I need to think outloud, I really do.Even more so fo the fact that many times when i write that, I've pretty sort it out but with only a few loose ends- in this case I'm mostly trying to pull it all together in a cohesive mental statement.
Just in case this is being read I should start out by saying ths in is no means a slam or condemnation of churches, or- "the Christian church". It's not fuel for anyone ones hateful rant (open or veiled) against Christianity (or organized religion for that matter). I don't think it can honestly be used to prove the infamous quote- "Christians are a bunch of hypocrites".
I just read something from a blog about how "all of humaniy is flawed- that's why we all need a savior". And, when it comes down to it the main reason for Christianity isn't about self-help (or God based) personal transformation- although it's a key part, the main point is about being able to have a close relationship with the creator of the universe (and of us).
Personal transformation must be occuring, if conversion towards God took place- and the Holy Spirit has come to indwell. Yet, much is a process, and is yet to be fully completed till Heaven.
So then what is the difference relationally between people, is there a character difference between the saved and unsaved?
There should be a behavioral one, a lifestyle change. Quite a few won't appreciate that or see the vaule in it. Such as, what's wrong with getting drunk (as long as you don't drive) what's wrong with sex outside of marriage, what's wrong with practicing homosexuality, everybody lies once an awhile it's ok, swearing doesn't matter everybody does it, how does it hurt anyone if you watch porn etc. etc.
Speaking as someone who's thinking\perspective has changed- the standard by which to judge what is right or wrong is- the Bible (God speaking to us and telling us HImself). Before i figured "who cares, who has the right to judge, who has the right to tell me and decide for me what is right or not, I should decide for myself ha is anyone else better as a human being than me, any more worthy?" If we all have worth and all are human- why should I listen to your laws?
Then I seriously considered, faced and understood it's only logical that the one who created us, who created all things who is above all and perfect in power, knowledge and character- a being such as this does have to right to tell me- (the small in comparion created being) what is right or not (and anything else).
I realized that is inherit in the term "God" so if I truely believed in such a thing- I had to respond fittingly.
I think character differences go deeper and take longer to change than some behavioral ones. Funny, although many have difference of opinion on what are "right behaviors", ideas of "good" character seem pretty universal. People globally pretty much can spot and agree on things like cruelty, kindness,patience, forgiveness, rage,mercy, joy,gentleness, gossip-or rather not gossiping or back-stabbing people, honesty. I think "peace" is a harder one and maybe joy (because people often confuse it with hapiness).
Of course though most of this is understood (like by conscience) if we fall short, deficiencies in these are excused and justified..."well generally it's good to be honest-but there are times when it's ok to lie, it's understandable not to forgive in that case, this person deserves to be treated that way or doesn't deserve mercy, I know it's wrong to gossip but oh well- or this isn't reallt gossiping"...
That connects me to what I have to sort out.
Just in case this is being read I should start out by saying ths in is no means a slam or condemnation of churches, or- "the Christian church". It's not fuel for anyone ones hateful rant (open or veiled) against Christianity (or organized religion for that matter). I don't think it can honestly be used to prove the infamous quote- "Christians are a bunch of hypocrites".
I just read something from a blog about how "all of humaniy is flawed- that's why we all need a savior". And, when it comes down to it the main reason for Christianity isn't about self-help (or God based) personal transformation- although it's a key part, the main point is about being able to have a close relationship with the creator of the universe (and of us).
Personal transformation must be occuring, if conversion towards God took place- and the Holy Spirit has come to indwell. Yet, much is a process, and is yet to be fully completed till Heaven.
So then what is the difference relationally between people, is there a character difference between the saved and unsaved?
There should be a behavioral one, a lifestyle change. Quite a few won't appreciate that or see the vaule in it. Such as, what's wrong with getting drunk (as long as you don't drive) what's wrong with sex outside of marriage, what's wrong with practicing homosexuality, everybody lies once an awhile it's ok, swearing doesn't matter everybody does it, how does it hurt anyone if you watch porn etc. etc.
Speaking as someone who's thinking\perspective has changed- the standard by which to judge what is right or wrong is- the Bible (God speaking to us and telling us HImself). Before i figured "who cares, who has the right to judge, who has the right to tell me and decide for me what is right or not, I should decide for myself ha is anyone else better as a human being than me, any more worthy?" If we all have worth and all are human- why should I listen to your laws?
Then I seriously considered, faced and understood it's only logical that the one who created us, who created all things who is above all and perfect in power, knowledge and character- a being such as this does have to right to tell me- (the small in comparion created being) what is right or not (and anything else).
I realized that is inherit in the term "God" so if I truely believed in such a thing- I had to respond fittingly.
I think character differences go deeper and take longer to change than some behavioral ones. Funny, although many have difference of opinion on what are "right behaviors", ideas of "good" character seem pretty universal. People globally pretty much can spot and agree on things like cruelty, kindness,patience, forgiveness, rage,mercy, joy,gentleness, gossip-or rather not gossiping or back-stabbing people, honesty. I think "peace" is a harder one and maybe joy (because people often confuse it with hapiness).
Of course though most of this is understood (like by conscience) if we fall short, deficiencies in these are excused and justified..."well generally it's good to be honest-but there are times when it's ok to lie, it's understandable not to forgive in that case, this person deserves to be treated that way or doesn't deserve mercy, I know it's wrong to gossip but oh well- or this isn't reallt gossiping"...
That connects me to what I have to sort out.
