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What Is In It For Me?
Some of us remember in the past when there was a benevolent need that people
asked for donations. Well recently, we have seen when a need arises that those
seeking the funds charge for food plates or they have a raffle for some expensive
item. These people learned that people will more freely give if they can get
something out of it.
For most people, every decision that is made almost always factors in self.
Rather than looking to a bigger picture and ignoring basic Bible principles,
most people think selfishly. It seems that if someone cannot benefit from an
activity, they usually ignore such activity, even if it would benefit others.
Aren't we glad that not everyone is like this?
Selfishness is the bane of our society. Every sin that takes place occurs because
selfishness is involved. God has taught in His word that we should not steal
or take from others. He even went further and commanded that we should not covet
what others have. Whether that be possessions, property, money, or even family
members, it is a sin to covet anything of your neighbors.
Every act of fornication is an act of selfishness. Our society has bought into
every action of fornication as normal and only the prudes would disapprove of
such behavior. And all of this activity is done by choice. Each person chooses
to get involved in these activities.
Another problem that the church faces is the fact that most people are selfish
and end up doing what they want to do whether God approves or not. Decisions
are made based upon the physical desires of the members rather than the spiritual
needs of the members.
Another problem is the fact that many people do not really convert. They realize
that they have problems in their life and want to make them better. Somehow
they believe that getting religion can fix their problems. The truth is that
God can fix their problems, but they are not willing to make the necessary changes
in their life to realize any benefit. These people continue living the same
way after their baptism as before their baptism and expect everything to be
better. But it is not better, and they become frustrated and consider that their
actions are nothing more than wasted time spent.
If these people were truly converted to Christ, they would behave like the apostle
Paul wrote to the Colossians in chapter 3 about putting the old man full of
sin away and putting on the new man. Most people want the benefits of the new
man, but continue to live the old ways. That does not work and according to
the Hebrews writer in chapter 10:26, the sacrifice of Jesus is no longer available
for them.
I realize that it is hard to change a life, but if you are concerned for your
soul you will do what is necessary. I also realize that many people are in survival
mode and spiritual thoughts are not high on their priority list. God never promised
an easy life, but if we follow God's commands our life will be better. That
does not mean food will automatically show up on the table or that we will find
our wallets and purses bulging. It means that we should have a new, different
perspective of life and we should continue to grow in our spirituality so that
we can be pleasing to God and receive the great final reward.
By Carey Scott
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