Good day!
The political buzz across social media and the internet has soared this week surrounding the Republican National Convention as people voice their opinions on candidates, speeches, and issues. However, I can't say that I've given much attention to the campaigns this year because 1) I get the jist of what each candidate is about and 2) it doesn't interest me.
Many people do not pay attention to politics simply out of ignorance (I do not mean that condescendingly), and I get that. It's inevitable that people will always hate or fear what they do not understand. Contrarily, I understand what politics is all about based on the definition, the historical patterns, and observation of its participants, which is why I often avoid the dizzying semantics. Don't let society and politicians fool you- politics is simple. Knowing this will help you make wise decisions concerning who and what you support, and you can rest assured that the world is not being taken over by aliens.
In short, politics is the science of using intrigue or strategy to obtain any position of power or control (dictionary.com). It has nothing to do with good leadership or morality; it is simply the cunning of candidates used to convince prospects that they deserve power. Now that you know, consider what the underlying message is there. Politicians practice the art of persuasion, so anything they say is going to appeal to a certain group of people whose support they are after- whether it is truth or not. There is no rule book that says politicians cannot make false promises. Even if there was, they would blame unforeseen circumstances for being obstacles; after all, "no one can predict the future."
Because I value biblical virtues, I cannot whole-heartedly support men who don't follow biblical principle. One must be led by godly wisdom to obtain success in life. I don't doubt that good Christian government leaders do exist, and I'm sure they do well in their calling. But no matter who is Head of the State, my allegiance goes to what is edifying. So if God doesn't approve of it, I don't need to approve it either. We all know that everyone isn't perfect and no one will have all the right answers, so save me that argument. We also know that "everything that glitters isn't gold" and I cannot lie to you- many good things politicians promise are fool's gold.
Concluding, I just want to say that if you don't feel comfortable supporting someone who has different beliefs, then don't do it! (Proverbs 4:14-16) "Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they
are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble." It's simple. No one has the power to ruin your life unless you give it to them. Satan has his workers here to help him steal, kill, and destroy, so beware because they're sneaky! As long as you put more stock in God than in men, you are WINNING!
If you would like to ask a question, add on to what I said, or civilly tell me why you disagree- comment below or email! Look forward to hearing from you;)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Only God Knows
Hello readers!
I've missed writing. I realize that I could have made more time for it, but I also realize that I always think I "could have" done something to change the outcome of undesirable plans. My assumption couldn't be farther from the truth. If it was that easy, I could have been married, wealthy, and permanently vacationing by now if I had played my cards right. But things happen because God makes them happen; I'm just the vessel.
The last week of July, I had been planning on discharging my dad from the hospice where he was staying. He had been receiving radiation treatment at a hospital about an hour from where I live with my mother and stepfather, so the hospital conveniently transported him from a nearby nursing home to the hospital daily. Every day I called and checked on him to make sure he was in high spirits and getting whatever he needed, but it had been on my heart to take care of him myself once his treatment period ended. (I'm his only child and nearby family member). Long story short, my family and I made preparations so that my dad would be able to leave the nursing home. Then on the day before he was scheduled to arrive, an unexpected call came.
My dad passed away that morning.......my heart was shattered... A million thoughts raced through my mind, but I repeated in my head and aloud, he was supposed to come home. Key words: supposed to.
I had made phone calls, I had gone to check on him, I had cleaned up the room he would stay in. I kept thinking there's no way he could just die like that. I had seen him days before. He was excited about his new home. Never had I seen this coming.
It's funny how we, humans, think that when we arrange something it is supposed to happen. But in reality, there is no way everything can go according to plan. For that to happen, everyone on earth would have to have the same plans so that no one contradicts another- that's definitely impossible. Even beyond that, God tells and shows us that He is in control. A well known Proverb (16:9) says,
"The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps."
Whether one believes in Christ or not, everyone knows that nothing always goes according to planned. However, it is important to believe in His truth. It's evident that God is ALWAYS in control. We cannot interrupt or alter His plan, even if our intentions are good and we may think it's what God wants. I certainly thought that God gave me the green light to take my dad in and care for him, and though there was nothing morally wrong about that- God had other intentions. Another significant verse on this topic is 1 Corinthians 2:11.
"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God."
