When you think of God, what do you think of? Loving, merciful, powerful, kind? Don't you also think of just, sovereign, and redemptive? I am so sick of preachers such as Joel Osteen (who, by the way, will make over $10 million in tour sales this year). giving the Christian faith a sappy boneless twist. He paints only half of the picture. Only half of the redemptive plan of humanity. He says that Christianity is all about living "your best life now" and his books are all about 7 easy steps to live the best life you can. You may ask what is wrong with that? There isn't anything about wanting to live the best life you can, but when you label the best life in terms of money and fame, it gets a little shady. In Colossians 3:2, it says set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Christ lived a life of poverty. He knew that his disciple's lives were going to be hard because they were living a life opposite of the world. Should we deny the fact that 11 out of the 12 disciples died for the cause of Christ? Should we deny the words of Jesus when he countlessly exhorted the rich and applauded the poor? Should we forget it when He said that "I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:24) It is easy to understand an accept the part of God that loves us and wants the best for us, but its hard to accept the God of justice and the one who hates sin. Osteen said that he doesn't want to bombard people with the their sin. He wants to show them that all they have to do is think good thoughts, be a better person, and God will bless you. When did the gospel become about us? Becoming a Christian is about surrendering the control of our lives up to God to pilot.
Just a thought..
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