How do I become great in the kingdom of heaven?

DawnStar said:

Well now I know the reason many Christians do not make much emphasis in feeding the poor. They believe spiritual food is a good substitution. I guess we should just let them starve if we cannot feed them without preaching our own version of Christianity at them.

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First comes substance of life, followed by the spiritual. One is not substitute for the other.

Steve Petersen said:

Wouldn't matter to whom?

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Motives matter, no?

~Cassia~ said:

Motives matter, no?

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Who do they matter to? It is a simple question.

~Cassia~ said:

It just wouldn't matter if your motive was not right.

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And what if your motive is compassion? Do only Christians possess compassion? It appears to me that many Christians motives for feeding the poor is merely so they can preach at them. Not because they have genuine compassion for them.

Steve Petersen said:

So God would rather you didn't feed people unless your motive is right.

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Not what I am saying at all. I believe that the Lord approves when non-believers feed the poor out of love. But as Christians who are supposed to put Him first, and walk in His Spirit, I know that He would much rather we spend some time with Him learning His Truth, being equipped for good works, so we can live for Him, instead of just going our own way and doing what makes us feel good.

It's not like Jesus isn't going to lead us into doing the good works that He has commanded us to do, but He wants us to do them with Him, for the sake of the Gospel. Why waste our time doing something on our own, when we can do the same works and spreading the Good News at the same time?

DawnStar said:

And what if your motive is compassion? Do only Christians possess compassion? It appears to me that many Christians motives for feeding the poor is merely so they can preach at them. Not because they have genuine compassion for them.

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We preach because we have compassion. Otherwise we would be silent.

DawnStar said:

And what if your motive is compassion? Do only Christians possess compassion? It appears to me that many Christians motives for feeding the poor is merely so they can preach at them. Not because they have genuine compassion for them.

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The answer to both of the questions is love of God is the motivator that receives rewards by doing to the least of them it's done to Christ. That's the nature that is foremost even in unbelievers because they too are w/o excuse having seen His handiwork all around.

Steve Petersen said:

Who do they matter to? It is a simple question.

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~Cassia~ said:

The answer to both of the questions is love of God is the motivator that receives rewards by doing to the least of them it's done to Christ. That's the nature that is foremost even in unbelievers because they too are w/o excuse having seen His handiwork all around.

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Gene Kelly Donald Oconnor GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Matthew 25
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Strange I do not see anything in there about "being a non-believer and you did not preach to me."

Steve Petersen said:

Gene Kelly Donald Oconnor GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

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You have your own song and dance Steve

mmbattlestar said:

Okay so I admit it. I'm lazy. I'm REALLY lazy. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven but I do virtually nothing for the Lord. Sure I donate money. A lot of it. In fact I went into a over $5,000 debt giving money to charity. That's a lot of money for someone who lives on ssi and only makes $750 a month. But I'm generally a giving person. But that's about all I do for the Lord. I don't go to church (don't have a car), I mostly just spend my days playing inane video games and watching TV. Fooling myself into believing that helping people on an online game counts as good works. And providing for my wife counts as good works. It probably doesn't. Christ will probably laugh at me for thinking that those count as good works. Tbch? I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my "good works" aren't being noticed by God and that they aren't good enough.Who it matters the most. I'm afraid that I will stand before Christ on judgement day ashamed and crying because I could hamve had so many things but instead I have nothing and I don't get to sit on Jesus's right or left. Something I've want more than anything. No, my "good works" will probabmy be burned up because I don't give enough to charity and what little effort I put into wanting to make God happy just isn't enough. Instead I get absolutely nothing. I've prayed many times for God to lead me into every good work that he wants me to do. But ive gotten no reply. I try to have faith that he IS leading me into every reward that I'm going to get and I won't lose a single reward but tbch? I don't believe that. I'm in desperate need of help and friends. I don't even care if my friends are online. I'm lonely and I just want friends.

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^^^^ one of the most honest posts i ve seen

dont give up
stay with your soul - your very core

..you condamn you , already -- He knows , and doesnt

because i can see you have 'an Attribute'
as an aspect, a theme , you will conquer .

mmbattlestar said:

Okay so I admit it. I'm lazy. I'm REALLY lazy. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven but I do virtually nothing for the Lord. Sure I donate money. A lot of it. In fact I went into a over $5,000 debt giving money to charity. That's a lot of money for someone who lives on ssi and only makes $750 a month. But I'm generally a giving person. But that's about all I do for the Lord. I don't go to church (don't have a car), I mostly just spend my days playing inane video games and watching TV. Fooling myself into believing that helping people on an online game counts as good works. And providing for my wife counts as good works. It probably doesn't. Christ will probably laugh at me for thinking that those count as good works. Tbch? I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my "good works" aren't being noticed by God and that they aren't good enough.Who it matters the most. I'm afraid that I will stand before Christ on judgement day ashamed and crying because I could hamve had so many things but instead I have nothing and I don't get to sit on Jesus's right or left. Something I've want more than anything. No, my "good works" will probabmy be burned up because I don't give enough to charity and what little effort I put into wanting to make God happy just isn't enough. Instead I get absolutely nothing. I've prayed many times for God to lead me into every good work that he wants me to do. But ive gotten no reply. I try to have faith that he IS leading me into every reward that I'm going to get and I won't lose a single reward but tbch? I don't believe that. I'm in desperate need of help and friends. I don't even care if my friends are online. I'm lonely and I just want friends.

