I am a bit leery of those who speak badly of religion, so I approach that subject gingerly, and respectfully. I am not convinced religion is the evil it seems by so many to be. Having said that - I confess there are certainly elements of "religion" that are troubling. Most troubling is religion that focuses on the idea that you must live a life that is pleasing to God so that you may win His favor. This idea is a fundamental error in all religions around the world. Earning favor is not a tenet of the Christian religion, it is a false religion.
Jesus says the opposite: The blessing of God belongs to those who know they cannot win His favor; Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Poverty of spirit brings a surprising blessing - a place in the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel turns religion on its head. Many religions, including those in the Christian faith say, "Live a life that earns the favor of God." That is not the attitude that gains such favor, that is not the true Christian faith, that is not the way of the Gospel. The Gospel says "receive God's favor through Christ crucified, so you may begin and pursue a life in the power of the Spirit that is pleasing to God."
The key is that we must see that we are not righteous, the Bible says there is none who are righteous, "no not one!" So then, where is our hope? Our hope is Christ, He alone is our righteousness, he alone is our sanctification, He alone is our Hope!
Do you want a place in the Kingdom of God - then be poor in spirit - understand your poverty - know that there is nothing about you that merits such a blessing, and you will have been properly positioned to receive the blessing of the Kingdom. This is the brand of heart that gains the favor of the Father, "Blessed are the meek. . . Blessed are the Poor . . . . "
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