Basically, no man is meant to fully comprehend the ways of God. Our little bit of insight can still be insignificant in the grand scheme of God's will. We are the created; He is the Creator, so we need to remember that everything is up to Him.
My point is, we take our freedom to make plans for granted. Just because we think and then act on our thoughts does not mean we are independent of divine intervention. God will always have the final say, not that He wants to ruin our dreams, but God's infinite wisdom qualifies Him to make better things happen than we can even imagine. No one can ever go wrong trusting God with their life. That is a fact.
As I come to a conclusion, I want you to remember that everything has a divine purpose- not just an earthly purpose. Both celebratory and unfortunate events happen for a purpose beyond what we see on earth. It has a spiritual impact on us, those who witnessed it, and even those who didn't, who may hear about it or experience the divine aftermath. How amazing is that?! God is good! He knows exactly what we need. Right now you may feel pain, but that pain may be molding you into a conqueror. (I tell myself this as well.) I fully entrust God with my life. Do you?
I've missed writing. I realize that I could have made more time for it, but I also realize that I always think I "could have" done something to change the outcome of undesirable plans. My assumption couldn't be farther from the truth. If it was that easy, I could have been married, wealthy, and permanently vacationing by now if I had played my cards right. But things happen because God makes them happen; I'm just the vessel.
The last week of July, I had been planning on discharging my dad from the hospice where he was staying. He had been receiving radiation treatment at a hospital about an hour from where I live with my mother and stepfather, so the hospital conveniently transported him from a nearby nursing home to the hospital daily. Every day I called and checked on him to make sure he was in high spirits and getting whatever he needed, but it had been on my heart to take care of him myself once his treatment period ended. (I'm his only child and nearby family member). Long story short, my family and I made preparations so that my dad would be able to leave the nursing home. Then on the day before he was scheduled to arrive, an unexpected call came.
My dad passed away that morning.......my heart was shattered... A million thoughts raced through my mind, but I repeated in my head and aloud, he was supposed to come home. Key words: supposed to.
I had made phone calls, I had gone to check on him, I had cleaned up the room he would stay in. I kept thinking there's no way he could just die like that. I had seen him days before. He was excited about his new home. Never had I seen this coming.
It's funny how we, humans, think that when we arrange something it is supposed to happen. But in reality, there is no way everything can go according to plan. For that to happen, everyone on earth would have to have the same plans so that no one contradicts another- that's definitely impossible. Even beyond that, God tells and shows us that He is in control. A well known Proverb (16:9) says,
"The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps."
Whether one believes in Christ or not, everyone knows that nothing always goes according to planned. However, it is important to believe in His truth. It's evident that God is ALWAYS in control. We cannot interrupt or alter His plan, even if our intentions are good and we may think it's what God wants. I certainly thought that God gave me the green light to take my dad in and care for him, and though there was nothing morally wrong about that- God had other intentions. Another significant verse on this topic is 1 Corinthians 2:11.
"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God."
Basically, no man is meant to fully comprehend the ways of God. Our little bit of insight can still be insignificant in the grand scheme of God's will. We are the created; He is the Creator, so we need to remember that everything is up to Him.
My point is, we take our freedom to make plans for granted. Just because we think and then act on our thoughts does not mean we are independent of divine intervention. God will always have the final say, not that He wants to ruin our dreams, but God's infinite wisdom qualifies Him to make better things happen than we can even imagine. No one can ever go wrong trusting God with their life. That is a fact.
As I come to a conclusion, I want you to remember that everything has a divine purpose- not just an earthly purpose. Both celebratory and unfortunate events happen for a purpose beyond what we see on earth. It has a spiritual impact on us, those who witnessed it, and even those who didn't, who may hear about it or experience the divine aftermath. How amazing is that?! God is good! He knows exactly what we need. Right now you may feel pain, but that pain may be molding you into a conqueror. (I tell myself this as well.) I fully entrust God with my life. Do you?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
My Heart's On My Sleeve
Hello readers!
I am returning from a long hiatus to just talk and to give you what I hope is sound wisdom, advice, and encouragement. Lately I've been burdened emotionally and physically by life's turns. I won't go into unnecessarily great detail, but my father could use prayer for his recovery from cancer. For a while, I did not know that he was feeling sick (I don't live with him or see him daily), and I had been going through personal problems as well that he nor anyone else was aware of. As of late, God has been lifting us up with His word and His vessels. So I've been thinking, is it a common misconception that smiling and acting like everything is ok will make everything ok? Looking in retrospect, I'm convinced that it is.
