| Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we've no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! |
| Yesterday, due to the predicted snowfall, I was informed that I didn’t need to drive to work. I turned on the radio and heard a man was talking about different types of Christians. As I listened to him give an opinion on what a “true Christian” is, I wondered how a person’s faith morphed into one’s material possessions. A sick Christian lacks faith in God? A poor Christian has little to no faith in God? A well-dressed Christian has tremendous faith in God? The kind of car a Christian drives reveals their faith in God? Really? Christ was asked by His disciples about a blind man: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3, NIV) Somehow we Christians began to equate materialism with salvation; the more prosperous you are, the greater your faith in God. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45, NIV) “Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…” (Acts 10:34, NIV) God blesses whom He will bless. Can my faith entitle me to fashionable clothes? This kind of philosophy condemns those who are sick, poor, unemployed, homeless, or otherwise lacking prosperity. It teaches the premise that; My current status in life is directly linked to my faith (or lack of faith) in God. How is this any different than teaching that I need Christ to die again for my sins? Joe, a Born-again Christian is informed that due to a drop in the quarterly sales, his company must lay him off. He goes home and tells his wife Margaret, who immediately surmises that due to a lack of faith in God; his name was added to the Layoff List instead of the Keep Employed List. I think we Christians should be careful whom we condemn and who we exalt. Answers to my prayer are within the sovereignty of Almighty God. How God answers my prayer is solely up to Him; my faithful responsibility is to trust Him, no matter what He decides. |
A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all.
 | Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte). |
5 comments:
Most enjoyable, truthful and insightful post .
Well said. "And we know that all things work together for good." We don't always see it, but we do that our God is sovereign and know what is best for us.
Hi MTJ
I just wrote a post on the same topic last week called, Wisdom:Sanctified Common Sense, I think you might just like it. I am glad to see how much false teachers are doing the religious rounds nowadays. Over via Charlotte's.
Have a blessed week XX
Mia
Very insightful, MTJ. I am worried about people who preach a *health and wealth* prosperity gospel. I think it steers people in a wrong direction. Jesus was our greatest example - He was neither rich, nor successful, nor avoided pain and suffering. And last time I checked, He didn't drive a Mercedes. And yet, who had greater faith than He? Who was a truer *Christian* than the Savior of the world?
Take a look at the Beatitudes. I think they answer well those who say our faith will bring us great earthly gain.
My current status in life has NOTHING to do with the heavenly glory that is promised to me by the death and resurrection of the "Man of Sorrows."
GOD BLESS!
Mankind's efforts to build a society that will enjoy prosperity, and yet be moral, have not to succeed yet. However, God promised that His Kingdom would create material and spiritual prosperity that we need to live happily. Jesus taught that the right prosperity began with spirituality. Therefore, whether we are rich or poor, the best way to prepare ourselves for God's new world, which is right in front of us, is to give priority to spiritual things. In that new world, human society will enjoy the true material and spiritual prosperity.
Post a Comment