RELIGIOUSITY
The definition of Christian is a follower of Christ. Christ was in constant battles with the religious leaders of the Jewish community, the Pharisees. The rules surrounding the Jewish faith had moved directly away from the rules given to Moses from God. And became more about man made traditions, rules, and regulations. Jesus clearly taught against that. "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?" (Luke 37:39-40).
Time and time again he spoke of being concerned with your own behavior.
How can you point out the errors or sins of another when your inside is dirty? Now that being the case why is it that our Christian denominations are concerned about restrictions and traditions than the true things of God? It has been said that if Jesus himself walked into any given church on Sunday his followers would shun him. He made it a point to reach out to the unloved and unlovely. On those he had compassion.
We who profess to be his followers are so pious and serious and hell bent on appearing right in the eyes of each other we miss the mark. We are like those who Christ said not to imitate. Those who have long rambling prayers and make a big show of what they are "doing" for God. Our concern is more about the correct behavior, the correct usuage of Christian-ease, the correct clothing - woe to those who stray away from what is proper in your circles!!! Please don't have a bit of fashion sense!
Do we love our neighbors? Are we modeling our life after those we look up to? Or are we modeling our life after the the perfect one?
Those who seem to have it all together most assuredly do not. The pious and self righteous will let you down. Preachers who use them self as an example could have hell in their home. Politicians who target organized crimes could be visiting prostitutes. Politicians who are virulently against gay marriage could in fact be tapping foot in an airport bathroom, seeking a quick same sex liason.
Do not look to the creation as an example. Seek what is true. Love your neighbor as yourself, with the recognition that your neighbor may not resemble you. If we are our brothers keepers we will all be the better for it.
Time and time again he spoke of being concerned with your own behavior.
How can you point out the errors or sins of another when your inside is dirty? Now that being the case why is it that our Christian denominations are concerned about restrictions and traditions than the true things of God? It has been said that if Jesus himself walked into any given church on Sunday his followers would shun him. He made it a point to reach out to the unloved and unlovely. On those he had compassion.
We who profess to be his followers are so pious and serious and hell bent on appearing right in the eyes of each other we miss the mark. We are like those who Christ said not to imitate. Those who have long rambling prayers and make a big show of what they are "doing" for God. Our concern is more about the correct behavior, the correct usuage of Christian-ease, the correct clothing - woe to those who stray away from what is proper in your circles!!! Please don't have a bit of fashion sense!
Do we love our neighbors? Are we modeling our life after those we look up to? Or are we modeling our life after the the perfect one?
Those who seem to have it all together most assuredly do not. The pious and self righteous will let you down. Preachers who use them self as an example could have hell in their home. Politicians who target organized crimes could be visiting prostitutes. Politicians who are virulently against gay marriage could in fact be tapping foot in an airport bathroom, seeking a quick same sex liason.
Do not look to the creation as an example. Seek what is true. Love your neighbor as yourself, with the recognition that your neighbor may not resemble you. If we are our brothers keepers we will all be the better for it.
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