Posted by rayww on December 30, 2004, at 0:54:17
In reply to Back when I was a primate....., posted by 64bowtie on December 28, 2004, at 13:30:32
...rewards of heaven
...fear of hell
...do good for right reasons.Hmmm. Me thinks you hit nail on head.
Without getting into the what I think you think I think scenario, let me just ask if you think true Christians (followers of Christ) do what they do out of fear of hell/rewards of heaven, or out of love for God and fellowmen?The world needs people who will do good for the sake of goodness, play it forward, do a good turn for someone every day, etc. Whether they do or don't believe in God, it is still good. Thank-you for serving your fellow men. I love you for that.
Christians know full well, that if they don't love their fellowmen they cannot say they love their God, for the love of God is made manifest by how we treat one another. Christ even comes right out and says we are liars and the truth is not in us if we say we love God, but rip off our neighbor. http://scriptures.lds.org/1_jn/4/20#20
It isn't easy to walk the talk, but at least we have the gospel to teach us the way.It is good that you have the vision of goodness just because you do, but is doing good because the love of God is in you, bad?
I wonder if non Christians think we do good out of fear of going to hell if we don't, or to earn brownie points in heaven if we do. I love God, and recognize his presence and support in my life. He lives in our trenches, and stays close to our side as we lift ourselves out. I might say He lifts us out, but it sure feels like work on my part.Back when you were a primate and learned about spirit, emotion, and body, did you think to pray? Can you name one thing in life that isn't all three? In scripture spiritual is sometimes referred to as faith, emotional as hope, and physical as charity. Keeping balance may be as easy as a simple awareness. Some try really hard to block out the spirit. Is it a pride or ego thing?
The world has a great opportunity right now to show love toward their fellowmen. We watch their devastation and see their suffering. We are without excuse, and should give all that we can. If you don't know how to help, here's a way I trust. http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,5595-1-2910-1,00.html
poster:rayww
thread:434308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20041120/msgs/435593.html