I have been reading The Pilgrims Progress again and just finished a section concerning a group of men following Christian and Hopeful on the way . They had a conversation concerning if one could use religion to gain favor with men and the world . Using , God if you will to better their standing and financial ends . For a Preacher to accommodate the message so his audiences would increase and there by gain a fatter pocket book to boot.After a bit of tongue wagging ,the group all agreed that this was both a good thing and still a honest endeavor.
Calling out to Christian and Hopeful , who had parted from one of them earlier(rightly so as well) , this group wanted his view on the matter. Christian wasted no time in rebuking this notion of using God for your advantage.Citing numerous examples Hamor and Shecham who circumcised themselves because they coveted Jacobs daughters, the Pharisee's long prayers and posturing to gain widow's houses and esteem,Judas and his desire to control the money purse and Simon the witch who wanted the power of the Holy Spirit for his own benefit . You can read all of these users of God and see how it worked out for them .Hint , it was not good.
In reality if we are honest all of us have been users of God at one time or another. Crying out to God saying just get me through this and I will do whatever . The classic have no time for God but then boom , along come trouble and then your all over God . These are bad and we need to repent of this type but the more insidious using of Jesus is for personal gain .
It can come into two major flavors. The first is adopting Jesus to suit the audience you happen to be around. Taking off the cutting razor sharp edges of the gospel so you don't get into trouble or look like a fool . So your Jesus is open to other religions , is loving to all and just wants us to be compassionate. Forget about the cross, hell ,wrath ,sin and any of those other controversial things. This way you will look progressive ,with it and fit right in.
The next is the heretical prosperity style of Gospel that God wants you healthy and wealthy. Just use Jesus as a heavenly Genie or Santa Claus. Name it and claim it . You can have your best life right now . No suffering , no cross bearing.Tap into the divine and before you know it you will have that BMW,cottage on the lake and a bank account that will be bulging.
The reason we should come to Jesus is because of what He did for us , who He is and His love shown towards us that while we were yet sinners , He died for us. He is God in the flesh , He cannot be used . He is to be our reward,our treasure ,our joy ,our peace to the glory of the Father. Then we will be slaves for Christ and our hearts cry will not to be users but our call will be , use me Lord for your glory.
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Much apologies, for being so behind in my comments. The old back just couldn't handle sitting, this week. Now that it's better, I shall endeavour to play catch up.
Aahhhh, the "Dear Santa God" people. It's easy to point the finger at them. But, we must also examine our own hearts that we are desiring after God's glory, not feeding our own greedy desires. At the same time, not to feel we can't ask Him for our daily needs for fear that He has better things to do. To realize that God, in his wisdom, has the right to say, "No".
May our hearts always be towards His glory. If we have doubts and worries about keeping a righteous balance, I know that I do, to read Matthew 6. Trust me, it will strengthen you. Love you, Mrs Reg
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