Almost everything in this world is designed to lead you away from Jesus.
Shocking as that might sound I find it is generally true.
Okay, I don't know if things are 'designed' to keep us from Jesus and, yes, I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but this maxim seems to work most of the time. (And for those out there not down with the Christian lingo - 'world' here doesn't mean the natural world but everything that is part of mankind's system of living, and yup that includes religion.)
Smallprint over. Consider these verses...
What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.
Luke 16:15
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:15-16
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12
Sometimes I find it useful to remember things in this light. And it leaves me feeling angry that so much can be destructive towards people finding faith in Jesus.
Cue discussion...
Mate, you chat some shit!
ReplyDeleteMate, you chat some shit!
ReplyDeleteyeah you do actually whats all that about?
ReplyDeleteWell,it's not really sh)t to those that have a faith is it???. It's about what is most important in your life...it it your faith or do you let the fast cars, fast food, fast money, fast whatever draw you away from that? When I think trappings of the world I think need more money, need more this need more that...but does the more whatever really make you happy?.I think 'the ways of the world' can trap you wether you've a particular faith or not...seen far too many end up in bankrupcey court because of their 'need, or rather want' of what they couldn't afford.I think it's a greedy world out there whatever you believe and it'll destroy many.enough for now.
ReplyDelete; ) The TJ
Dearie me, I didn't think what I'd say would be so shocking it reduced some to insults, but there you go...
ReplyDeleteIf that was the rude way of saying that what I wrote was incomprehensible the I'll try explaining when my head is more together.
come on tschaka, isn't all creation a symbol of God's love, a reflection of God's glory ...
ReplyDeleteThe heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
(Psalm 19)
all that we see around us is God's creation and God loves what he creates.
'All things are God-given and they all have been blessed' (the great Billy Preston).
the world is a prayer to God's glory and love, the Creation mirrors its creator and its voice is heard by all.
Anon.to quote Tschaka:-
ReplyDelete(And for those out there not down with the Christian lingo - 'world' here doesn't mean the natural world but everything that is part of mankind's system of living, and yup that includes religion.)
So its not about the natural word or beauty of 'creation' if you like.
It's more about the greed in life and stuff like that being a problem..there's mention somewhere to a number of deadly sins like greed and gluttony isn't there(anyone know where they are mentioned and what exactly they are?).Well I think its about those types of things being something that over your life and draw you away..it's not about 'creation' itself.
Thats the way I've read it anyway, I'm sure I'll be corrected if I've read it the wrong way.
; ) The TJ
while it is important to think of the world in the christian lingo terms as TJ put it, it is also important for christians to be aware of the real world, the world we and everyone else currently live in, and to be down to earth
ReplyDelete'Anon',
ReplyDeleteYour right that it helps "to be aware of the real world, the world we and everyone else currently live in, and to be down to earth"
However that doesn't mean that we have to embrace it, like it or even accept it. I am aware of the devil and want to keep distant, there is nothing lofty or elitist about having that view. I endorse everything that Tschaka has said.
DJ.
Ps. I hope you will put your name to your comments. I give others the courtesy and respect to do so.
I would like to point out that I am not the same anon as the first two / three messages ...
ReplyDeleteand if your implying I am not giving courtesy or respect than thats your choice to think that.
and while I sometimes play the fool, and reply to posts with questions it does not always mean I totally disagree or agree with whats being said.
I thought Tschaka ended his blog with "cue discussion" which is what I thought I would be trying to embark on, but if its not discussion your wanting, fair enough.
be blessed.
I'm all for discussion but it does get a bit confussing when there are two or three different anons..maybe somesort of snigature would help me not to get confused as to which anon is saying what
ReplyDelete; ) The TJ
Ok!I am the first 'anon' and my name is Robert Hansbury. I obviously don't have the right to remain 'anon' with out being discourteuos and disrespectful!
ReplyDeleteBob
P.S. DJ, is that really your name, or your initial? I give others the courtesy and respect to put my full name. (Get over yourself).
Thanks Bob. Forgive me if I'm a little reserved about your opinion: I assumed you were the hit and run type. I'm listening if you want to explain your thoughts a little more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob, nice to have a name to call you other than anon.TJ are my initals but feel free to check my blog out.
ReplyDelete; ) The TJ
Bob,
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting your name to your comments, I appreciate it, it makes it's easier to accept/consider your opinion.
'DJ' are my real initials, first name Darren.
Respect to you Bob for giving your name. Bless you
I think it's important to remember the way Greek writters used comparisons back when the Bible was written. In order ot draw a contrast they frequently used two extreems, like love and hate. Our love for Jesus should be so great that in comparison everything else looks like hate.
ReplyDeleteFor example Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and his mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26) But Jesus taught us to love our neighbor. The point is our love for people should not compare to our love for Jesus.
Hating the things in the world does not mean hating the people. Living for something more than "get this and get that" frees you - no matter what religion you are - to do something more with your life than get. And what does getting do? It leaves a bunch of junk behind for you relitives to clean up after you die. :p
You can't serve both. No one can live both to get stuff from the world and to give to those around them. God calls us to give. To give our lives to Him and serve the people around us. God's not impressed if we have all the latest tecnology and we're the coolest person around. He sees deeper and loves the heart.
I think we must recognise that the Christian message is NEVER detached from 'this world'. Jesus, God in man, came to experience earthly life - that statement about Christian life is very profound.
ReplyDeleteTo follow Jesus is not to follow something separate from this world - but to follow a Godly example of how to lead this life in regards to all that we may face in the world.
Just look at Jesus' ministry. He did not shy away from the world's problems or internalise his lifestyle in the anticipation of a glorious resurrection. No, he looked to address society's difficultire and heal the sick etc.
That is why Christians too must be aware of the real world and must address its problems - the Christian commitment to heal the sick throughout history comes from Jesus' own example and involvement with the earthly world which surrounded him.
I once heard someone say something that stuck with me... "The New Testament calls Christians to be 'in the world but not of the world'. Most Christians, however, seem to be content to remain 'of the world but not in the world'." Maybe there's something for both sides of the debate in this little observation.
ReplyDeleteNice one Tschaka, your blog's never dull.