For Christian thought

For Christian Thought

Shakespeare wrote,
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”
                                                  William Shakespeare
Mahatma Gandhi wrote,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
                                                                                           Mahatma Gandhi.
I think the two statements above should be words of caution for Christians.
The first one reminds us that the devil can indeed quote scripture. He did so when Jesus was being tempted.
It should also be a reminder that there are many in our churches and in the media that are claiming to be Christians that are not. And I don’t mean just so called small fish. There are some big name ministers and evangelist that are not correctly presenting the word of God.
Remember  Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                                                                              Matthew 7:21-23.
The Second statement by Mahatma Gandhi, “Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.” makes it clear there are many calling themselves Christians that are not acting Christ like at least in the eyes of none Christians. The apostle James points this out writing,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?"
                                                                                                           James 2:14-20
  James goes on to note what being a Christian is all about, saying, 
“Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.  
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?  
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
                                                                                     James 2:14-26
The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans saying,
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 
                                                                                Romans 12:9-21

Please think about it.