There is more irrational and foolish thinking in our world today because we are living in the end times when "self' is on the throne and arrogance rules the day.
Since the Bible is largely ignored by the culture, even by those who say they are Christians, everyone is steeped in secular psychology, which is based on animal instincts instead of God's Word.
If you treat an animal well, it will become loyal and protective toward us. This is not true of mankind. Animals have no guile, they operate from instinct but mankind is very different.
I cannot count the many times I witnessed someone being kind to others only to be reviled out of jealousy.
God said that the heart of man is "desperately wicked without remedy." Even our good deeds are done to elevate self, boasting and bragging without regard to the effects on others.
In our generation, all children have been raised in a culture that promotes "self-esteem", the idea that we should always think well of ourselves, fosters arrogance and self-will.
2 Timothy 4:3-5 "…3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
The myths that this culture has embraced are many. Christmas, Easter, birthday celebrations, Halloween, self-esteem teaching, April Fools' Day, Valentine's Day, and others that were never commanded by God, but most Christians today feel pressured to observe. The culture is overwhelmed but doesn't realize how depleted and ragged they are at the end of it all every year.
In fact, these myths have so dominated the culture that anyone who does not observe them is treated with disrespect as though they are doing something wrong.
God's Word is so simple, but mankind attempts to make it complicated, placing people in bondage to things God never commanded or intended.
Matthew 11:29-30 "Rest for the Weary
…29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
The only celebration God gave us was the Lord's supper to be observed every time we come together. And, notice, this is the one most people ignore while engaging in all the other man-made holidays God never gave.
Our church culture ignores more of the Bible than they obey, and are staunch in judging others who do not go with them.
Matthew 23:4 "They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them."
1 John 5:3 "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,"
Mark 7:13 "13Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.”
Colossians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ."
A huge burden was lifted from my soul when God opened my eyes to the futility and meaninglessness of the man-made rules and holidays. May many others pray to be freed as I was freed.
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