This was originally my response to another topic. I however thought this would make a really good topic in itself. Please keep in mind I pass judgment on no one, this is only personal observations of a hand full I have encountered.
I do think it is a great Christian challenge. I know I have enjoyed the attempts to defeat this part of me. Maybe you will too?!
All opinions are welcomed ...
I am willing to take the negative feedback, in order to open a path to conversation ...
Topic: Do we do good deeds to help or for recognition?
I struggle with it as well, that is why I am non-denominational. I recall the Bible telling the story of the Sabbath. The Lord himself spoke and told the people to eat forbidden foods on this day. The people so wrapped in their customs even questioned the Lord? The one they worshipped. I felt there was a great lesson in that scripture. I feel it tells us never to forget who we worship and why we worship in our hearts. It is only God that can see into our hearts and that tells me regardless of words and actions. Our faith is always a very personal one.
The problems I have found with denominational churches is people seem more interested in proving their faith to each other. Shining above all others, the faith becomes a competition. I just feel in my heart the scorn of the Lord, against this practice.
I was not impressed to hear women gossiping about other women's personal lives and attire. I was not impressed with elders in pressed suites pointing out all the goodness they do, as if to compete with one another. I just wasn't impressed by these behaviors because I felt they were toxic and hurtful to the congregation as a whole. Too many Christians ignore this negative behavior and should speak out more about this. People should be willing to stand on the edge and look down, knowing how high they can fall, by simply saying "this is no social club or a way to impress, holding yourself up high above others." My motto is to do good things and never to speak of it again. It is hard, try it. It reveals a lot about our nature, are we doing good deeds for others, or in our hearts are we looking for recognition.
I challenge everyone to try this, it can reveal so much and be so helpful in how we all deal with people. Do something great for someone and never speak of it again. I have not perfected this, probably never will, especially with my husband ... I am always pointing out every great thing I do for him ::giggle:: ... but it is a spiritual test that opens your eyes to a whole new world.
Mrs Michelle
I do think it is a great Christian challenge. I know I have enjoyed the attempts to defeat this part of me. Maybe you will too?!
All opinions are welcomed ...
I am willing to take the negative feedback, in order to open a path to conversation ...
Topic: Do we do good deeds to help or for recognition?
burrow_owl said:
I struggle with it as well, that is why I am non-denominational. I recall the Bible telling the story of the Sabbath. The Lord himself spoke and told the people to eat forbidden foods on this day. The people so wrapped in their customs even questioned the Lord? The one they worshipped. I felt there was a great lesson in that scripture. I feel it tells us never to forget who we worship and why we worship in our hearts. It is only God that can see into our hearts and that tells me regardless of words and actions. Our faith is always a very personal one.
The problems I have found with denominational churches is people seem more interested in proving their faith to each other. Shining above all others, the faith becomes a competition. I just feel in my heart the scorn of the Lord, against this practice.
I was not impressed to hear women gossiping about other women's personal lives and attire. I was not impressed with elders in pressed suites pointing out all the goodness they do, as if to compete with one another. I just wasn't impressed by these behaviors because I felt they were toxic and hurtful to the congregation as a whole. Too many Christians ignore this negative behavior and should speak out more about this. People should be willing to stand on the edge and look down, knowing how high they can fall, by simply saying "this is no social club or a way to impress, holding yourself up high above others." My motto is to do good things and never to speak of it again. It is hard, try it. It reveals a lot about our nature, are we doing good deeds for others, or in our hearts are we looking for recognition.
I challenge everyone to try this, it can reveal so much and be so helpful in how we all deal with people. Do something great for someone and never speak of it again. I have not perfected this, probably never will, especially with my husband ... I am always pointing out every great thing I do for him ::giggle:: ... but it is a spiritual test that opens your eyes to a whole new world.
Mrs Michelle
