Twisted Perspective

There is no better way to discuss matters of faith than over a plate of Mexican food. When i visit my friends who live outside of town, one way or another the subject of faith (or a particular aspect of it) usually comes up - and I end up preaching a long dissertation about the subject at hand, most often denouncing a false teaching or belief system. Sometimes this is met with acceptance, sometimes with disapproval, but no matter - I have found it my duty to share the core truth of our faith. Shattering of spiritual paradigms and 'out of the box thinking' in regard to belief is my forte'. I've accepted the fact what I believe usually pisses people off. It messes with what they've been taught. Humanity excels in conformity. Traditions are hard to break. And a teaching that's been reinforced your whole life is the truth, no matter how much of a lie it is in reality. We look to a book for answers, but the book tells us to look inward, not outward for the solution. We stare off into the heavens seeking God, but Jesus said 'The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.' Willingly helping others is the true act of giving, but people are still taught to give 10% of all they have as an obligation - not to others but an institution. Movies, books, tapes, cd's are sold under the roof of every church in America, despite the fact Jesus tore up the synagogue in a fit of rage for people peddling their crap outside. We listen to the crafted words of speakers and preachers and consider what they say as gospel, ignoring the fact that Jesus said something completely different. Those words highlighted in red in your bibles are Jesus' words, who would you rather listen too? I believe that people are mostly afraid. Afraid to form their own opinion about God. The risk of being wrong might be too great, so it's best to follow the majority, right? Not what Jesus said ... 'The way is narrow...' Most people couldn't walk it. Jesus said that, Not me. I'm just repeating it for good measure and to make a point. Why would people believe that our God of creation would bring a curse on them for not following tradition? Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord makes people do stupid things to try and please Him, and win His affection. If it was taught next Sunday over television that standing on your head while you pray with your legs spread wide made your prayers radiate up to heaven like an antenna, I guarantee you people would do it and give praise reports of the blessings they received by doing so, and the visions they received from the Lord right before they passed out from all the blood rushing to their heads. Anyhow, I'm ranting.

Challenge what you've been taught, and find the truth for yourself. Don't be afraid. Jesus isn't going to beat you for it.