"When life gives you lemons..." the saying starts. There are many ending variations, but when life throws you "lemons" (sour or undesirable situations)- what do you do? Most people try to encourage and say when you're going through hard times to just smile and tell yourself you'll be fine. The problem is, you can't receive encouragement when no one knows you need it! Don't be prideful and naive to think that you can make it on your own.
"Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 11:14
There is no way that you can succeed in anything without some type of help- verbal, spiritual, or physical. Now I'm not saying that one should have a "woe is me!" attitude, for through it all you are still blessed; however, if you need a positive word or helping hand then do NOT be afraid to reach out to like-minded peers. You never know what good may come out of a simple conversation with someone who cares. Anyone who is a good counselor will not judge you for your situation- you may be your worst critic. They may have gone through your situation or something similar and have specific advice for you, which is convenient and perfect in God's eyes. He loves it when the body works together!
So I encourage you to "wear your heart on your sleeve" and say what's on your mind. It is human nature to worry, but it is unfaithful not to hope and pray for reassurance from God the father. He already knows your problem and He first wants you to call on Him. Then He uses those around you, close or not (you never know!), to be a blessing. And you should know that blessings in the form of people are contagious. Someone's kind words to you may be passed along from you to someone else, and so on. Remember that no one is perfect and that you must always look to the Creator before seeking godly advice from anyone else. Be of good courage and know that you can depend on God and His church body to be at your service. If you unfortunately do not have sound counsel around you, then you should 1) consider getting new friends, 2) email me or comment below and I will definitely speak with you, and 3) talk to GOD!
Love and blessings!
I am returning from a long hiatus to just talk and to give you what I hope is sound wisdom, advice, and encouragement. Lately I've been burdened emotionally and physically by life's turns. I won't go into unnecessarily great detail, but my father could use prayer for his recovery from cancer. For a while, I did not know that he was feeling sick (I don't live with him or see him daily), and I had been going through personal problems as well that he nor anyone else was aware of. As of late, God has been lifting us up with His word and His vessels. So I've been thinking, is it a common misconception that smiling and acting like everything is ok will make everything ok? Looking in retrospect, I'm convinced that it is.
"When life gives you lemons..." the saying starts. There are many ending variations, but when life throws you "lemons" (sour or undesirable situations)- what do you do? Most people try to encourage and say when you're going through hard times to just smile and tell yourself you'll be fine. The problem is, you can't receive encouragement when no one knows you need it! Don't be prideful and naive to think that you can make it on your own.
"Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 11:14
There is no way that you can succeed in anything without some type of help- verbal, spiritual, or physical. Now I'm not saying that one should have a "woe is me!" attitude, for through it all you are still blessed; however, if you need a positive word or helping hand then do NOT be afraid to reach out to like-minded peers. You never know what good may come out of a simple conversation with someone who cares. Anyone who is a good counselor will not judge you for your situation- you may be your worst critic. They may have gone through your situation or something similar and have specific advice for you, which is convenient and perfect in God's eyes. He loves it when the body works together!
So I encourage you to "wear your heart on your sleeve" and say what's on your mind. It is human nature to worry, but it is unfaithful not to hope and pray for reassurance from God the father. He already knows your problem and He first wants you to call on Him. Then He uses those around you, close or not (you never know!), to be a blessing. And you should know that blessings in the form of people are contagious. Someone's kind words to you may be passed along from you to someone else, and so on. Remember that no one is perfect and that you must always look to the Creator before seeking godly advice from anyone else. Be of good courage and know that you can depend on God and His church body to be at your service. If you unfortunately do not have sound counsel around you, then you should 1) consider getting new friends, 2) email me or comment below and I will definitely speak with you, and 3) talk to GOD!
