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I think one of the worst things that a commentator can say about an athlete is that he/she is one-dimensional. That means that his/her skill set is incomplete, that the person lacks something toward being a complete athlete.

Have you ever known a truly “one-dimensional” person? The only time I have ever seen one is as a drawing that is flat on a sheet of paper. All the people I have ever known have more than one dimension to them. Maybe they are even keeled and don’t show a lot of emotion, or maybe they have a real lack of personality and interpersonal skills. But all of them have more to them than just one persona. They all suffer pain, become angry, feel joy, and have many other dimensions of personhood that makes them individual people.

I don’t think that it is hard to understand this principle. Yet, many people want to paint a picture of a one-dimensional God. However, notice what the Apostle Paul says, “22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). Notice that how we react to His will has an effect on whether we see God’s goodness or severity. If we fall from His way God is severe. On the other hand, if we continue in His goodness, following His will, then His goodness is demonstrated toward us.

When we understand the true nature of God we see the great love, kindness, grace, and mercy that He has for humanity, ultimately demonstrated in the giving of His Son on the cross for us. We also understand that His nature does not allow Him to tolerate sin, and that He will punish those who fail to know Him and to obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

If we will meet at the cross, as obedient servants of God we will enjoy the goodness of God both now and forever.