How can man keep his whole body in check (James 3:2 NIV) -- beat his body to make it his slave (1 Cor 9:27 NIV) -- put to death all his earthly nature (Col 3:5 NIV) -- and "...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5 NIV) ???
From the perspective of the people of the Nations, these biblical statements embody rigid extremism in its ultimate form. Yet, these verses of scripture represent core spiritual concepts!
Is the original New Covenant teachings the embodiment of such extremism, as our liberal thinkers would reason today?
2007-04-12 10:21:21 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think on the day of Judgment we will know how our idle words have affected those we spoke them to. I believe the purpose of that statement is to cause us to think before we speak, and make amends where we have spoken amiss.
The goal of the other scriptures you have listed is that we learn self-control and responsibility. That we have ownership in what we do, and that we don't blame others (or our circumstances) for our actions.
I don't see that as extremism.
2007-04-12 10:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by Contemplative Chanteuse IDK TIRH 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good question, but NOT the ISSUE! We are not judged by anything but whether or not we Accept Christ Period!!! On the other hand we are told to "Store up our treasuer in Heaven..." that is to say, the things of this world can't be taken with us so work to receive the Rewards available in Heaven! The O.T. was all about the Law & is refered to as a Covenant between God & man that no one could ever keep! But Christ brought a New Covenant to the world & when pressed by the "Holy Leaders" of the day, broke it down for them when they asked which "Law" is the greatest??? HE said; "You shall Love the Lord your God with all your Heart, and with all your Soul and with all your Mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall Love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and Prophets." (Mat. 22:37-40) I would warn against utilizing "Mans (nations ref.) Perspective" for establishing "Norms & Standards" in Ur Spiritual Life, for mans ways & thoughts are "Foolishness to God"!!!
(I Corinthians 3:18-20) Mans evil heart is always extreme when it tries to discredit Scripture for mans own twisted purpose!!! John
2007-04-12 10:54:58 · answer #2 · answered by moosemose 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Every idle word is a word that does not have any useful thought to help the world go to a direction it was meant to be. Instead, it divert its course that sometimes lead to destruction of thought or misdirection to a good intention.
How many words have you said in your lifetime did you think helped a man to be happy and how many words have you said out of your mouth that brought lonelines or misery to the listener? Isn't it that many words from our nations leaders from the past and to the present caused a feud between nations and often times families are divided by words we say, forgot to say, unable to say or does not want to say.
2007-04-12 10:36:16 · answer #3 · answered by Rallie Florencio C 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The greatest "wisdom" of modern man is foolishness to God. God is sooooooooooooo far more advanced then humans will ever be.
2007-04-12 10:29:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must isolate yourself. Try moving into a cave high in the Himalayas. Give up speech. Stop thinking.
2007-04-12 10:29:01 · answer #5 · answered by mythos_equidae 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The way the listener reacts.
2007-04-14 23:09:07 · answer #6 · answered by Poet 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." "
Matthew 19:26
You must be born again.
2007-04-12 10:29:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