Why do you feel it is so hard to be good?

[Brakelite]

Do you think any of that is sin?

I thought we were talking about being good.

 

[Waiting on him]

First, let's face one essential component. We must be born again... Become new creatures. That's the bottom line. Then, anything is possible. All things are possible to those who have faith. I don't think I'm good yet. But I'm certainly a heck of a lot better than I was 40 years ago. In fact, I know I'm a lot better person than I was 10 years ago... Even last week. That's the continuing promise to God's children. Surrender your lives to Me and I will change you into the image of Myself. So long as we abide in Christ, the Vine, then we as branches of that Vine cannot help but produce good fruit. If we aren't producing good fruit... If our characters are not improving day by day... If we cannot look back and see the changes that God has made in our lives, then we really need to reappraise who we are, where we are, and where we are going.

Hinduism has the same beliefs and practices. Heck even the men down at the local Moose lodge do as much good if not more than the local churches.

 

[Grailhunter]

James 1:14
King James Version

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

An example of the flesh in a believer's life is the temptation to curse someone who has just cursed you out.

The Holy Spirit is going to tell you not to return evil for evil but to defeat evil by doing good.

But the flesh is the part of you that wants to get even and be vengeful. So if you give in to what your flesh wants you may sin and curse that person out in return.

I understand that.
My stepdad shot my mom in the chest at point blank range with a .38 Special.
Pacifism can be a difficult concept for some. I am not a pasifist.....my step dad did not work another day in his life. My mom recovered.
One of the problems with some of the scriptures is that they are short statements. And we have to deal with them in the real world. And it is a good discussion. Thank you.

There are times that people do us wrong. But there are levels of wrong. When a country attacks our country we are not going to hand out Bible to them. But again it is a good discussion.

 

[Grailhunter]

I thought we were talking about being good.

LOL we are talking about why it is hard to be good.

 

[Waiting on him]

I understand that.
My stepdad shot my mom in the chest at point blank range with a .38 Special.
Pacifism can be a difficult concept for some. I am not a pasifist.....my step dad did not work another day in his life. My mom recovered.
One of the problems with some of the scriptures is that they are short statements. And we have to deal with them in the real world. And it is a good discussion. Thank you.

There are times that people do us wrong. But there are levels of wrong. When a country attacks our country we are not going to hand out Bible to them. But again it is a good discussion.

Yes that would be a terrible idea to give them bibles, soon as they started studying them they’d feel even more justified.

 

[Brakelite]

Hinduism has the same beliefs and practices. Heck even the men down at the local Moose lodge do as much good if not more than the local churches.

Even to giving your life for your enemy?

 

[Waiting on him]

Even to giving your life for your enemy?

They have many to give.

 

[Grailhunter]

First, let's face one essential component. We must be born again... Become new creatures. That's the bottom line. Then, anything is possible. All things are possible to those who have faith. I don't think I'm good yet. But I'm certainly a heck of a lot better than I was 40 years ago. In fact, I know I'm a lot better person than I was 10 years ago... Even last week. That's the continuing promise to God's children. Surrender your lives to Me and I will change you into the image of Myself. So long as we abide in Christ, the Vine, then we as branches of that Vine cannot help but produce good fruit. If we aren't producing good fruit... If our characters are not improving day by day... If we cannot look back and see the changes that God has made in our lives, then we really need to reappraise who we are, where we are, and where we are going.

Good reply.
And it is good to keep things in perspective.
Perfection is the goal....and that goal is impossible. Everything about Christianity is about setting your sites on that goal, but salvation was tailor made for those that are going to fall and get back up and sight that goal back in again...
LOL Ever see the movie The Patriot? "Aim small and miss small."

 

[Brakelite]

LOL we are talking about why it is hard to be good.

Yep, and for me the greatest impediment to my growing closer to Christ is distractions. Becoming Christlike is the goal yes?

 

[Grailhunter]

Yep, and for me the greatest impediment to my growing closer to Christ is distractions. Becoming Christlike is the goal yes?

The rat race?
I have lived the rat race....
My family has had to live with me talking...they know I am not talking to myself...and don't worry I am not hearing voices. It is my way of walking with Christ....talking to Him.

 

[Grailhunter]

Yep, and for me the greatest impediment to my growing closer to Christ is distractions. Becoming Christlike is the goal yes?

I like your video.

 

[Waiting on him]

Even to giving your life for your enemy?

Who are we kidding, no one lays down their life for anyone. Everyone today seeks to save their lives at any cost 30 minutes of CNN will prove my statement beyond any shadow of doubt.

 

[Waiting on him]

It’s a great gesture though.

 

[Grailhunter]

Who are we kidding, no one lays down their life for anyone. Everyone today seeks to save their lives at any cost 30 minutes of CNN will prove my statement beyond any shadow of doubt.

I might understand where you are coming from but blanket statement "no one lays down their life for anyone" Most do not lay down there lives...Ya know take a bullet for someone is one thing...but then you have the military, police, and firemen, etc

 

[FHII]

It is a good topic, as long as we handle it in proper perspective. The first thing I will do is ask, "What is good?" On a human level, its a matter of opinion, sometimes based on culture.

