Do you deserve a reward?
"So you too, when you have done everything that was assigned and commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants [undeserving of praise or a reward, for we have not gone beyond our obligation]; we have merely done what we ought to do.’" — Luke 17:10 - AMP
And as for you, the anointing whom you received from Him abides in you,
and you have no need for anyone to teach you.
But as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie,
and just as He has taught you, abide in Him.
— 1 John 2:27
Reward is what many strive for, those who lead in religion teach all about it, and the countless that attend, follow after what they say. Because of this reward that they believe they will get; many do what they think the Bible is requiring of them.
But...
- Is it truly from deep within the heart...are people genuine in doing what is right?
Countless are taught they are chosen, while others are told they are not. Leaders taking the place of God, taking what doesn't belong to them and deciding who belong, or who don't belong to God. These lead with their religious creeds and man-made traditions/rules/doctrines...deciding who and what God approves.
Sadly, most don't follow the scriptures properly... never realizing that the Bible discerns the heart and God keeps things hidden from those whose hearts are not right. Followers tend to get EXALTED into believing it's all about them, it's all about the reward. These don't realize they follow after man/flesh (sin), not God... following deception, a false understanding, following the false prophet and/or human wisdom (their own understanding).
Many seem to think that believing in Christ is how one is born again, being clueless to what this actually means. Many claim to believe in Christ, thinking it's by confessing with their mouth that they're true believers... yet they can't seem to see how their behavior proves otherwise.
All are sinners, but most "believers" tend to think that their belief is ABOVE others who don't believe like them, it's their belief that is right and they (some without realizing) treat people who don't align with their belief as if they are beneath them. That's the epitome of EXALTATION. They are the rich of this world NOT recognizing just how poor they really are. Following after religion, their own belief and not God.
The Pharisee in the verses to follow represents the self-righteous (those who believe they're aligned with God) by following their religion and\or religious beliefs compared to those who genuinely try to do the right thing, knowing they are imperfect and keep fighting to do what's right. Who don't see themselves ABOVE any other by what they believe...religious or not. The temple is from within us, it's not about man-made buildings, it's in the mind of our hearts. (1Corinthians 3:16; Hebrews 4:12-13)
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying these things to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes 👉 of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Luke 18:10-14
whatever 👉 prayer or supplication is made by ANY MAN or by all Your people Israel, each of whom knows the affliction of his own heart, and spreads his hands toward this house; then listen in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and give to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men, that they may fear You all the days that they live upon the face of the land which You have given to our fathers.— 1 Kings 8:38-40
Leading by example... it's not by what they say that makes them a true believer but it's by what they do. All religious tend to believe "their belief" and understanding is ABOVE another's, causing countless debates, disputes, arguments and division. One side telling you to stay away from another. Even the so-called "accepting" churches/believers keep you at a distance, controlling what you can or cannot do within "their" church, study group or discussions. Follow their creeds, their rules, their belief and/or understanding or you will never fit in. Their ACTIONS speaking LOUDER than their words.
- Is that LOVE?
They reveal who they truly are, proving it's about them and their belief...claiming it's about God but revealing otherwise. One thing God has shown me is to ALWAYS be OPEN to what others feel, think and believe. I agree...ALL should have a voice, whether it's aligned with God or not.
Religion is a poor example of who God is and is the main reason many stay away from God. They are the stumbling block. People preferring to be of the world than to be like those who supposedly represent God. I know this firsthand as I lived it most of my life and know countless others who have lived it too. Finding more kindness in the world than in any religious group, only those who have been conformed to it (indoctrinated) would disagree.
Indoctrinated: teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs 👉 uncritically.
Critical thinking and discernment require being open to ALL people and their beliefs, religious or not, my Father has given me many beautiful revelations about people in general. All have beauty in them regardless of where their path has taken them, good or bad. It's making bad choices that guide countless down the wrong path. Many siding with bad spirits, having improper motives, never understanding they resist the True Spirit from within.
