How would you finish this sentence in your world?
'I can't do this because of _____ (them).'
'We would be so much further along if it wasn't for _____ (them).'
'(They) ______ ruin everything.'
Now -- how would you complete the sentence if it was written another like this?
'Jesus, we can't do _____ because of _____ (them).'
Satan, the most powerful force for evil on the earth, was not what stood between the disciples and progress. It was always and only them. When they went out to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons, but couldn't, Jesus didn't say: 'It was because of Satan you failed.' He said: 'You of little faith. Don't you know this kind only comes out thru prayer and fasting?'
Jesus taught there is no 'them.'
And be blessed.
4 comments:
I am far more inclined to take responsibility for the things I do, than to blame Satan. The bad part, is I give myself more leeway, because that is just who I am. It's so hard to change certain things, that I just live with it. Even though I know some things I do are wrong. It's not admirable of me. It is just the truth.
Even though we have different weaknesses, do you ever do that, too? Or do you always do the right thing?
PK...I have read some articles referring to the "sins that lead to death"...inferring there are others that do not. What are your thoughts on that? I know we to confess to God our sins, but, if we know good and well, that we will probably do it again at some point, then what good is it to confess? It seems hollow. I feel disingenous when I confess, so many times I just don't even try, because He already knows I haven't mastered perfection.
That leads me to thoughts, as a former Catholic, about deathbed confessions. Does that help matters at all? Last rites and all.
Is putting something in your life before God a sin that leads to death? Maybe these are blurry lines, that you cannot answer. I just have questions. Maybe I read too much. Is that even possible? :)
Perhaps the distinguishing factor is that some sins lead to PHYSICAL death, and others lead to SPIRITUAL death.
RE: Confession -- what is your alternative? To never confess sin? Is that scriptural and what is the outcome of the one who never confesses sin?
Is God tired of you confessing? If He isn't tired of it, then you don't need to worry about being tired of it either.
RE: Deathbed confessions. A) Let's hope you actually have that opportunity. Roll that dice. Many, many people don't have the chance to be lying in bed knowing they're going to die.
B) You will have missed the lifetime of connection with God and loads of joy and God 'showing up' in your life if you just wait till the last minute to confess your sins. God made you for more than that.
Thank you so much for your thoughts. It gives me things to ponder...and to re-think.
I have always thought of true confession as a "promise" to God to change and not commit a sin again. If I read you correctly, God is there to listen and help us...even if we feel that it is something we cannot overcome. Maybe I am reading too much into your response, though. If so, let me know.
I don't get tired of confessing...I just want to mean it when I say it. I am not a person to say things very lightly. I want to be sincere, not just mouth the right words.
I was just curious about how Catholics always want their last rites. And it is undesirable not to have them. I am not suggesting we should wait till the last minute, but that the unconfessed sin might "do us in." And we would end up in purgatory. :) I did pay a bit of attention in the Cathlic church. It's all so curious to me.
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