
Me: Prodigal, you look like you have been living it up….
Prodigal: Maybe a little…..
Me: Well as you sort all those beads and find a way out…let me share.
This is from the book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller
Religion, generally speaking, tends to create a slippery slope in the heart. Each religion tells its followers that they have “the truth,” and this naturally leads them to feel superior to those with differing beliefs. Also, a religion tells its followers that they are saved and connected to God by devotedly performing that truth. This moves them to separate from those who are less devoted and pure in life. Therefore, it is easy for one religious group to stereotype and caricature other ones. Once this situation exists it can easily spiral down into the marginalization of others or even to active oppression, abuse or violence against them.
On your best day you are a sinner saved my grace! That does not mean that you do not have the love of our Lord and Savior but it does mean you have nothing to brag about. Remember this is not about religion. This is about living in the spirit and staying focused on the Lord our Savior.
For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.
1 Samuel 12:22
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org