I've learned that no matter what one believes, all have the right to feel what they do, respecting that their life is their own personal journey. What works for one doesn't always work for another. It's what one does during that journey that reveals their true faith. If people are allowed to be who they are and not controlled into a belief system (indoctrination), this world could possibly be a better place. They would be free to love as they choose. Religion is a mask people wear to feal better about themselves, but it's on the surface, beneath it all... it never heals them, it just divides.
Many cling to their churches/synagogues/sects as if it's where they will find God. THERE'S THE DECEPTION. The place built with hands is loaded with false teachers, misguiding and misrepresenting who God is...countless relying on it, without realizing they allow that place (sect or persons) to become their GOD. This is why God does not dwell in places built with hands, because religion in itself is a false god (idolatry)...taking payment to teach God's word. Religion is man-made, it's of flesh...SIN.
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold into bondage under sin.
— So now, no longer am I the one working it out, but sin which dwells in me.
— I find then the principle that in me evil is present—in me who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
— Romans 7:14, 17, 21-22
There are many beautiful people in the world, within all religions and many beautiful people without religion, it should always be about the person, who they are, the genuine kindness they show toward others, and not what they follow. Religion teaches separation, to be divided by a belief system (creeds), not united.
Christians believe they are above all other religious sects because they call themselves Christian. Little do they know how FAR from the TRUTH they are. They are no different than any other religion out there. True believers aren't partial to any religious group, in fact they stay away from their practices as it teaches surface love, not a genuine true love of neighbor.
By not judging people for what they believe it has helped me to have a better understanding of who people are. I've always believed everyone has a story. I've NEVER ACCEPTED that God would destroy someone simply because they're not part of a specific religious group or because they are not of a certain race (nationality)...that's not love.
If one is following scripture properly it reveals God is not partial. One should ALWAYS be asking questions especially when it comes to those who call themselves "believers".
Here's some I've asked before returning to God...
- Why would God choose the Jews over Muslims?
- Why would God choose Christianity over Judaism?
- Why would God choose Jehovah's Witnesses over Catholics?
- Why would God choose one who supposedly "believes" over an Atheist?
- Aren't all the above sinners?
- Isn't it a person's behavior that reveals God?
- Meaning... wouldn't the one who "leads in love" be the reflection of someone following God?
The MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION one should be asking is not what group to follow but...
- What BEHAVIOR do I want to follow?
For to this you have been called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps, who did no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; who being reviled, was not reviling in return; while suffering, He was uttering no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.
— 1 Peter 2:21-23
I've often asked these questions too:
- What defines mankind?
- Why do people need a Bible to do what's right?
- Don't they naturally know the difference between right (love) and wrong (hate) without it?
- Don't they know how to simply treat people with kindness regardless of what they believe?
- Aren't they sinners like everyone else?
- Why do so many use the Bible as a weapon?
- What part of "God is LOVE" don't people understand?
- Why would I ever want to join a religion when it teaches division not unity?
- Why would I ever want to follow any religion when they exalt themselves above others?
- Why would I want to follow religion when they CLEARLY don't follow God?
One of many of my favorite scriptures that religious just don't comprehend, if they did, they wouldn't have man-made religious creeds, take an income and/or follow after traditions of men. Claiming love but proving false to it. They would simply allow God to guide them into truly following Christ, revealing true love.
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have ALL FAITH, so as to remove mountains, but DO NOT have LOVE, I am nothing.
— 1 Corinthians 13:2
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
— James 4:3
The world has been so deceived...the deceivers themselves are deceived. The Father is the God of the spirits (messengers) of mankind. That means all mankind has spirits within them, guiding them. (Romans 7) When Eve took from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, without realizing it, what she did was to accept the bad spirit (adversary) within her. She already had the good (HOLY SPIRIT) but now she would also have the bad (EVIL SPIRIT) ...a divided house cannot stand, so Adam and Eve fell.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 6:23
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,
— Hebrews 9:27
It was a choice she made, BUT never forget she was deceived into it, not really knowing or understanding the outcome of what she was actually doing. Although she was kicked out of the Garden (PEACE) of God... God still helped her. That's what LOVE does.
