THE PONDER SERIES #4 - TRUE SPIRITUALITY

In the world we live in, there are a lot of good works and in a lot of cases, there is an intention to give a subtle undertone of personal spirituality. These works are seen in various spheres of life from social entrepreurship, self improvement seminars, human rights, business to religious. Nothing wrong with receiving them but there will be if, these gifts cause you to look away from Jesus Christ as the source of life and all that flows from it. Unfortunately, a lot of these good works leave that impression to most undiscerning minds.

The Kingdom of God is first about the acknowledging the Creator- CHRIST, the author and finisher of our faith and life and living in His guidance. It is fatal to one’s soul to do otherwise. How is this possible? Simply, by failing to separate such good works from the giver’s beliefs and conduct.  For to receive the total package may undermine your faith life in very subtle ways.

A good example is that of a very popular talk show personality admired for her business savvy and good works yet in her words and deed UNDERMINES the PERSON AND PRINCIPLES of CHRIST. In addition, she goes on to teach that the mind is ‘god’. But PONDER on what God says. Jesus Christ spoke to his disciples”... But again I say.” Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then at last, they understood that by ‘yeast’ he meant the wrong teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” Mathew 16.11-12. Living Bible.

These religious teachers were an important part of the Jewish life yet Jesus said to be careful of their teachings because they were challenging God’s Word and authority. Teaching takes the form of speech and conduct in influencing people. God is not against such good acts except where they seek to uphold the doctrines of men and not the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST” You can never please God without faith, without depending on Him” Hebrews 11.6.Living Bible

HOW DO YOU RESOLVE SUCH CONTRADICTIONS? Exactly as Jesus did “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s’Mathew22.21.NKJV. Receive of such acts of goodness, be inspired by their form but maintain your faith in CHRIST regardless of the conduct and speech of such givers.