Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Jesus - The Liberal Years (Part 2 of a Series)
As I attempt to prove that Jesus was indeed the first liberal, I will quote from the book of Matthew 6:5-8.
This is a common theme throughout the teachings of Jesus. He's saying those who flaunt their faith do so for their own gain. Those who are humble in their faith are the ones who will be rewarded. Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me it looks as though it's the conservatives who are flaunting these days. They are the ones trumpeting their faith so as "to be seen by men." It's almost as if they feel insecure about themselves.
So what does this say about us blue-staters that aren't shouting our faith from every rooftop? Could it be that we are actually more Christ-like than the ones who claim to be so devout?
- 5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reard in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This is a common theme throughout the teachings of Jesus. He's saying those who flaunt their faith do so for their own gain. Those who are humble in their faith are the ones who will be rewarded. Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me it looks as though it's the conservatives who are flaunting these days. They are the ones trumpeting their faith so as "to be seen by men." It's almost as if they feel insecure about themselves.
So what does this say about us blue-staters that aren't shouting our faith from every rooftop? Could it be that we are actually more Christ-like than the ones who claim to be so devout?
