Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Richard H Priday - 10 months ago
    How to avoid having a "religious" spirit

    So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. ( Luke 17:10).

    Well; that pretty well sums things up.

    If we look at this carefully; we should realize that along with this attitude self flagellation and such once again put us into a religious fervor that can cause us to compete with others and even our own past performance and it becomes a pride issue that we are so humbled and doing so much to rid ourselves of something that still affects us due to our actions!

    I am sure some further study can be given here. Surrounding verses show how a servant in an earthly context make sure food is prepared and served; and once consumed by the master of the house then the servant can tend to their own needs wherever they go after their duties are done. There are other verses directed to the Pharisees which clue us in to the warnings about pride and being seated in the bestplaces only to be humbled; so that we should be exalted in taking the lowest places in public gatherings involving a feast as His example.

    I can't see how we should treat other believers as second class citizens or unprofitable; as there are too few actually out there fulfilling the Great Commission on any regular basis. Jesus indeed called us "friends" in John 15:14-15. What we see here as I can tell is a warning or rebuke to those who are true servants so that pride doesn't creep in and realizing all we have that is good comes from the Spirit. Thus; the concept of avoiding a "religious" spirit that is not of God. Of course that can relate to service in and outside of church in any capacity. Our whole life is part of ministry and of course if kids see hypocrisy they are the first to bring it up. Saying; "shut up and do as I say because I say so" ain't gonna be too productive; actions speak louder than words but we need both.



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