For many reasons, that can ALSO be said for mankind today, YET...with all the evil (bad spirits) in this world, one does mostly comprehend the difference between doing what's right (kindness) and doing what's wrong (badness). No one can ever be perfect at it because all are imperfect beings, but one can decipher which spirit they prefer to follow, being careful to follow after the good spirit, knowing the bad spirit continues to misguide, confuse, mis-direct and mislead. (Romans 7) This bad spirit hopes to deceive the human into following the wrong path and after a false god...starting with a divided house, religion and its practices.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
— Ephesians 6:12-13
When one truly relies on Love, one truly relies on God ONLY, not religion or money. These don't excuse religious practices, these will make sure everything they do is aligned with God's will. Only God knows the motives of the heart, if they do not align with HIS WILL, it's not him that guides you but the false spirit. Hence why testing the spirit is so very important, something most religious leaders don't teach.
Satan can't read your heart, but he can guide your mind to do bad things. You have freewill and can choose to fight it and not listen. But sadly, most don't recognize that their own desire is more aligned with the adversary, than it is with God.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
— 1 John 4:1
False prophet is anyone claiming to be "in Christ" and teaching the Word of God, claiming to be led by the Spirit but never testing it...being deceived into following a false spirit instead, in turn, deceiving the masses. These will be falsely led to believe they are humble and doing God's will.
For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, — holding to a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Keep away from such men as these. — But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
— 2 Timothy 3:2, 5, 13
It's not easy but you can find ways to walk away from situations that bring you down, that could influence your behavior into going in the wrong direction. Religion is control and it teaches two things...become leaders to control people's way of thinking or be controlled by religion (leaders) to think and believe certain way, never understanding that this creates division not unity...never understanding they are using money (entitlement) to teach God's word, taking money before God and getting their reward in full.
It's not complicated, you can't serve both...
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
— Matthew 6:24
When it comes to what people believe, stop judging them and look at yourself. Take out the mirror and reflect on you. Be concerned with YOU doing what's right and lead by example. When it comes to what someone believes, allow them to share it, to have a voice, no matter how different it is from what you believe. Very important because it is you who might need to learn something...ALWAYS BE OPEN TO THAT POSSIBILITY.
I've been accused of not being open to others' beliefs because I don't agree with their practices, just to learn that it was the other way around, it was they who were not open to me because of my belief and understanding of their practices.
Accepting people for who they are is not the same as accepting their practices, I don't have to accept anyone's practices, and no one has to accept mine...that's control. It's about NOT controlling what they practice but sharing my love with them regardless of what they practice, whether I agree with it or not...something MOST don't do or know how to.
To be clear, I don't have to agree with someone's religious practices or lifestyle to share my love with them. I'll love them for who they are and allow God to do his work on them. One doesn't have to be part of a religious group to have faith, as I've stated before, I know atheists who have more faith in God than most self-proclaimed believers do... the religious.
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on opinions.
— Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
— Romans 14:1, 4
But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you view your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, to Me every knee shall bow,
And every tongue shall confess to God.”
👉 So then EACH ONE OF US will give an ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF to God.
— Romans 14:10-12
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.
— Galatians 6:3-5
All see things through their own perspective, their own lens, their own experiences. The war fought from within should be enough to keep one focused on oneself and not others. Pray to do the right thing and avoid doing what is bad! That's how you can lead by example and help others. This is a spiritual war, one that is being fought for mankind. Set boundaries for yourself to keep yourself from bad influences. One bad apple ruins the bunch...that's what religion and its practices are, bad apples, because it only takes one to ruin the bunch.
Be grateful, regardless of what you believe. When the time comes, you will know what God wants from you, the Father will reveal it to you. Trust in His timing. In the end it will be to rid the world of evil spirits, so mankind can dwell in peace...the peace of God (love) through the holy spirits (God's children) of mankind.
But they fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?”
— Numbers 16:22
And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His slaves the things which must soon take place.
— Revelation 22:6
Focus on YOU being the better person and stop focusing on others and what they believe. Stop guiding people to follow after you and your religious beliefs and start being the example you want others to follow, not by your words but by your actions.
Be the change YOU wish to see in the world. ~ Gandhi
~ Peace, Love and Joy ~