Love and blessings!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Swagg, YOLO, and Tattoo Monsters
Some recent trends have been bothering me lately, and as you may have gathered from the title, those things are: swagg, YOLO, and tattoo monsters. "Swagg" is derived from the word "swagger" which means "arrogant or self-confident behavior" (bet you didn't know that!). Modern young people have been using "swagg" to define themselves in a likeable manner for the past decade it seems, but they have no idea what they're really portraying. In its correct form, "swagger" describes an ostentatious person who boasts about their greatness. I can see the correlation now, since most people who say they have "swagg" are intentionally bragging. However, is that how young people want to be known- as self-confident fools? Yes, I said fools. A braggart is an idiot in the Lord's eyes (James 4:16 "But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil"). Why is a person who does not conform to mainstream fashion trends or use of phrases considered to have "no swagg"? Is it lame to be an individual? I don't think so! God didn't make you to walk around Earth with a chip on your shoulder talking about how much "swagg" you have! 1 Corinthians 1:31 says "so that, just as it is written, 'LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.'" Give God the glory He deserves, and stay humble.
As far as "The Motto" aka "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), a phrase coined by Canadian mainstream rapper Drake, that is utter ignorance. Had he said we only live on Earth once, he would be correct, but that goes without saying. The truth is that we all live and die in our earthly bodies, but we also live again in Heaven or Hell. Thinking that you only live once and can do whatever you want without suffering terrible consequences is the quickest way to Hell. If you believe God is real and His Word is true, then you know that God promises eternal life to those who love Him (and obey His commands!). Those who don't receive eternal punishment- either way you're not completely dead. Your spirit lives on, so I would suggest you get right with God and make sure you have a pass into the best place you could spend eternity in- Heaven!
Lastly, there are tattoo monsters walking around, Christians and non-Christians alike, who believe that inking their whole body up will make them cool. The phenomena of tattoos is a blog post all on its own, but in essence, there is no reason to tattoo your body for others to like you. I have studied and read about tattoos, and from my understanding the only verse about tattoos in Leviticus speaks about not marking your body for the dead. Tattoos began with sorcery and witchcraft! If you are doing it for that reason, then you're obviously not a Christian and I can't hold you accountable for knowing better; however, Christians should know not to tattoo memorials of the dead on their bodies. As far as "fitting in with society" goes, you shouldn't have to ruin your skin and bloodstream due to someone else's opinion of you. If you want get tatted, then it should be based on your own choice/opinion. "All things are lawful, but not all are edifying"! Personally, I don't care if you do, but I do think getting a permanent mark of your favorite sports team or animal on your arm shouldn't be a concern of yours. Focus on things that have eternal meaning! Years from now, if the Lord wills you to be a grandparent, you don't want to have to explain why grandma has "Grown N' Sexy" written on her lower back.
Be wise, be edifying, and be blessed!
As far as "The Motto" aka "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), a phrase coined by Canadian mainstream rapper Drake, that is utter ignorance. Had he said we only live on Earth once, he would be correct, but that goes without saying. The truth is that we all live and die in our earthly bodies, but we also live again in Heaven or Hell. Thinking that you only live once and can do whatever you want without suffering terrible consequences is the quickest way to Hell. If you believe God is real and His Word is true, then you know that God promises eternal life to those who love Him (and obey His commands!). Those who don't receive eternal punishment- either way you're not completely dead. Your spirit lives on, so I would suggest you get right with God and make sure you have a pass into the best place you could spend eternity in- Heaven!
Lastly, there are tattoo monsters walking around, Christians and non-Christians alike, who believe that inking their whole body up will make them cool. The phenomena of tattoos is a blog post all on its own, but in essence, there is no reason to tattoo your body for others to like you. I have studied and read about tattoos, and from my understanding the only verse about tattoos in Leviticus speaks about not marking your body for the dead. Tattoos began with sorcery and witchcraft! If you are doing it for that reason, then you're obviously not a Christian and I can't hold you accountable for knowing better; however, Christians should know not to tattoo memorials of the dead on their bodies. As far as "fitting in with society" goes, you shouldn't have to ruin your skin and bloodstream due to someone else's opinion of you. If you want get tatted, then it should be based on your own choice/opinion. "All things are lawful, but not all are edifying"! Personally, I don't care if you do, but I do think getting a permanent mark of your favorite sports team or animal on your arm shouldn't be a concern of yours. Focus on things that have eternal meaning! Years from now, if the Lord wills you to be a grandparent, you don't want to have to explain why grandma has "Grown N' Sexy" written on her lower back.
