In general how does one get closer to?

Question

God?

What if doing good deeds and religious things becomes habitual and shallow?

How does one get a sincere intent?

Peace.

Answer 1

yup that's a big problem with religion. (Christianity)

If we are threatened with heaven or hell, doesn't that effect the decisions we make, and make us think about the outcome of our actions.

thusly making "free will" to be good, insincere, or completely lacking in free(dom)?

The thing I'm disgusted by is how every time some one prays to God, they always ask for something in there somewhere.

adding praises from time to time, but only to make ones self look good in the eyes of god.

we are greedy greedy greedy, but we pretend that we're not.

I don't believe that one with knowledge of the expectation and results can make a sincere prayer,
unless one wins the lotto (without prayer) and THEN gives thanks to god in a little prayer, but most people would be too busy spending their money.

good to see ya again,
chicken grease

Answer 2

Good question. And good deeds don't make us closer (spiritually) to God. I have seen too many people just going through the motions of religious good deeds.

To get real with God you have to get a personal relationship with Him. Honest prayer can get you there. Just talk to God privately ... lay it all out there to Him. Try it and let me know how you are doing....Blessings!

Answer 3

We hope doing good becomes habitual!! The shallow we need to work on. Approaching life in the spirit of learning, striving for excellence in all things, and daily honest appraisal of ourselves are essential ingredients to radiant, joyful living. Serving others and helping them help themselves in all our relationships empowers and refreshes us and them. Of course, daily prayer and meditation on holy writings/scriptures feed and nourish our souls with knowledge and inspiration. Having loving, supportive family, friends, and community is a priceless treasure. Such experience is too deeply and profoundly satisfying and challenging to be shallow.

Answer 4

+PAX

Sometimes I think we all get to where we're just "going through the motions".

What I would do is sit down and talk to him. Just as if you are talking to a friend... a very old and deeply loved friend. Tell Him what's on your mind, lay your worries and anxieties at his feet. Then sit back, with your eyes closed in silence and just relax in the warmth of His Presence...because He or the Holy Spirit will come.

Have Faith!!
You are in my prayers
In Charity,
j

Answer 5

I would not judge your relationship with God on feelings alone. I know that for me, a Catholic, going to mass, saying the rosary, never gets exhausting because I know it makes Jesus happy. Pray to God to help you re-gain what you lack and be sure he will help you. He loves you more than you know for he is Blessed God forever and ever.

Answer 6

Intention is significant for sinful deeds, less so for good acts.

Answer 7

Yeah, that stuff gets old. You have to lean on prayer, meditation, and Scripture reading. Those things don't get old.

Neither does music, if you have that gift.

Answer 8

Man is body, soul and spirit. God is spirit.

We worship God in spirit and in truth.

Answer: There is a good book you can read.

Answer 9

Pray. Read the bible. works without faith are dead. Pray. a lot. read the bible and contemplate on it with prayer. Also, go to church and find a good small group bible study. it'll change your life.

Answer 10

To get closer to a god, take something to give you halucinations....imagine there is a god...that's it! See how easy that was? Next time, do it with friends and call it a religion!