Two people stand side by side. Both believe in God.
One goes to church every Sunday, reads his Bible every day, and tells everyone he knows about God. He drives a big SUV, lives in a big house, and tithes every Sunday.
One goes to church every once in awhile, if he's not hungover. He reads his Bible when he remembers, but instead of preaching to other people he just accepts them how they are. He doesn't tithe really, but he gives his time to work at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. He does his best to buy products that weren't tested on animals or made in sweatshops, and supports local businesses and charities.
Who, by your standards, is the "better" person? Which life is more desirable? The one where all the rules are followed, or the one who isn't living by legalistic standards yet lives a more humble and giving life?
2007-09-24 02:17:17 · 22 answers · asked by Drake the Deist 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The man that seeks the things that are of God. Who obeys God and who tells others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (King James Version)
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2007-09-24 02:31:33 · answer #1 · answered by Old Hickory 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People never stop amazing me. Stop trying to be the first to answer, and listen to the question. They are not equal. To put the second person in the same category as the first man is wrong. If you are a true Christian, being "hung-over" is NEVER a reason for missing church because being hung-over is not a fruit of the Spirit which Christians are suppose to exhibit, and works of the flesh ( drunkeness ) Christians are to flee from. There is nothing wrong with going to Church every sunday, tithing, and witnessing about the Lord. These are all evidences of a person whose belief is "in action." He possesses what He professes, unlike the second person who is an example of James 2:19 " You believe in God: good. the devils also believe and tremble." Believing in God alone is NO proof that you are saved by Christ. You said the second basically was a drunk and read his Bible when he found time to remember, yet you say he lived more humbly and giving??? If you aren't giving to God, you are the loser and "looseness" is not humility.
2007-09-24 10:38:23 · answer #2 · answered by HeVn Bd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Person A: Doesnt seem to preach to people, but does show a love for people by telling others about God. If he drives a SUV and lives in a "big house" then I can assume he is well-to-do, right? Thusly, his tithe is probably very large (compared to mine at least). He has a relationship with God and reading His Word implies that he wants to learn more and get closer to God. His going to church says that he enjoys company and interacting with fellow believers and also learns more and is able to worship in a group setting.
Person B: Has some issues he is working on since he gets drunk on a regular basis. Why does a hangover keep him from church? Does he keep from getting drunk before helping at a soup kitchen but not before church? His main problem is his drinking. If he sobered up then he would have more money to give to charities and he would be able to do some real good in the world.
Regardless of what man thinks is the better person...
1 Samual 16:7b "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
2007-09-24 09:38:18 · answer #3 · answered by MrMyers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't go to Church. I have an overly religious best friend we debate every time we meet but we are good friends. I answer to God and not a priest. I find the truth not in the Bible or the Church but by other means.
The 1st choice is more like me. My answer is the guy who rides a big SUV.
By the way I would assume that you feel the same way as me because you raised a question that no fake Christian would ever question. It's nice to see(or just know) someone who is not a hypocrite.
2007-09-24 09:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by Screwdriver 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see nothing wrong with person #1 at all.
Regarding #2, he places himself above God by giving into drunkenness, and choosing to not go to Church because of his selfish desires. He chooses to not act on his faith and try to bring others into the flock, thus ignoring one of the central tenants of his faith. Donation of time is a tithe, so he does well there.
I do not consider the second one living a more humble or giving life. There is no shame in giving money instead of time, and I consider the second person a bit prideful if they diminish the tithes of others against their own time gift.
I consider the first the better of the two because he does not place God second in his life, unlike the second person who views the joys of drunkenness ahead of the joy of worship with his fellow christians. Acceptence is OK, but when those who are sinful are accepted, and their sin is not spoken against, that does those sinners a disservice. The second person does not trust God and his love, but instead trusts in himself.
The first person is the better person of the two, but not for the reasons you list.
2007-09-24 09:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by lundstroms2004 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are concerned with who is better. According to Rom 3:23 we all are sinners and need Jesus. There is none good no not one. Mark 10:18 You never mention if either is saved? Going to church doesn't save you. Accepting Jesus saves and deeds mean nothing. Living a good life is great. Do you buy gas? You do know the money goes to fund terrorists? Unless you want to live in a box you cannot change the world. I'll preach Jesus and change souls destinations to hell.
2007-09-24 09:29:48 · answer #6 · answered by jesussaves 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both people you described sound like good people. You're question seems to set out to make the first look like a poser, but you don't do a good job selling it other than the big house and s.u.v. as if those were Damnable offenses.
The guy who misses mass because he is to hung over needs to remember big boy at night means big boy in the morning. If you have time to go out drinking all night it means you should be able to handle getting up in the morning and doing the right thing. Still, they both sound like good people.
2007-09-24 09:32:13 · answer #7 · answered by irish398 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first person; even though he has a big house and SUV it's because it's a blessing to him from God. When you do good things that are pleasing unto God; he'll bless you. He reads his bible, tells everyone he knows about God, and tithes every Sunday and this is pleasing unto God's sight. Only God can judge who is the better person...really...not us...
2007-09-24 09:28:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My standards matter not. To answer this question requires for one to judge which is better. It's really about the spiritual growth on the inside that isn't seen. That special relationship that one has with God who imparts his wisdom through internal revelations.
A humble person who isn't tied to the material fetters of this world is much better off than one who has everything and is proud of it.
2007-09-24 09:26:00 · answer #9 · answered by Soul Shaper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to me the second one is better.. remember the story of the rich man and the poor widow (i'm not sure though which gospel it was from). the rich man did give tithes and lived with the rules that were told. the poor widow who had nothing still managed to give some of her coins as an offering though it was obvious that she might need it.
it not important to live the with the rules.
your actions are more important.
2007-09-24 09:37:48 · answer #10 · answered by chips_kjaa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