I have standards and morals and frankly, I think they are outstanding! But someone may have a different set or morals, so who is right?

While we are in the flesh (and bound by the 5 senses, which is a very important factor as they are to blame for sinful desires) we will struggle to be good. In fact, it is impossible. Jesus said adultery was a sin, but said if you even look in a women to lust you are guilty of adultery.

Its easy not to commit adultery... But to not to lust (especially in these days)... Its impossible. And if you disagree, lets have a follow up conversation.

Now, lets speak on a human level without religion. Despite our differences, we can come up with a list of "good" behavior: no stealing, tell the truth, don't cheat (with money or on significant others), be kind, help you neighbor, be humble... On down the line. All these things can be achieved and I certainly am an advocate for such. Other religions have similar philosophies so "being good" is not just a Christian thing.

Anyone can be a better person. Thats not to say they can live a sinless life. That is absurd and simply saying we are not under the Mosiac law doesn't make you sinless. Remember: the Law was given to show us what sin was. So unless you lean on grace through faith, the law applies.

So, in conclusion, living a near sinless life is impossible, but we are given natural tools to recognize the most sinful human behavior. Doing so takes "willpower" to fight off the urges of the 5 senses. Its easier for some than others. I encourage all to fight them, but as long as we are in the flesh, we have that fight and will not win every battle (thank God for grace!)

One more thing (and I am leaving a lot of thoughts out): after you have achieved a near sinless life, how will you handle "pride" and the urge to tell everyone how easy it was for you to do so?

 

[Grailhunter]

The first thing I will do is ask, "What is good?"

Trust me I run into this a lot. You mention perspective. You say be good and do good and people flip out. "NO ONE IS GOOD BUT GOD WE ARE ALL DIRTY RAGS...DUNG IN THE DITCH!"

But that is not the understanding and perspective we are talking about. Simply obeying the morals in the New Testament. And here we can discuss those morals and separate them from man-made morals...LOL...old and new.

When Paul wrote to the churches, he referred to them as saints. Christ did not get nailed to that cross to start a religion of evil followers. LOL They say the dress makes the man. Well Christians should consider themselves good....as wearing a white suit and you don't want to get it dirty. So what gets your suit dirty? I am condoning that it is not that hard to keep it white.

 

[FHII]

Trust me I run into this a lot. You mention perspective. You say be good and do good and people flip out. "NO ONE IS GOOD BUT GOD WE ARE ALL DIRTY RAGS...DUNG IN THE DITCH!"

Well, let's face it: the Bible does say such! And from God's perspective, its true! We must not gloss over that. But I suspect what you are saying is that it even though that is true, we can still be "good" on our level. After all, Paul (after his conversion) was pretty good. But even he said "the good I would do, I do not. But the evil I would not do, that I do". Yet... Paul was a good example of who to pattern after.

When Paul wrote to the churches, he referred to them as saints. Christ did not get nailed to that cross to start a religion of evil followers. LOL They say the dress makes the man. Well Christians should consider themselves good....as wearing a white suit and you don't want to get it dirty. So what gets your suit dirty? I am condoning that it is not that hard to keep it white.

I partially agree. Jesus did not come and die to make us all moral... Whatever that may be. He came and died so are sins would be forgiven and covered. Paul preached that as the main reason. That should not be forgotten. However, he did speak much about morals. Sometimes it was his own personal opinion and other times as from the Lord.

Grace covers sins of the flesh without exception, but that doesn't mean we have to live in debauchery. With grace through faith you are saved, but our earthly life prospers with good guidelines, which yes... Spills over to our spiritual life; just as our spiritual life spills over into our natural life.

All that is a fancy way of saying that grace allows you to be a pig, but there is no reason to be one!

 

[Waiting on him]

I might understand where you are coming from but blanket statement "no one lays down their life for anyone" Most do not lay down there lives...Ya know take a bullet for someone is one thing...but then you have the military, police, and firemen, etc

Okay I guess being paid to put your life in hams way has some incentive. Besides I believe brake light stated laying down ones life for their enemies.
When we go to war it typically alleged that it’s to kill a foreign enemy, wouldn’t you agree?

 

[FHII]

Well Christians should consider themselves good....as wearing a white suit and you don't want to get it dirty. So what gets your suit dirty? I am condoning that it is not that hard to keep it white.

we can't make that suit white, nor can we keep it clean. Jesus does that.

 

[Brakelite]

Who are we kidding, no one lays down their life for anyone. Everyone today seeks to save their lives at any cost 30 minutes of CNN will prove my statement beyond any shadow of doubt.

Sorry you have such a negative view of the church. In the world, I agree to a point, but even there you will find exceptions. And she, there are churches and individuals in churches who are selfish to the core. Unconverted. Worldly. Determined to please themselves rather than please God. Seeking their own pleasure. Sure, and the numbers belonging to that category are increasing. Just as prophecy told us would happen. But it isn't universal. There's still a remnant who haven't bowed the knee to Baal