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I've been a lot like this for a long time, except it's not quite right to say I'm lazy. It's more accurate to say I have clinical depression. There are many symptoms of depression, of which feeling "down" is only one.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (bold mine, John 15:1-5, 1984 NIV)

You are worried about a great many things, but only one thing is needed.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ... “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (bold mine, Luke 10:39,41-42, 1984 NIV)

If you can manage to spend almost daily time reading the Bible, talking to God (aka worshiping and praying), and trying to be obedient in everything, then you will certainly be abiding in him. If you have trouble praying very long, then find out what is going on in other people's lives and pray for them (and salvation for everyone you can think of). If you do all those things, then the Lord will guide you into what he wants you to do. You'd be amazed at how many people really just need to focus on Jesus for the foreseeable future, rather than trying to do "good deeds."

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13, 1984 NIV)

If you have been maintaining the spiritual disciplines I mentioned above, then you are probably exactly where the Lord wants you regarding good works. Do not worry about it. As for having friends, you do have to make an effort, but try to figure out how you can do it doing something you already enjoy. You may feel a strong need for deep friendship (from your God-shaped vacuum), but you can't make that happen; that's up to God. However, if you can just be acquaintances with people that share a mutual interest, you will be moving forward. You can attend a fellowship-oriented Bible study (or two). If it's hard to make yourself go, then figure out how to introduce "sharing good food" to that group.

mmbattlestar said:

Okay so I admit it. I'm lazy. I'm REALLY lazy. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven but I do virtually nothing for the Lord. Sure I donate money. A lot of it. In fact I went into a over $5,000 debt giving money to charity. That's a lot of money for someone who lives on ssi and only makes $750 a month. But I'm generally a giving person. But that's about all I do for the Lord. I don't go to church (don't have a car), I mostly just spend my days playing inane video games and watching TV. Fooling myself into believing that helping people on an online game counts as good works. And providing for my wife counts as good works. It probably doesn't. Christ will probably laugh at me for thinking that those count as good works. Tbch? I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my "good works" aren't being noticed by God and that they aren't good enough.Who it matters the most. I'm afraid that I will stand before Christ on judgement day ashamed and crying because I could hamve had so many things but instead I have nothing and I don't get to sit on Jesus's right or left. Something I've want more than anything. No, my "good works" will probabmy be burned up because I don't give enough to charity and what little effort I put into wanting to make God happy just isn't enough. Instead I get absolutely nothing. I've prayed many times for God to lead me into every good work that he wants me to do. But ive gotten no reply. I try to have faith that he IS leading me into every reward that I'm going to get and I won't lose a single reward but tbch? I don't believe that. I'm in desperate need of help and friends. I don't even care if my friends are online. I'm lonely and I just want friends.

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John the Baptist was the greatest man. Nobody was like him but truly truly I tell you that the least in the kingdom of heaven will be greater than him Matthew 11:11
It doesn’t bother me if i m the least in heaven just as long as I’m there. I’m so sinful and losing my faith that I doubt I will make it. My fire for Jesus is gone out. I hope he leaves the flock to come find me

Jonathan Leo said:

My fire for Jesus is gone out. I hope he leaves the flock to come find me

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Ask Him to come find you! I bet He is knocking waiting for you to let Him back into your heart.

Read the parable of the talents. Especially this bit:

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

I am lazy myself. It is painful to push myself to be diligent. Alone it is impossible, but with Lord everything is possible. Remember, from nothing comes nothing.

mmbattlestar said:

Okay so I admit it. I'm lazy. I'm REALLY lazy. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven but I do virtually nothing for the Lord. Sure I donate money. A lot of it. In fact I went into a over $5,000 debt giving money to charity. That's a lot of money for someone who lives on ssi and only makes $750 a month. But I'm generally a giving person. But that's about all I do for the Lord. I don't go to church (don't have a car), I mostly just spend my days playing inane video games and watching TV. Fooling myself into believing that helping people on an online game counts as good works. And providing for my wife counts as good works. It probably doesn't. Christ will probably laugh at me for thinking that those count as good works. Tbch? I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my "good works" aren't being noticed by God and that they aren't good enough.Who it matters the most. I'm afraid that I will stand before Christ on judgement day ashamed and crying because I could hamve had so many things but instead I have nothing and I don't get to sit on Jesus's right or left. Something I've want more than anything. No, my "good works" will probabmy be burned up because I don't give enough to charity and what little effort I put into wanting to make God happy just isn't enough. Instead I get absolutely nothing. I've prayed many times for God to lead me into every good work that he wants me to do. But ive gotten no reply. I try to have faith that he IS leading me into every reward that I'm going to get and I won't lose a single reward but tbch? I don't believe that. I'm in desperate need of help and friends. I don't even care if my friends are online. I'm lonely and I just want friends.

