What is most important to God? (see details)?

Question

One thing that really bothers me is people who claim to be proper, good, Christians, simply because they attent church regularly. During the week, they are selfish, greedy, rude, and egotistical. They look down on those of slighly different religions (even other branches of Christianity). There is a certain branch of Christianity that is becomming more and more predominant in my neighborhood. They follow strict rules that, to me, seem to have nothing to do with God. For example: they cannot wear makeup or jewelry, they dress very conservatively, they cannot watch television or listen to the radio, and they are not permitted to use birth control. I dont mind if they make those decisions and live in that way, but I dont understand why, just because they follow these "rules", they believe they can look down on those who dont, and declare themselvs superior. I believe in God, but I think that He values acceptance, kindness, helpfullness, cooperation, etc...things that these people lack.

In response to the answer given by ThatGuy:

A large number of them do, in fact, declare themselves superior. All throughout elementary school, I was cornered on the play ground by children of these families, and they would taunt and tease me, saying that i was going to hell for watching tv, etc. In middle school and high school, the students of that religion would stick together in cliques and belittle those who didnt dress like them, or didnt attend their church. Its one thing to be cruel and closeminded. But to use God as a threat? Thats ridiculous.

Answer 1

This is what the Bible says.. and I think this is what is important to God.. thou shalt love the LORD thy God
with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul,
and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 6:5

But I also think that people that have a Holier than thou attitude do not love God like they profess. We are to love all God's people even if we disagree with their lifestyles.. We are to pray for them, and never do anything to cause them to fine fault with us or God's way of life.

Answer 2

Do they actually declare themselves superior, or is that just how you feel?

I tend to take the approach that I can never change anyone else, so the best I can do is change myself to accept them. Of course, this does not hold true for criminals and such.

I'm a vegetarian, and people often think that I feel that I am "Better than them" when I say I can't eat this or that. I never said (and don't even believe) I am better, but this is how some interpret my choice.

Why? These are questions to ask ourselves, about ourselves, and not about others.

I'm guilty too, so let's both try together.

Answer 3

It's difficult to suss out, isn't it? The bible presents him as being rather schizophrenic, concerned about miniscule details but not really involved in huge, sweeping important issues. There's enough talk about what two consenting adults shouldn't do with each other when they're naked, but there's no blueprint for creating peace. Usually, he's more concerned with genocide.

I think that what god finds most important is what you find most important. People use god to fit their own preconceived notions of the world and will just twist him to fit their own needs and ambitions. Note that this doesn't matter whether he actually exists or not. In terms of the people in your neighborhood, I would guess that they are disturbed by the perceived moral fall of this nation and blame it on modernization. This is a pretty common human view.

Of course, you're doing the same thing; the values you find important are acceptance, kindness, etc. And there's nothing wrong with this, necessarily. Though, it might be important to realize that god isn't a part of this. These notions come from you. Doesn't degrade them in any way.

And, for the Conan fans out there, this is what god finds important: "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."

Answer 4

Jesus said that there are none good but the Father. Man has always tried to make he's ways superior to Gods way, but from the beginning until now he has failed every time. Just listen to your heart and to the word of God and you'll be just fine. There were hypocrites back then and there are hypocrites today. Look too the Lord and not to man; because man will always let you down. God Bless......

Answer 5

I am sure God would be just as disappointed in them as he is with you and I. We are no more or less imperfect in His eyes. The need to follow rules that show on the outside is a human idea, not Gods. I understand exactly what your talking about.

Answer 6

Being obedient to God, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. And certainly not being judgmental of others choices or ideas. One can disagree with the way another chooses to practice their religion. However, we should not judge it to be right or wrong. For God is will be the true and final judge. God bless****

Answer 7

DO NOT JUDGE CHRISTIANITY BY LOOKING AT CHRISTIANS! Look at Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only by looking at Him will you find NO FAULT. None whatsoever. It saddens me that so many people turn from God because of their bad experiences with Christians, or from false teachings that some Christians teach/practice! Read the Bible if you want to see the truth! Advice is great by pastors and scholars, but only the Bible gives you the truth, UNALTERED. Quit judging people, rather look at Christ. He's the only one who won't ever ever ever ever ever... lie or misinterpret. Tough idea to get used too, but it's true.

Answer 8

I go to such a Church (except maybe birth control).

The main thing is to get people to know that they are sinners and that God loves them and is willing to forgive them and help them.
We need to get people to grow in their faith and love, and then they will be in a place that they will do what it takes to get closer to God.

Answer 9

2 Peter 1:5-9---And besides this giving all diligence add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness love, For if these things be in you and abound they make you that ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ but he that LACKETH these things is blind and can not see afar off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Galatians 5:22,23------------The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy , peace,longsuffering, gentleness,goodness, faith , meekness and temperance against such there is no law.

Member of the Church of Christ in Pa.

KJV

Answer 10

Being in church doesn't make you a Christian; anymore than being in a garage makes you a car. - Unknown author