Be wise, be edifying, and be blessed!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Critical Thinking
Wherever you go, whatever you do, there will always be someone criticizing you. However, the problem is not how to stop it, but how can you deal with it? When there are people in your face speaking out about your flaws, you might say you feel "judged." Well, as with any term, you should know what judgment really means before using the term loosely. Then you may be able to understand the phenomena that is criticism.
According to the Bible, in any matter judgment is the act of deciding a case (stating a situation, conjuring a solution). This is where courts get their foundation. Someone has a case against another, each tells his side of the story, and a judge decides what should be done about it. It seems simple enough, right? Then why are so many people, especially religious ones, creating a big deal about judgment? I have met unbelievers who feel as if "the church" is condemning them in some way by telling them about their sinful natures. Hence, they are turned off by Christians as a whole. From what I have read in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, we (Christians, the church) are supposed to judge each other righteously- in an edifying manner. That looks like us telling our fellow Christ-followers when they are doing wrong, not just to say it, but to correct it! Judgment does not work if there is no solution. I can tell my friend that she lies too much, but if I'm not telling her how she should rectify that, then I am doing her and myself unjustice. Love for others does not allow us to enforce self-condemnation. Contrarily, if someone is not a believer we are not called to condemn them! God knows their heart and will either harden or soften it; our job as Christians is to point to Christ so that unbelievers might draw near.
Overall, we all know that every single human being is imperfect. This should humble us to accept others and encourage each other to progress, believers and unbeilevers alike. Telling an adulterer that he is evil does not solve his problem of lust and deceit. Either you may turn a cold shoulder, or he may; thus, continuing the cycle of condemnation. Denounce that critical mindset and tell him that he should stop and repent because it is a sin which you do not want him to pay for in Hell. Likewise, personal preferences for lifestyles such as not listening to secular music or not going to parties are just that- personal preferences. There are no specific Bible verses that say not to do those things, no matter how many times you check! What matters most is the Most High. Everything you do should be done unto the Lord, so that it may be good in His sight (Prov 16:3). If you do not approve of any type of secular music, fine; if you do, fine. Conviction depends on what you hear God telling you about a matter. In all things, God just wants the glory, which may or may not be evident in music (or any other matter) that does not mention His name or His principles. With that being said, you are not the enforcer of conviction. Do NOT label others because their Christian lifestyle does not reflect yours- everyone is different! You are not perfect, and your weakness may be in a different area than someone else's at church (10:1 chance it is), so why not hold each other accountable rather than bicker? I think God gets more glory there in a setting that looks to the truth rather than indivual feelings.
Hopefully, you guys understood this brief summation of judging. There is so much more to think about, but I would rather you do it on your own. I am not an official judge and cannot force conviction upon you. All I ask is that you look to God's truth. Be progressive and loving; correcting in love will strengthen your relationship with Christ as you learn more about His word. Be blessed! As always, I'm open for discussion:)
According to the Bible, in any matter judgment is the act of deciding a case (stating a situation, conjuring a solution). This is where courts get their foundation. Someone has a case against another, each tells his side of the story, and a judge decides what should be done about it. It seems simple enough, right? Then why are so many people, especially religious ones, creating a big deal about judgment? I have met unbelievers who feel as if "the church" is condemning them in some way by telling them about their sinful natures. Hence, they are turned off by Christians as a whole. From what I have read in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, we (Christians, the church) are supposed to judge each other righteously- in an edifying manner. That looks like us telling our fellow Christ-followers when they are doing wrong, not just to say it, but to correct it! Judgment does not work if there is no solution. I can tell my friend that she lies too much, but if I'm not telling her how she should rectify that, then I am doing her and myself unjustice. Love for others does not allow us to enforce self-condemnation. Contrarily, if someone is not a believer we are not called to condemn them! God knows their heart and will either harden or soften it; our job as Christians is to point to Christ so that unbelievers might draw near.
