My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 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 1:19-27
I've been contimplating on this scripture in James today. Praying on it. I'm a bit confused as to what it all means and thought I'd ask for elaboration for those who know His word well.
Not forgetting His word, but "doing it". Sounds as though He's saying practice what you preach. I guess I sometimes wonder about this within the Body and am hoping someone out there can explain this to me so I can understand what He actually means by this.
Recently, I had a discussion about beliefs within the body. Obviousely we know there are many "reilgious" beliefs out there. I grew up believing one way, and when I got older, after much searching and praying, I accepted Christ through Salvation. I began to understand a whole different side to "faith" and a "relationship with Christ" than I once knew.
In the whole process of it all, I have understood there are MANY teachings in the Bible that are non-essentials., BUT, there was one essential that just couldn't be changed or liberally pieced so that it fits with whatever we so choose. That would be Salvation. Confessing with our mouths that we know Jesus suffered, died, was burried, and now lives within each one of is. That it is THE ONLY thing we need to get to heaven and that everything else is non-essential and thus, really not something to be arguing over.
In this process though, I've found so many brothers and sisters alike that have been practicing tolerance even though it goes against the very foundations they have been taught. I've found myself feeling like an outsider and an outcast wondering if what I really believe is actually "real" at all. Trying to find the Truth in what I've read from the scriptures above, while also comparing it to the following scripture:
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
What does our God want us to do? He says anyone who listens and doesn't do, is like a man who looks in a mirror and forgets what He looks like.
In my own opinion, If I believe one way, I shouldn't falter or teach that one way is right if it isn't within Gods guidelines just out of tolerance or respect. On the other hand, If someone chooses to believe another way and hasn't asked my opinion, I am respectful of their faith and tolerant. I just choose not to falter on what I think is Truth based on Christs teachings, if I'm asked my opinion or belief. Often, I made to feel quite untolerant of those believing otherwise who think we should all be tolerant of a paticular belief as a "Christian" yet doesn't really follow the teachings of Christ.
Hopefully I didn't confuse many of you here: I've just been reading scripture on some things pertaining to conviction of myself, while also understanding just what I'm supposed to be doing as a child of God.
I know the biggest command is to "LOVE". Yet, I think we all know that it's hard to love someone when you disagree with them right? In my case, I'm learning not to take things I say too seriously. I mean, I'm not perfect, I DO make mistakes. It's the very reason I NEED JESUS. But I find myself having to change from believing in the Essentials of Christ (meaning only needing Salvation through Christ to get to heaven) within the Body these days, to be tolerant of ALL RELIGIONS that supposedly get us to heaven.
Sadly, I see a whole lot of "Christians" faltering to "The Worlds View" of interfaith tolerance. It's becoming SO confusing to understand Gods teachings anymore as humans have been taking scriptures out of context to suit themselves these days. Especially when those around me who are believers aren't standing on what they believe. "If You don't stand for something, You'll fall for anything" as the quote goes. I'm having a REALLY hard time and my spirit is weary.
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