***MAD MONK ONLY--OFF TOPIC--I APOLOGIZE, BUT PLEASE IGNORE***
Mad Monk,
You are right, of course. I let them(him,her,it) get to my earthly side. I must develop my spiritual side more. This is, after all, only money. When they put that last shovel of dirt on top, the money stays here.
If I am out of place here, just say so. I will understand. I feel you are probably of an Eastern religion, or at least lean that way. I choose to believe the way to heaven is how the Bible says. I simply look at a few facts:
1. No other religion claims to worship someone they claim rose from the dead.
2. I choose to believe He did rise from the dead simply because if He didn't, there is no way this belief could have been carried around the world for this long. He was not here long enough to literally change the world as He has. He may have gotten a few to die for him (ie -Heaven's Gate), but not centuries of millions of people to continue to do the same.
3. If I take point #2 to be true, then I have to take EVERYTHING else that is said in the Bible to be true as well. There are some denominations today that pick and choose what they want to follow and call that interpretation of Scripture. It makes no sense. If there is a God who created everything, what would be the point of making up things to put in a book that are not true? He could simply live in a big Harem with endless fun and games? No, I think he really does exists in three parts, one of which was part human, and that part came and lived, died, and rose again to make a point. And it says that no one comes to the Father (& I take that to mean Heaven) but by Him.
4. So, I say, "If it is a fairy tale, then what will I lose by following His example and asking for forgiveness of my sins and for His acceptance of me into Heaven one day"? True, maybe lots of physical pleasures, but that is really a misnomer -- look at the lives of those that are born beautiful, rich, and have no belief system. They party till death, but it is easy to see the vast majority are not truly happy. A state of true joy and happiness is much better than physical pleasures. Most cannot conceive this. The mind is much more powerful than the body. So if I accept this plan for an eternity in Heaven, I really lose nothing, but if it ends up being true, I gain eternity of happiness. Like IMMM, I play the risk-reward side -- although sometimes I begin to question my earthly judgement on stock picks lately!
I just don't like to leave something like eternity to as much chance as hitting commercial oil.
I hope I have not disappointed you and your perception of me. I have many sides. May we do great things for those less fortunate when the DR. hits his mark. I think these things count also. Not to get in Heaven, but it will make the greeting that much better.
I remain,
SOROS |
