Subject: to serve god |
Bible Note: Al, I have been reading your posts these past few days, and I would like to comment on your answer. I am not demeaning the sacrifice of those persons who live in this way, but were not the Pharisees the same? They were more "religious" than any other group, (and in fact, Paul was probably a Pharisee before his Damascus Road experience), but we are saved not by our works, but by faith ("For by grace are ye saved though faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8). The question is this: Do we have a personal relationship with Jesus? Yes, we are to pray to God, we are commanded to pray, God wants us to communicate with Him and to have a personal relationship with Him, but I do not believe He wants us to spend our entire life in this manner. "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psalm 51:16-17). To serve God is to serve man. We must go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature; we must let love be our banner as we live a life that is pleasing to God, as we live it out before our fellow man. "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16) I do not believe God is pleased with those who hide themselves away, sacrificing their lives for prayers and oblations unto God. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." (I Corinthians 13:1). I believe God wants us to live life abundantly--and to show forth his love to all mankind. That is to serve God. "Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." James 2:17 and 18. Thank you. Because of Him, Janae |