Christians are commanded that we are to do all things in the name of Jesus. We are called upon to have a direct, personal relationship with Christ and thus, with God the Father. Its not all that complicated.
One of the things that drives people away from the faith and from Church, is the rigidity of religion — heavy dogma laden down with the words of man. But God has really made it quite simple for us, in that what we need to do, is to follow the teaching of Jesus — to live, speak and act as Christ has taught us to.
Knowing how simple it is, why have so many made it so difficult? Why have so many in our faith complicated things and dragged their own views and biases into the Christian faith? Take this Bible passage as but one of many examples:
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Simple, right? Take care of widows and orphans and in truth, all people who are in need. And, take care not to pollute oneself with the trappings and dangers of this earthly world. Knowing that this one Bible passage makes it clear as to what we should do, why do so many do the exact opposite?
Here is another one:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Again, quite simple. Our spirit should be one of love, peace, goodness, faith, kindness, generosity — and it comes right out and tells us that there is no law against these things. Knowing this truth, why then do so many have cold hearts? Why do so many Christians rush to judge and condemn others?
This Bible passage make is abundantly clear:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:12-13
Once again, we are guided to be compassionate, meek, patient with one another and forgiving one another. Why do we then do the opposite and worse, tell others who are following this teaching, that they are somehow wrong? Have you noticed that lately? That the Christians and non-Christians who do follow God’s words, are being torn down and told that they’re evil? How on earth can anyone say that those who follow these teachings are doing something wrong? It should scare us to no end that the people doing the opposite of what we’re told to do, are proclaiming themselves, cold hearts and all, as “good Christians.”
There is hope. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him and Jesus makes that all possible. Our guide is here — we know what to do. Jesus helped us and He told us how to live. We don’t have to keep trying to be perfect or have a faith that is dark and rigid, because God knows all and He knows that we are fallible. To solve this, consider this passage:
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Its this simple. Listen to what Jesus has taught us — live as He tells us to. Be kind, humble and generous. Love God above all else. Don’t be greedy or envious. Reach out to the needy. Forgive people. Show mercy. Have true, deep faith. Try your best. Seek forgiveness. Repent. And trust that Jesus is our salvation.
Our faith isn’t complicated and it isn’t meant to be. Rather, our faith is one of joy and inspiration. Its one of great love, compassion, peace, hope and forgiveness. Today, I hope Christians all around the world reject anger, fear and selfishness and in their place, take up compassion, peace and generosity.
