The cycle of life; to breed and to feed.

[Xeno.of.athens]

Life is a difficult thing and it is especially difficult when it comes to the matter of reproduction. Among human beings reproduction involves a great many rules, some of the rules are laws, and it is also expensive - involving, as it does, feeding and educating one's offspring. So, is this how life is meant to be? A cycle of birth, growth, mating, feeding, and then death.

I took a picture of two parrots grazing on the top of the hedge in the front garden. It made me think of this matter.

 

[Unqualified]

In general.

 

[bling]

There is a ton of stuff you can learn by having a family.

 

[Clare73]

Life is a difficult thing and it is especially difficult when it comes to the matter of reproduction. Among human beings reproduction involves a great many rules, some of the rules are laws, and it is also expensive - involving, as it does, feeding and educating one's offspring. So, is this how life is meant to be? A cycle of birth, growth, mating, feeding, and then death.

I took a picture of two parrots grazing on the top of the hedge in the front garden. It made me think of this matter.
View attachment 328796

What a picture!

Yep, that's pretty much it since the fall of Adam.

However, Jesus has provided more for those who believe in, trust on and obey him.

 

[BobRyan]

Life is a difficult thing and it is especially difficult when it comes to the matter of reproduction. Among human beings reproduction involves a great many rules, some of the rules are laws, and it is also expensive - involving, as it does, feeding and educating one's offspring. So, is this how life is meant to be? A cycle of birth, growth, mating, feeding, and then death.

I took a picture of two parrots grazing on the top of the hedge in the front garden. It made me think of this matter.

Solomon said "All is vanity" -

But the long and short is - that we come into existence -- to accept the Gospel of our salvation in Jesus Christ and share it with as many as we can before we die.

Beyond that - nothing else really matters.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

What a picture!

Yep, that's pretty much it since the fall of Adam.

However, Jesus has provided more for those who believe in, trust on and obey him.

Do you think that they need to obey?

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Solomon said "All is vanity" -

But the long and short is - that we come into existence -- to accept the Gospel of our salvation in Jesus Christ and share it with as many as we can before we die.

Beyond that - nothing else really matters.

Surely the beauty and wonder of God's creation matters.

 

[FireDragon76]

I like to spend time in nature, too, and can understand seeing spiritual significance there. It is good to cultivate a "sympathy of things". I have this from time to time, but never knew what to call it until recently.

I believe this is what Jesus is talking about, in the Sermon on the Mount, about the lillies of the field, and what St. Francis also experienced.

It reminds me of this quote of the philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead:

in the Galilean origin of Christianity, yet another suggestion which does not fit in very well…. It does not emphasize the ruling Caesar, or the ruthless moralist, or the unmoved mover. It dwells upon the tender elements in the world, which slowly and in quietness operate by love, and it finds purpose in the present immediacy of a kingdom not of this world. Love neither rules, nor is it unmoved; also it is a little oblivious as to morals. it does not look to the future; for it finds its own reward in the immediate present.

 

[Clare73]

Do you think that they need to obey?

No works are required for salvation, but obedience is the Christian life of the saved.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

No works are required for salvation, but obedience is the Christian life of the saved.

Do you mean "works are not necessary, but they are desirable"

 

[Clare73]

Do you mean "works are not necessary, but they are desirable"

Wrong question. . .it's not a matter of law keeping, it's a matter of the heart.

Anyone not interested in the one rule which sums up the law: love of God and neighbor as self is not born again, saved by faith/not by works.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Wrong question. . .it's a matter of law keeping, it's a matter of the heart.

Anyone not interested in the one rule which sums up the law: love of God and neighbor as self is not born again, saved by faith/not by works.

I see, so when God says "to obey is better than sacrifice" he is talking about law, which law exactly?

 

[Clare73]

I see, so when God says "to obey is better than sacrifice" he is talking about law, which law exactly?

God required sacrifice.

Check out the context of the quote, it was in reference to sacrifices by insincere hearts of the disobedient.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

God required sacrifice.

Check out the context of the quote, it was in reference to sacrifices by insincere hearts of the disobedient.

I see, you're reluctant to state which law you intended when you wrote, "Wrong question. . .it's a matter of law keeping, it's a matter of the heart."

 

[Clare73]

I see, you're reluctant to state which law you intended when you wrote, "Wrong question. . .it's a matter of law keeping, it's a matter of the heart."

It's not a matter of law-keeping (Ro 13:8-9) which makes the question irrelevant.

Was the context of the Biblical statement regarding sacrifice helpful?

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

It's not a matter of law-keeping (Ro 13:8-9) which makes the question irrelevant.

Was the context of the Biblical statement regarding sacrifice helpful?

Pardon my confusion but now you say it isn't law keeping and before you wrote "it's a matter of law keeping,". Which do you intend?

 

[Clare73]

Pardon my confusion but now you say it isn't law keeping and before you wrote "it's a matter of law keeping,". Which do you intend?

That was a typo. . .it should have been "It's not a matter of law-keeping."