I find it hard to pray these days. I really try but sometimes it feels like I am forcing myself to experience something that is not in me. I grew up in a Christian home where I went to church every Sunday with my grandmother. I remember back in my Sunday school days how enthusiastic I was able the bible stories told to us be our teachers. I remember how we were taught to always speak the truth and never tell lies. How we were told to always obey our parents for they know what is right.
Growing up really changes a lot of things. I realize as I live every day, the experiences I get and the stories of other peoples’ live I hear seem to contradict some of the stories I heard way back at church. To a degree, I believe these circumstances has had its toll on my reasoning and in a way, made me reluctant to attend church service for about 6 months now.
I still believe there is a supreme being out there who is responsible for the creation of the world and everything in it. I had a conversation with a friend of mine who is a Christian by faith on the issue of tithing and I was shocked at his take on the matter. We argued actually for an hour or so and during argument, I asked him this question > what would you do if your neighbour is in need of medical attention but is financially incapable at that moment and you know you can help but all that is on you at the moment is the money set aside for your tithe?
Surprisingly he told me, he would pay the tithe rather than offer to help his neighbour.
The saddest part of this issue is how most churches mismanage these contributions(tithes).
How some preachers gain wealth overnight is something that baffles many Christians but no one is in a way allowed to question them. How can we convince people who do not know God, that he is a supreme being who does no wrong and we worship him through his Son, Christ who is the perfect being who died for our sins, and our lives as Christians depicts that of Christ when all we see in today’s church is the very opposite?
Our prime purpose in life, irrespective of religion, I believe is to serve one another. That should always prevail in all matters. All lives matter and it is how your treat your neighbor or friend or family that I believe God cares for the most. The MINDSET should change if we desire change and I hope I do not lose total faith in the teachings of Christ because of these acts. I want to do good to the best of my ability but I seriously doubt that today’s church can help me do that. Please share a comment so I can know your take on this issue.
Man, this is a great post. I think you are really onto something. You're seeing and discerning through the religious spirit. The religious spirit tries to trick us into thinking it is the Holy Spirit but it seems you are calling it out. That's awesome!
I've personally been there on some issues before, even with the tithing. There's no real easy answer for it but some seem to think they have concrete answers for it. I would easily side with you on the question you brought up to your friend regarding tithing. God is looking at the heart.
I had not gone to a church on Sunday mornings for about two years until a few months ago. I had just gone to a home group that met weekly. I considered that my church and my community. I felt convicted about not giving anything but we never took up an offering there since it was all done from this couple's house and they never asked anything. So I just started bringing certain things for them each time I came. A snack for the family, drinks, firewood for their fireplace. I considered that my seed to sow into them since they were opening their house to do ministry regularly. I know that may seem controversial to some but I believe the point is that I was sowing into the ministry I was presently engaged in.
I encourage you to keep looking to Christ and you'll keep getting answers on how to wade through the dirt and grime that the religious spirit brings.
It can be very easy to get discouraged when looking at all the junk that goes on, especially in the church. But the Lord's presence only inhabits people, even when they're a total mess. There's gold in everyone even if it has to be dug out but it's totally worth it.
Great post!
I am really happy to hear that im not alone in this fight. It is very hard to concerntrate these days at church but just as you have stated,
i will also continue to do my best to serve humanity. Service to man is service to God.
Yes, it is also a service to God!
Exactly.
I've been in this before too. You have some great insight on some big questions!
Only thing I would say is don't get discouraged when you feel you haven't prayed or gone to church in a while. We can never fully "clean" ourselves up enough in order to earn His presence. No matter how hard we try to make it happen, it can't be forced. We only find ourselves experiencing God when we just open ourselves up to Him loving us. From there, we find ourselves wanting to pray more, be around other believers more, read the Bible more. Desire will then lead to discipline.
This was honestly a great read. I believe you will be finding more answers from Him as you keep being open and honest with yourself and the Lord.
Thank you so much for the encouragement through these kind and truthful words. I know there is always a way out and i will find it just by keeping the faith and walking the path that Christ did.
Nice and informative post.