Overall, we all know that every single human being is imperfect. This should humble us to accept others and encourage each other to progress, believers and unbeilevers alike. Telling an adulterer that he is evil does not solve his problem of lust and deceit. Either you may turn a cold shoulder, or he may; thus, continuing the cycle of condemnation. Denounce that critical mindset and tell him that he should stop and repent because it is a sin which you do not want him to pay for in Hell. Likewise, personal preferences for lifestyles such as not listening to secular music or not going to parties are just that- personal preferences. There are no specific Bible verses that say not to do those things, no matter how many times you check! What matters most is the Most High. Everything you do should be done unto the Lord, so that it may be good in His sight (Prov 16:3). If you do not approve of any type of secular music, fine; if you do, fine. Conviction depends on what you hear God telling you about a matter. In all things, God just wants the glory, which may or may not be evident in music (or any other matter) that does not mention His name or His principles. With that being said, you are not the enforcer of conviction. Do NOT label others because their Christian lifestyle does not reflect yours- everyone is different! You are not perfect, and your weakness may be in a different area than someone else's at church (10:1 chance it is), so why not hold each other accountable rather than bicker? I think God gets more glory there in a setting that looks to the truth rather than indivual feelings.
Hopefully, you guys understood this brief summation of judging. There is so much more to think about, but I would rather you do it on your own. I am not an official judge and cannot force conviction upon you. All I ask is that you look to God's truth. Be progressive and loving; correcting in love will strengthen your relationship with Christ as you learn more about His word. Be blessed! As always, I'm open for discussion:)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Verse of the Day 5
Prov 4:13
"Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life."
Keywords:
instruction- discipline, chastening, correction
guard- preserve, keep, guard from dangers
life- being, sustenance
Summary:
Grasp discipline. Take heed to what is correct and do not stray from its path because it is your vitality. You have to keep discipline close to your heart so that you will live.
Afterthought:
I can give an analogy to explain this verse fully. Your heart is vital to your life (if it stops working, you will die), so imagine that your heart is instruction. Surrounding your heart is your rib cage, which protects your organs including the heart. It would be safe to say that you would not purposefully do any damage to your ribs because it could harm your heart and kill you. So, your rib cage is like your grasp on life. It holds together strongly so that you may live. This is exactly how you should be about [biblical] instruction. God wants you to guard the wisdom He's given you with all of your strength like that of bones to keep yourself from turmoil and spiritual death (eternal separation from God). When you let go even a little, it will slowly lead to failure- just as if you broke a rib it would lead to internal health problems. Therefore, always be on your toes. Don't slack off as a Christian; put your ALL into the lifestyle to follow discipline in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and you will never die spiritually!
"Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life."
Keywords:
instruction- discipline, chastening, correction
guard- preserve, keep, guard from dangers
life- being, sustenance
Summary:
Grasp discipline. Take heed to what is correct and do not stray from its path because it is your vitality. You have to keep discipline close to your heart so that you will live.
Afterthought:
I can give an analogy to explain this verse fully. Your heart is vital to your life (if it stops working, you will die), so imagine that your heart is instruction. Surrounding your heart is your rib cage, which protects your organs including the heart. It would be safe to say that you would not purposefully do any damage to your ribs because it could harm your heart and kill you. So, your rib cage is like your grasp on life. It holds together strongly so that you may live. This is exactly how you should be about [biblical] instruction. God wants you to guard the wisdom He's given you with all of your strength like that of bones to keep yourself from turmoil and spiritual death (eternal separation from God). When you let go even a little, it will slowly lead to failure- just as if you broke a rib it would lead to internal health problems. Therefore, always be on your toes. Don't slack off as a Christian; put your ALL into the lifestyle to follow discipline in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and you will never die spiritually!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I Don't Hate Religion
Hello! Recently, I've noticed that there is a trend among Christians, especially youth, claiming that they "Hate religion, but love God." I found it peculiar, but did not want to speak on it until God had given me full understanding. As time went by, I left the matter alone. Then suddenly it reappeared in video form. A youtube video titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" featuring a young Christian expressing his thoughts on 'religion vs relationship' through spoken word has been getting much buzz. If you haven't seen it, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY . However, my premise is not to speak on the video. I have been praying for personal gaining of spiritual wisdom. Today I literally woke up thinking clearly about the religion debate. Isn't God great? We ask for wisdom, earnestly seek it, and He gives it to us!
Now, let's get to the root of this post- the title! Why am I bluntly declaring that I don't hate religion? To put it simply- because I know what religion is about. I'll begin my rhetoric by exploring what religion is. I looked up the definition of "religion" using multiple resources. Here are a few that seemed most relevant:
Dictionary.com
religion: 1) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Merriam-webster.com
religion: 1b) the service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
4) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
Google Search
religion: 1.The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.
