It's an interesting question - we heard a sermon on sunday and part of it was that most American Christians are educated in what the bible teaches, yet they do not practice what they know to be true. They can debate you on intricate biblical issues, but they do not practice even the simplest points in their own life.
So what do you think - are you educated beyond your level of obedience? If so, can I have an example?
One that comes to mind for myself immedately is "pray without ceasing" - I know I don't do that, but how much peace of mind would I have if I never severed my connection with the Lord?
2006-10-02 15:47:19 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I wanted to answer your question via email, Phil but your address isn't confirmed - email me if you want to hear what I had to say ;)
2006-10-02 16:14:48 · update #1
it might have been hard to pay attention in school if you were too busy praying while your teacher was trying to give a lecture.
the problem with religion is that most religious people don't take it as a personal spiritual commitment. Its a very showy, social thing. Go to church, pray out loud, shout "amen" to the Lord. Its all about proving how good and moral you are. That's why they can quote scripture and debate fine points of theology. To show off.
If they just focused on the message, took it to heart, and lived it, quiety, with themselves only, they'd be happier, they'd be closer to God, and they'd stop bothering all the people they disagree with. Like me!
2006-10-02 15:53:20 · answer #1 · answered by Skippy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Anyone who believes in the Lord is already educated beyond his level of obedience because they would realize that without the Lord in your spirit we are able to sin just like anyone else, the key is we need to try to say in our spirits read John 4: 23-24 "But an hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truthfulness, for the Father also seeks such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truthfulness." We need to ask the Lord every day to wash us with His precious blood and have our daily sins be forgiven so we have a clear sky between us and the Lord and this is where you feel your spirit awaken.
2006-10-02 16:09:13 · answer #2 · answered by ckrug 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a good question, though I don't think your thesis matches your ultimate question.
The answer for me is, "sometimes".
When that happens, I back up and put the bible in context. For example, "Pray without ceasing" doesn't necessarily mean a constant mantra (God gave instructions against repeated phrases that don't mean anything.) What he most likely meant is to make prayer a regular part of our lives- keep communicating with God even when you don't feel like it, or feel that it's necessary.
Many Christians rely on their feelings instead of maintaining a solid relationship with God. I, myself am not always conscious of God (television and video games make that easy) but I struggle onward to be a better Christian.
And yes, our secular world makes demands on us that can easily lead us away from a godly life. Keep in mind that Christianity isn't about obedience though, it's about devotion.
2006-10-02 15:56:33 · answer #3 · answered by roberticvs 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isn't easy keeping everything in the Bible i do pray a lot and i have a lot of peace even in trouble times but you are also up against the enemy that will keep you from your prays or put doubt in your mind in doing the right thing and i have been praying hard about a decision i am making right now with my church and i am becoming a deacon there soon.
2006-10-02 15:54:30 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I find that God gets "themes" going in my life. It usually has to do with whatever sin or issue He wants to work on. It seems messages, Bible studies, situations all revolve around this "theme". It's like presently, He's working on spiritual warfare, envy & gossip and how it all ties together. While "we're" working on this, I find that He is pretty obvious about offering me a way out when I'm tempted to do the sin. Does that make sense?
2006-10-02 16:17:45 · answer #5 · answered by megmom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a good question and I think for some it's based on balance. I know that at times, when I felt very close to the Holy Spirit, I was attacked heavily by the Devil. Life is about balance. Men are sinners and will never be perfect. As in all other aspects of life, we do our best.
2006-10-02 15:51:21 · answer #6 · answered by intrigue899 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think a more interesting question is if you're obedient beyond your level of education. Have you thrown yourself into religion without really thinking about it? Have you ever looked at other religions to see if you're a better fit in one of them? Have you ever stopped obeying for a minute just to think about the meaning of your faith.
Just an skeptic's twist on your question.
2006-10-02 15:56:58 · answer #7 · answered by Phil 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that is very true. Christians do not always do what they are supposed to do. We are human beings, complete with all the frailties that staus brings.
2006-10-02 15:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by Tim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just imagine how much more peace of mind you would have if you would learn to think for yourself and stop being spoonfed horsecrap from some preacherman every Sunday.
2006-10-02 15:50:51 · answer #9 · answered by the master of truth 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