A Form of Godliness

In the previous article I introduced the idea that the practice of organized religion has in a broad variety of ways taken the place of authentic Christian living before a watching world.  The result has been a steady decline in church attendance and loss of influence by the church on the moral direction of our society over the past several generations.

Organized Religion Falls Short

What comes to mind when you hear the term “organized religion?”  No doubt it brings up different images to different people, but in general it probably elicits thoughts of moral codes, the practice of traditions, following of rules and restrictions, stiff and formal settings, “a bunch of hypocrites,” or perhaps even unpleasant memories or feelings of rejection. 

Guard Your Heart

No, I don’t mean the vital blood pump that certainly needs our attention and should be carefully guarded with proper diet and exercise if we want to live well.  What I’m talking about is that inward part of our being that we mean when we say, “I love you with all my heart.”  That “heart” encompasses not only our deepest emotions, but also includes our conscious thoughts, active choices and attitudes.  It’s what makes us the unique person that each of us is.  In reality it is the condition of that heart that determines whether we live well or not.

Meekness: The Misunderstood Virtue

The word often conjures up images of a weak, bashful person, hat in hand, fearful of asking for a small favor, even cowering before a domineering spouse.  A wimp.  That was what I visualized as meekness when I was growing up.  Maybe you did too.

Strength

In my journey of recovery, I have often asked for and given thanks for greater health and strength.  My biggest struggle continues to be running out of strength and breath to move around to do ordinary tasks of daily living.  Nevertheless, I still see progress when measured over months.  Recently, for example, I was able for the first time to take a shower, dry off and dry my hair without having to sit down for a rest midway through the process!