Quoted from Yellowstone (in red):
Coming right back to the beginning. Are they truly serving themselves, when in fact they are unwittingly, following to the letter, the full purpose of God from the beginning of time? Can anyone say that this "serving the beast within" is contrary to God's plan. Also, "they think...." Are they truly thinking on their own, free and willingly outside of the will of God. If yes, then God is not all knowing; however, if no, then once again, each thought is according to God's supreme purpose.
Good point, they are serving themselves, AND yes, this is God's will for them. No, I agree, they cannot do anything outside God's purpose/will for them.
What then is sin? Of what benefit is it to us? Thankfully, we are more than puppets on a string and for some strange (carnal) reason, I still "feel" like I have control of "my" thoughts and that "I" can still fathom complex issues on my own (with the help of God.) God has so graciously allowed us to feel emotion and feel proud for our accomplishments, even though all of them are according to his will.
What is sin? What beneift is it to us? What about James 4:17, "If you don't do what you know is right, you have sinned." I also "feel" like I have control over my thoughts, and actions. And when I do what I know is wrong, I know I have sinned. Because I know I sinned, I repent. Is that not a benefit? That we know what it is and when we do it? I bet many don't know that!
If God's purpose is for some of us to sin more than others, it has to be more than for the "righteous" of us to judge. That is pure foolishness, at least to my level of understanding. Why then are some people difficult to love? Is it because we are seeing their actions as personal to us, instead of seeing them as players in Gods grand plan for us all. How then can we not love each and everyone of them, for they are not different than anyone of us, for each of us lives according to the enlightenment that God has personally bestowed on each one of us. Instead of being hurt and angered over some event, we should rather ask God for understanding so that we may garner some understanding from the event/s so that our knowledge and love for him and all around us, (even terrorists) can grow according to his will.
Eph 6:12 (CEV) "We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world."
I agree, Darren, we definitely should ask God for understanding with all people/events that hurt us. We should be loving each and every one of God's children, if we remember that our fight is not with THEM, we can probably love them alot easier. I have many times pushed my emotions aside when trying to love those who hurt me, for example. It's not about me and how I feel. It's about Jesus first, then others, than me.
Marie, does this make sense to you? Comments always welcome.
Yes, your comments make sense to me....and mine to you?
In God we trust...
Amen!
Peace to you Darren.
Marie