2.Details of belief as taught or discussed.
The common ground that I see among these differing definitions is 1) service/worship of a superhuman being(s) and 2) a set of beliefs that affect one's lifestyle. I will sum religion up by saying that it is devotion to a supernatural being through life service (adhering to set principles) and praise. No where does it say in dictionaries or the Bible that religion was created by man. It is completely centered around a God or gods, so it must have come from the God or gods, right?
Since this is a Christian blog, and I believe in the one true God, I will leave out "gods" and say that religion is focused on God and His teachings. Man-focused religions are nothing new. In the Bible, we see that the Pharisees obeyed God's law in order to receive salvation, but we know that salvation is a gift not acquired by deeds (Ephesians 2). Therefore, their religious acts were solely about rites and adherence to law, not necessarily service to God. How can it really be called "religion" when they are missing the core of religion: God? Matthew 5:20 says, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Though they kept the Law, the Pharisees did not receive salvation because their hearts were still wicked. God wants you to obey His law AND have a relationship with Him.
So my next question is: can modern society's ubiquitous statement "Christianity is a lifestyle, not a religion" be valid? Christians are really beginning to frown upon religion, which scares me greatly. Going back to the definitions of religion- worshiping your God and adhering to His commands that you confessed to be true, which consequently affects your lifestyle sounds pretty much like Christianity. Serving God religiously IS a lifestyle!
As this blog post comes to an end, I want to say that Satan is constantly at work. He loves to corrupt believers. He has no reason to chase those who are already his, so of course he is looking to discredit your beliefs. Do not believe that you can live for God without living for God. Do you see how that makes no sense? That is what you are saying when you think that Christianity does not consist of religious rites and principles. Get out of the mindset of "How much can I do and still be called a Christian?" and live righteously according to what the Bible says, not mankind's twisted concepts. I pray that you will ponder this throughout life and come to biblical truth. As always, I'm open for discussion. Be blessed!
Now, let's get to the root of this post- the title! Why am I bluntly declaring that I don't hate religion? To put it simply- because I know what religion is about. I'll begin my rhetoric by exploring what religion is. I looked up the definition of "religion" using multiple resources. Here are a few that seemed most relevant:
Dictionary.com
religion: 1) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Merriam-webster.com
religion: 1b) the service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
4) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
Google Search
religion: 1.The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.
2.Details of belief as taught or discussed.
The common ground that I see among these differing definitions is 1) service/worship of a superhuman being(s) and 2) a set of beliefs that affect one's lifestyle. I will sum religion up by saying that it is devotion to a supernatural being through life service (adhering to set principles) and praise. No where does it say in dictionaries or the Bible that religion was created by man. It is completely centered around a God or gods, so it must have come from the God or gods, right?
Since this is a Christian blog, and I believe in the one true God, I will leave out "gods" and say that religion is focused on God and His teachings. Man-focused religions are nothing new. In the Bible, we see that the Pharisees obeyed God's law in order to receive salvation, but we know that salvation is a gift not acquired by deeds (Ephesians 2). Therefore, their religious acts were solely about rites and adherence to law, not necessarily service to God. How can it really be called "religion" when they are missing the core of religion: God? Matthew 5:20 says, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Though they kept the Law, the Pharisees did not receive salvation because their hearts were still wicked. God wants you to obey His law AND have a relationship with Him.
So my next question is: can modern society's ubiquitous statement "Christianity is a lifestyle, not a religion" be valid? Christians are really beginning to frown upon religion, which scares me greatly. Going back to the definitions of religion- worshiping your God and adhering to His commands that you confessed to be true, which consequently affects your lifestyle sounds pretty much like Christianity. Serving God religiously IS a lifestyle!
As this blog post comes to an end, I want to say that Satan is constantly at work. He loves to corrupt believers. He has no reason to chase those who are already his, so of course he is looking to discredit your beliefs. Do not believe that you can live for God without living for God. Do you see how that makes no sense? That is what you are saying when you think that Christianity does not consist of religious rites and principles. Get out of the mindset of "How much can I do and still be called a Christian?" and live righteously according to what the Bible says, not mankind's twisted concepts. I pray that you will ponder this throughout life and come to biblical truth. As always, I'm open for discussion. Be blessed!
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