Growing up, my mother took me and my brothers and sisters to Sunday School and church every Sunday but even then, I remember when I was 9 years old and I thought of Jesus as a friendly, nice man that loved children especially and when my mother got mad at me or I felt like nobody liked me or felt bad, at night I would talk to Jesus because I KNEW that He loved all kids and that maybe He loved me too and He did not think that I was a bad person. With adult life came adult responsibilities but throughout the years, God has saved our lives so many times I lost count. I love Him and Jesus so much. At this point in my life, I want and need to be a better person because it feels good but in this world people take advantage and can be so mean and disrespectful and make you feel weak and stupid because you want to share, give, be friendly, try to be as Jesus told us to be and I am so tired now. It feels as if being good is for nothing and doubt is taken its place...
2007-05-16 17:09:42 · 15 answers · asked by phyllis_gene_levy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
God doesn't exist. Childhood indoctrination can be a powerful thing to overcome. Good luck on breaking free of that superstition.
That doubt you have is well founded. There is good reason for it.
2007-05-16 17:12:11 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Being good should be its own virtue...you walk with the pride and dignity of knowing that God has approved of your actions and that you are going by His will. I mean...let's say you're an abused wife or something, and you just recently gotten separated/divorced from your abusive husband. You have a lot of chances to get back at him but you hold your hand because you know it won't change the past, plus it doesn't make you a better person to go by "an eye for an eye".
I'm sure God will let you know...sometimes we do get tired but being faithful to God is never easy.
2007-05-17 00:14:44 · answer #2 · answered by parvastella22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to the advice of the believers Phyllis. Also remember that Jesus is our example and he surely must have experienced doubts during his mission with the disciples. To have them fight amongst themselves about who is the greatest between them. And who would get the best seat in heaven. Peter doubted Jesus at times, one when he tried to walk on water but lost faith and also during the trial. Some of Christ's words were hard even for other of Christ's disciples to understand that they left him during his earthly ministry.
How would God as a man feel to be surrounded by so much unbelief and negative energy that existed around him.
The secret to his strength was that Jesus prayed at night. He had constant contact with His Father in heaven. Also I am sure he meditated on God's words (The Old Testament) many times while praying also. So Jesus is our example. To pray to God every day and read and study his word.
And as others said go to your pastor or someone who you could mentor after. Or someone of longer faith than yours to get counsel from them. Don't get counsel from the ungodly who even reject or make fun of God.
In the end you are not wasting time. Anyone who lives their life for the Lord is never wasting their time. I really admire you for the years of faithfulness you have so far. Keep up the great work and God bless you.
2007-05-17 01:19:48 · answer #3 · answered by Uncle Remus 54 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We were put here to separate from the world, not to reform it. There is a Scripture that says to do everything as unto the Lord.
Share the Lord, give as unto the Lord, and be friendly as unto the Lord. Your actions should be on behalf of Him. I would remind you that being good, on your part, IS for nothing -- as there is none good save God.
If you are being good and being better because it feels good and it is 'you' sharing and 'you' giving and 'you' being friendly ---- well 'you' should be tired because 'you' have made it 'your' job; probably with the idea to make things better.
Get out of the kitchen Martha and learn to lean on Jesus.
As the little chorus goes: Learning to lean, learning to lean, I'm learning to lean on Jesus. Finding more strength, then I ever dreamed, I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
.
2007-05-17 01:09:36 · answer #4 · answered by Tommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally I think that being a good person is part of being a useful contribution to society - religious teachings aside - and I applaud your efforts to do so. That said, it is up to you not to be taken advantage of, we don't live in a perfect world and shouldn't expect to. Additionally, be confident in your positive attitude and actions and don't let people slight you by saying you shouldn't be doing what you are doing - stay the course. Also, listen to yourself, if you think you are going to far when you are trying to live up to someone else's standards, take a step back and evaluate what is really important to you and those you care most about.
Hope that helps
2007-05-17 00:20:53 · answer #5 · answered by Jason B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Phyliss, Satan's desire is to sift you like wheat, he wants doubt to creep into your life and cause division. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Jesus doesn't love you any less now that you are an adult than He did when you were a kid. Continue pursuing righteousness, the reason why it feels good is because it is a blessing that comes from the Lord. Who cares what others say, they don't have anything to do with your eternal salvation.
Blessings!
2007-05-17 00:20:38 · answer #6 · answered by disciple 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
sweetie, i totally know the feeling. sometimes it feels like even though we try so hard and no matter what we do, the world's never gonna get any better. Just remember that we cna rejoice in our salvation and in the love of christ. just by sharing your smile, you can shed some light across someone's life. it seems strange to think about, but alot of people don't think anyone cares about them, and one smile and asking how someone's doing can make their day. the bible says that we are not of those who shrink back but we persevere and are saved. when we let our light shine even in the darkest place someone is going to see that irresistable joy and God will be glorified. you never know what someone's going through or why they do wht they do but unkind people usually dont feel very happy or good about themselves, so when you take time to let them know they matter to you it can make all the difference
2007-05-17 00:24:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My friend, you need a rest to rejuvenate. Even Jesus rested.
You are experiencing exactly what Jesus warned we would experience. Be joyful! Take some time to relax.
I recommend praying earnestly for God's blessings on anyone who has taunted you or taken advantage of you. Be patient my friend and reflect upon this passage:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
May you be showered with God's blessings my friend.
2007-05-17 00:21:38 · answer #8 · answered by danny_boy_jones 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Relax sister-take a deep breath
I pray every morning as I read my bible devotions-"Jesus help me not to let anyone take my peace and joy in you away." then as mean and disrespectful people come -I stay focused on Jesus and dont let them upset me to lose this.
what is the alternative to being good-be bad? what will that get for you? If something has come between you and Jesus ask Him to forgive you and restore the joy of your salvation. Psalm 51
prayin for you, David
2007-05-17 00:19:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a baptist preachers daughter and I have those feelings sometimes to. you feel like nothing good is happening so how could there be a God but really its satan trying to play mind games with you thats his job we are fighting a battle and no battle is easy to fight. If I was you I would pray and go to your pastor or another godly person you look up to and talk to them about it. My dad always has the best advice when it comes to my spiritual life.
2007-05-17 00:16:52 · answer #10 · answered by bluecube05 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hear you. I know it's hard sometimes. I wish I could go into details but I can't now. The truth is, I feel the same way but somehow I still know it's me that's weak in my suffering, not Him. It's evident because although I truly understand where you are coming from, I still gave advice that I should take myself. So, thanks for that. Hang in there, you have a solid foundation, from which you can always rely on. It's a journey and you are not alone. In our weakness, He is strong.
2007-05-17 00:15:59 · answer #11 · answered by whatever 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