" God wants to father all of us until we’re dead sure of his approval, his guiding power and his promise of heaven. "
- Bill Hybels

In simple terms, this statement suggests that God desires a close, nurturing relationship with each person throughout their entire life. This implies that individuals should seek divine guidance and approval until they are completely confident about God's presence and support in every aspect of their lives.

Beyond its surface meaning, the quote delves into themes of spiritual dependency and confidence. It encourages believers to trust fully in a higher power’s role as a guiding force and promises of eternal life. The idea is that by constantly seeking God’s approval and guidance, one can attain a sense of security and purpose, which may alleviate doubts and fears throughout their journey on earth. This also hints at the importance of fostering a strong faith from an early stage in life to ensure spiritual stability and assurance later on.

Bill Hybels, the author of this quote, is a well-known evangelical pastor who founded Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago. He has been influential in promoting community-centered church practices and has written extensively on leadership, personal growth, and spiritual development within Christianity.