My thought of the day "Life is such a show. By nature we are children of the father of lies. We think in our minds one thing and when we go out into public we act as if that doesn't exist. It's deceitful and it's more complex too because if we say how we really feel we could hurt people in destructive ways if we say it without care or compassion or fear of God. So because of that without God humanity either deceives each other and puts on a show for all to see or they let it out and hurt the people around them without care. Both are equally destructive."
"You know what amazes me even more than Corrie forgiving the jailer? She sought out to forgive more and more people following him. The first guy she ran into but the others she made it part of her mission in carrying out God's will. That's what happens when we have experienced forgiveness. We have a calling to give others that same grace and forgiveness. It is an obligation, a choice, an act of obedience and a response to love. This is the life lived in Christ.No experience or wrong gives us a free pass on forgiving others, even the victim."
"Most definitely, because we don't fully understand the depth of our sin and depravity but as this is painfully revealed we consider this to be love since without sanctification we would never know and experience the depth of God's good and perfect character. For the cross is far more weighty and glorious when we are humbled."
"Indeed. It's hard because I think God truly meant emotions to be glorifying. They are the outpouring of compassion, kindness, and love but they're not quantifiable. So in this sinful state we are so prone to be ruled by them and not our gracious king."
"Reflecting on the character of Jesus I realized people came to him because they craved hearing truth and seeing love lived out. They didn't come because he was a comedian, or cool, good looking, or charming. He was genuine, sincere, and brutally honest. People are attracted to such a personality but they stay close until such honesty and truth must be applied to them. So many are like the seed that fall on the rocks and don't take root. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised when people come to me only for truth but reject me when it needs to be applied. It's easier to be shallow."
"I understand what you are saying. It's hard to find that balance. I think the reality is, we're all a very poor imitation of Christ so the church seems barely unified, but that is false. We are completely one in the body of Christ. That is how great and powerful Jesus is. Everything will one day be made right and we will one day be a perfect bride. Without our sinful motivations masked behind righteous words."
". . .so I eventually rejected what the majority said and began to compare all aspects of my life to Scripture. I quickly found that the American church is a difficult place to fit if you want to live out New Testament Christianity." -Francis Chan
"I know what you mean about the state of the church goers. I have a desire to serve where God puts me not to go to church and receive an "experience." I know if I didn't believe in God I wouldn't be acting the same. Take note too that in the Old Testament people weren't described as "religious" or "good Judahites/Isrealites" in explaining their righteousness. All the words needed to describe a righteous person was "and they feared God." It had nothing to do with their works but where their heart was set."
"Amen. I think the flaw in indoctrinating the importance of the church is that we make it our idol and our reliance. Instead of relying on Christ we tend to rely on his people or the leadership when we should all function by relying on Christ. The church should be used as a place to serve each other not a place where an individual is spoon fed truth. Truth will be found by souls who are searching for Him not by indoctrinating individuals or providing a grand experience on a sunday or weekly service."
