it is when said self interest is put above the interests of others that things break down.
How do you know the interests of others?
if your reason for worshiping god is to save yourself, you've missed the ENTIRETY of the spiritual teachings of the bible.
Looks like you missed it. Worshipping God to save yourself is what Jesus taught. Was the condemned man on the cross seeking to save himself exclusively when he said, "Lord, remember me when you enter your kingdom"? I think so in light of the fact he had already rebuked the other condemned man on the cross, "his neighbor", for having rejected Jesus. And, I should direct you to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son since clearly, you haven't assimilated its meaning. Specifically, God does not care why you worship, for worship shows faith, and faith is all. It's the worship that gets the results, not minding the spiritual health of your neighbor.
btw, i can't think of a single person who has an *urge* to do what the bible says. humans are hostile to the bible's message.
Judge not lest ye be judged, else, you aren't a person or you are a hypocrite.
it takes a lot of work and dedication and we still end up pretty pathetic.
What was that point about forgiving them that trespass against us in the Lord's Prayer"?
if we think we are doing anything good, it is almost certainly are own ignorance of what "good" actually is.
Then how can you expect to be able to mind your neighbor's interest?
again, the wages of sin is death. sin is transgression of the law.
Why was the prostitute spared the transgression of law? Not paid for her sins?
NOT love your neighbor LESS than yourself, as you claim is fundamentally required for survival.
Survival doesn't preempt love to those who believe that "he that loses his life for my sake, gains it". |
