Devotion
The Shackle of Wickedness
David Jacobs
My wife's family is not Christian. They are Buddhists, and it has been a challenge for me to accept this. Her family are nice people, good people, caring people, but have been brought up with different traditions and a different religion from my family. It is a debate that I have struggled with in my head: would Jesus not allow these good people to go to Heaven?
The lives of non-believers and other religions may seem easier and less strict than the lives of a Christian. What are the core beliefs of our religion? More than anything, we are to believe that Jesus Christ's teachings are the way, the truth, and the life. We must hold his teachings close, cling to the goodness that they exude, and push away the wickedness of non-belief. Although it may sound blasphemous, much of the principle tenets of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism are similar to our own. It is wickedness and apathy that God will judge. Apathy may seem free, but it is an apparition: without any guidance, it is the equivalent of being lost at sea. I cannot answer whether or not my wife's family will be permitted to join us in Heaven. However, I think that Christ's teachings are more about attempting to create a kingdom of heaven here on earth. That is why we must follow his word. My wife's family may not be able to go to the heavenly kingdom; I am not sure. I am sure that the evil, apathetic, and lost souls will not be permitted unless they are redeemed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have given us all that we need to begin building a heaven on earth, as I believe you intended by sending us your son, Jesus Christ, to teach us. Help us shape the future, molding the apathetic and evil to become your children. I pray that you do not permit me, Abba Father, to stray from your path in my vigor. Please be merciful to the good people that do not know you Lord, giving them a chance to enter your heavenly kingdom, just as you have with me. Amen.
Night Prayer
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
Inspiration
We cannot surrender part of our lives to serve the Lord; we must surrender it all. We see multiple occurrences in the New Testament when Jesus says, 'follow me,' met with an excuse or other business that needed to be taken care of first. We like to think that, given the opportunity, we would follow immediately, but that may not be true. We put many earthly activities before the Lord. We make idols of technology, sports, and other activities or people. These secondary priorities cause us to wander away from the Lord instead of closer to Him. We must analyze our walk closely and remove all stumbling blocks that distract us from the Lord.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we want to serve You with all our hearts. Help us analyze our lives and remove stumbling blocks that slow our walk with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
