gained from their works and ask the question
“How should the knowledge that God is __________ change the way I live?”
The first chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book by stating,
“Human beings created to bear the image of God instead aspire to become like God.”
And we are reminded throughout each chapter that, try though we might, we are not self-sufficient, omnipresent, sovereign, etc… The main take away I got from this book was to humbly acknowledge my human limits and be in awe of the One greater than I.
“By all means, employ the gifts he has entrusted to you to create a home for your family, a career path, a ministry, but know that you do so as a steward. By all means, speak and act in a manner that points those around you toward the beauty of the gospel, but know that only God can create righteousness in the heart of another person. Find freedom in knowing that your human creativity is an echo intended to inspire worship of your Creator.”
Perhaps one of the biggest draws for women when they hear or read Wilkin’s work is her depth of knowledge rooted in the scriptures with a wit and humor that draws out practical application without being irreverent. Jen is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women’s Bible studies. I for one am thankful for women like Jen who are producing theologically driven studies for women. In a world focused on self awareness and esteem, women would benefit greatly from this study which highlights the attributes of God that set him above us. Truly, there is no one like our God!
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.” Psalm 145:3
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