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Benjamin Franklin advised people to stay out of debt. He also described a problem as bad as wasting money, that is wasting time. Should one spend time educating oneself? For all the time spent watching TV, one might acquire a knowledge of the Gospels, scriptures, famous sermons etc. One might learn medical knowledge, home repairs, a foreign language, or anything useful.

"Lost time is never found again." Benjamin Franklin.

Luke 9:62 (WEB) But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

mmbattlestar said:

Okay so I admit it. I'm lazy. I'm REALLY lazy. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven but I do virtually nothing for the Lord. Sure I donate money. A lot of it. In fact I went into a over $5,000 debt giving money to charity. That's a lot of money for someone who lives on ssi and only makes $750 a month. But I'm generally a giving person. But that's about all I do for the Lord. I don't go to church (don't have a car), I mostly just spend my days playing inane video games and watching TV. Fooling myself into believing that helping people on an online game counts as good works. And providing for my wife counts as good works. It probably doesn't. Christ will probably laugh at me for thinking that those count as good works. Tbch? I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my "good works" aren't being noticed by God and that they aren't good enough.Who it matters the most. I'm afraid that I will stand before Christ on judgement day ashamed and crying because I could hamve had so many things but instead I have nothing and I don't get to sit on Jesus's right or left. Something I've want more than anything. No, my "good works" will probabmy be burned up because I don't give enough to charity and what little effort I put into wanting to make God happy just isn't enough. Instead I get absolutely nothing. I've prayed many times for God to lead me into every good work that he wants me to do. But ive gotten no reply. I try to have faith that he IS leading me into every reward that I'm going to get and I won't lose a single reward but tbch? I don't believe that. I'm in desperate need of help and friends. I don't even care if my friends are online. I'm lonely and I just want friends.

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But have you really wanted to be seated beside Jesus MORE than being lazy and playing video games?

mmbattlestar said:

Okay so I admit it. I'm lazy. I'm REALLY lazy. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven but I do virtually nothing for the Lord. Sure I donate money. A lot of it. In fact I went into a over $5,000 debt giving money to charity. That's a lot of money for someone who lives on ssi and only makes $750 a month. But I'm generally a giving person. But that's about all I do for the Lord. I don't go to church (don't have a car), I mostly just spend my days playing inane video games and watching TV. Fooling myself into believing that helping people on an online game counts as good works. And providing for my wife counts as good works. It probably doesn't. Christ will probably laugh at me for thinking that those count as good works. Tbch? I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my "good works" aren't being noticed by God and that they aren't good enough.Who it matters the most. I'm afraid that I will stand before Christ on judgement day ashamed and crying because I could hamve had so many things but instead I have nothing and I don't get to sit on Jesus's right or left. Something I've want more than anything. No, my "good works" will probabmy be burned up because I don't give enough to charity and what little effort I put into wanting to make God happy just isn't enough. Instead I get absolutely nothing. I've prayed many times for God to lead me into every good work that he wants me to do. But ive gotten no reply. I try to have faith that he IS leading me into every reward that I'm going to get and I won't lose a single reward but tbch? I don't believe that. I'm in desperate need of help and friends. I don't even care if my friends are online. I'm lonely and I just want friends.

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If you think your rewards are based upon all that you wrote, you will be a pauper in the kingdom for sure. However, you are not. Our rewards are based upon our responsiveness to the leading of His Spirit. If the Spirit is not leading you, do not be concerned. If you see something good to do without a sense of the Spirit prompting you, you can still do it. Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He saved us to we can enjoy being alive with Him and with others. Life is not a destination, but a journey and process. Enjoy the journey with the Lord and others.

Isn't love supposed to be the reason we do anything for anyone? Since when is loving God and loving others about getting rewarded? Doing something for someone with the goal of getting rewarded is wages at best, and selfishness at worst. Salvation isn't earned ... it's a gift. Our love response to that gift is what (should) produce the desire to honor God and show his love to others, not the hope of a reward. If love isn't the motivator, we are simply a hireling, not an heir. Only children of God will inherit the Kingdom of God. When the prodigal son came home asking to be a servant, working for his room and board, the father assured him his status was that of a son. We are children of God, not paid servants.