tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13053053.post5574688916697018857..comments2023-10-16T06:56:56.418-06:00Comments on Religion's Crime Against God: # 240: The Children of Selfless LoveJChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909940646703586254noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13053053.post-73190330347502679742008-03-19T12:06:00.000-06:002008-03-19T12:06:00.000-06:00Dear Jen, thanks much for your extremely honest co...Dear Jen, thanks much for your extremely honest comments. I whole-heartily agree with most of your comments. Concerning our everyday encounters, we must make sure we are not doing exactly what the people of the world regularly do. When we do engage in these meetings, we must let whoever know why we are doing what we are doing and not by our presence, temporarily become worldly. That is a tough call.<BR/><BR/>I agree we cannot all be good Samaritans all the time, but we should not make that as a excuse so as to shirk from our holy duties, which will put us on a slippery road to disobedience. Just remember this: we all like to paint ourselves pretty, (justifying our weaknesses/failings). Once those we engage with daily (non-Christians), know our destiny and purpose, then our casual encounters may have spiritual meaning.<BR/><BR/>Concerning loaning money to those in need, unless we actually depleted our own finances to a point where we must have that money back, it is best that instead of a loan to make it a gift. <BR/><BR/>Yes, God knows our heart, the question remains: do we know the condition of our own heart, when comparing it to all that is commanded in the New Testament? The vast majority, possibly including myself, will unknowingly be lying to ourselves. That is part of our human nature, which says, “I am better than you.” Yes, we may have hidden selfish motives, these we must expose, and pray God will help us overcome. But the main thing is for us to be aware of them when they show their ugly face. <BR/><BR/>As to your last comment, I have been attempting to reach-out to church people for many years with zero results. They are the most difficult, if not impossible, to reach, since they believe they are already saved and do not need any more Godliness than they already possess. <BR/><BR/>As I read your comments, it is evident you have a good heart; but let us not settle for anything that is good as an excuse not to excel further, since God says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:58. <BR/><BR/>As to changing future generations, the outlook is gloomy, when we look at what young people are engaging in, I mean even those who claim Christ as their Savior. That statement does not sound optimistic, but I hate to say, is truthful. I live in a college town, and see what is happening first hand, even with grade-school kids. May God continue to bless you. jc.JChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01909940646703586254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13053053.post-65221433703851969792008-03-19T10:12:00.000-06:002008-03-19T10:12:00.000-06:00I see what you're saying, and I have been similarl...I see what you're saying, and I have been similarly frustrated with 'the Church' and also for not evangelizing more. But I am personally coming around to see that we should not discount our everyday encounters, for many of them also contain selfless love. We cannot all be a Good Samaritan, or Mother Teresa all the time, but we are granted moments when we impact lives with acts of love.<BR/>For instance, as a parent, there are many instances where we put our children's welfare above our own, and also in any good marriage there is a great deal of selfless love. A good employee will be humble and obedient to his or her boss, etc. Additionally, hospital visits, funeral attendances, etc. are small acts of love that can make a big difference to someone. Even giving someone a lift, or loaning a few bucks can be an answer to prayer.<BR/>The main thing it seems to me is the condition of one's heart. God can see our heart. Even seemingly selfless people may have selfish motives. If we take on a servant attitude with a humble heart, our live in affluent America can still be that of a Good Samaritan.<BR/>Yes, many of those in the pews need to be activated to reach out more and to do more, but by working within our families, communites, etc, we can begin to change future generations and make bigger impacts. Being honest with ourselves, loving others is the hardest thing God ever asks us to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com