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Religion
By Joyce C. Lock
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. I believe that they are all God-given and I believe that they were necessary for the people to whom these religions were revealed. And I believe that if only we could all of us read the scriptures of the different faiths from the standpoints of the followers of these faiths, we should find that they were at bottom all one and were all helpful to one another."
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence, Co. 1:16-18.
There is at least some truth in every religion and things that are not true about all religions. Religion changes with every generation. And, with the huge multitude of religions, it seems absurd for anyone to think they have all the answers.
Many churches have become any of the following: cold, dead, legal, stuffy, and or a social club. Often, they are so very educated that they no longer get their instruction from God (acting like they are God).
And, even some of the most spiritual churches appear as if they know everything God believes, everything He thinks. They don't even have to ask Him, as they already know all the rules. They decide who is worthy to serve, who is the right gender, and who has all the right stuff.
Some worship their leader, or their religion, instead of God. Others just find it easier to believe whatever they're told to believe.
Even scripture bears record that God doesn't always answer the same way. He decides matters based upon the heart and those He chose were often misfits who didn't have all the skills but would depend upon Him. When people are spiritually held captive from serving God, it isn't God's doing. There's a lot of Pharaoh's out there.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world, Ja. 1:27.
So, unless our religion is pure and completely undefiled, maybe we need to be listening for God instead of telling Him what He believes.
Perhaps it would help us all to consider that anytime we are not listening for the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, following the Spirit - we are sitting on God's throne.
Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, not Christianity.
© by Joyce C. Lock
http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
In addition to being a published author and poet, Joyce C. Lock created the religion column, "Christianity Made Simple" for Peru Daily Tribune, continues to write inspirational articles for area newspapers, and shares further in online and e-mail ministries. |
