A Box Or Our Hearts

I know everyone talks about putting God in a box, but I want to throw in my two cents on the matter. I remember my reaction the first time I heard this statement, it didn't really make sense to me. I guess this is one of those things I view as black and white; either God is apart of your life, or he isn't. If He isn't then going to church on Sunday and ignoring His existence the rest of the week won't really make you a follower of Christ.

In the same way going to church, bible study, and doing volunteer work throughout the week doesn't make you a "Christian" either. So what does? The all famous phrase "Christianity isn't a religion its a __________." I'll let you think about that one for a second... Alright, if you answered anything other then "relationship" please leave a comment with what you put, I'll get with you later. (In fact, I wish people would leave comments on my posts period.) You need to have Jesus in your heart.

Any good relationship is a two way street. You wouldn't spend time with your spouse, children, siblings, or good friends on the weekend then forget they exist on Monday morning, would you? Why not? The same is true for God, He is our Heavenly Father and we should remember Him in all our actions throughout the week; keeping Him in our hearts. As we do this our relationship with the Creator will grow deeper and fonder.

So where do you keep Him the most? In a box? Or in your heart?

The Meaning of Life

At night the only light we have is the moon; the light of the moon is not the moon's own light, but the light of the Sun reflected off the moon's surface. In the same way the light that we are called to shine is not our own light, but the light of our savior who has sent us into the world to bring about guidance during the dark hours of night. We must be a reflection of Jesus who is no longer on Earth. We cannot hide our light and keep it for ourselves for it is not ours to hide. We need to go out into the darkness and shine our light for all the world to see; not to bring recognition to us, but to Jesus.

This is the core of our existence as Christians. This is why we are here. This is why God has put us not only in the world, but in our respective countries, states, cities, and even neighborhoods and churches. We are where we are for a reason and that reason is to show Jesus to those in our vicinity who do not know Him. To influence those around us. To help others learn about His love. This is the meaning of life for anyone who follows The Way.

⁴ As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

                                                              - John 9:4-5

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

                                                                 -Matthew 5:14-16

Random Thoughts On Quote

"The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule"-H.L. Mencken

Aside from stopping an asteroid coming and destroying the earth I wonder if it is even possible to save humanity without ruling it in some form. Even in Christianity you can't be saved without accepting Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior. The king of Jews.

It's really quite a bold statement. He's making an assumption that most people who try to save humanity are trying to become a ruler.

There is no greater threat to humanity than humanity itself. No matter what type of government, or what systems you put up, there will always be corruption. As long as people are in control of their own lives, there will be corruption.

That's not to say all people are corrupt. There are genuine good people. Sometimes hard to find, but they are there.

Free will is a double-edged sword; Giving us our freedom, but condemning us to a fate of endless hard decisions to make. These decisions will impact not only our lives and future, but potentially those of the people around us. Often times we are weak. We make bad decisions, go down roads that shouldn't even be there. These roads can end up hurting us, or our loved ones; in extreme situations these roads could even take us to death.