It grieves me greatly when I see Christians using their faith as a means to getting bigger, better and more things in their life. Faith is not a vehicle to get things but rather the very way to endure not having all the world calls important. Using faith to reach financial and popularity milestones is horribly wrong and a slap in the face of our Savior who gave His life for us.
Whether common men or kings; throughout the Bible are many tributes to those whose primary concern in this life was to please God through having faith in Him. For these people, faith was hardly a means to getting more but rather the very essence of Godliness and righteousness.
From the time Abel offered the preferred sacrifice through faith to time which lies ahead when those who stand firm in their faith will both suffer and be glorified; faith represents the most important thing to these people and their very reason for living. Only those with impure hearts and motive would dare use faith for selfish gain.
I see within Christianity a mentality of entitlement. They feel entitled to some kind of materialistic abundant life strictly because of their faith. Personally, I believe this is all wrong and in fact, backwards from the way it should be. Instead of living with the mistaken notion we deserve anything but death, we should live with the deepest appreciation and gratitude that we have been spared from the horrors brought on by sin.
A lion, bear or other wild animal can be trained to perform tricks by giving a treat for doing things right. Although many people do the same thing with dogs, it really is not necessary for by nature, a dog s response to love is the desire to please and be a blessing. Of course a dog fully expects to be fed and occasional given treats, but the greatest reward comes in loving pats and tender words given by the master. This is what a dog lives for.
Our faith is what pulls us through the hard times and gives us hope of eternal reward. Our love for our Master is what motivates us to serve and obey Him and His tender mercies and grace sustains us.
Whether common men or kings; throughout the Bible are many tributes to those whose primary concern in this life was to please God through having faith in Him. For these people, faith was hardly a means to getting more but rather the very essence of Godliness and righteousness.
From the time Abel offered the preferred sacrifice through faith to time which lies ahead when those who stand firm in their faith will both suffer and be glorified; faith represents the most important thing to these people and their very reason for living. Only those with impure hearts and motive would dare use faith for selfish gain.
I see within Christianity a mentality of entitlement. They feel entitled to some kind of materialistic abundant life strictly because of their faith. Personally, I believe this is all wrong and in fact, backwards from the way it should be. Instead of living with the mistaken notion we deserve anything but death, we should live with the deepest appreciation and gratitude that we have been spared from the horrors brought on by sin.
A lion, bear or other wild animal can be trained to perform tricks by giving a treat for doing things right. Although many people do the same thing with dogs, it really is not necessary for by nature, a dog s response to love is the desire to please and be a blessing. Of course a dog fully expects to be fed and occasional given treats, but the greatest reward comes in loving pats and tender words given by the master. This is what a dog lives for.
Our faith is what pulls us through the hard times and gives us hope of eternal reward. Our love for our Master is what motivates us to serve and obey Him and His tender mercies and grace sustains us.
