Date: 11/21/2003 8:55:00 PM
From Authorid: 36994
I'm sorry I can't explain, but I always saw it as nature such as trees, lakes, the beautiful oceans were God's many treasures for us from him. Makes me think about it though..interesting post.  |
Date: 11/21/2003 9:48:00 PM
From Authorid: 31255
I think it means that we should only love that which is of God's spirit and not material objects, hate, lust, etc. We shouldn't love a place is that is both breathing love and sin... We should only love what is bigger than the world... which is God.  |
Date: 11/21/2003 9:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 12341
This is awesome Scall. I've always been troubled by that scripture. Still am, maybe I don't understand enough, or the meaning hidden to me. I've been in healthcare much of my life and seen lots of suffering. I've even seen and known those who longed for death. More often because of worn out and pain riddled bodies. I guess this is where I fall short because I love life. It has and is very meaningful to me. My family, friends and the patients I care for bring more happiness to me than anything. I too genuinely enjoy my family, and my career, my life. If I knew I were dying perhaps my perspective may change, but I doubt that. It is the love and the people, not prosperity that has made my life good. Leaving behind a life filled with loved ones and looking forward to eternity is still something I haven't managed to come to terms with. I love live and every day is good.  |
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Date: 11/21/2003 9:59:00 PM
From Authorid: 12341
Toodles, I like that explaination and believe that the way you explained it makes it more possible for us to realize the concept within the scripture. |
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Date: 11/21/2003 11:00:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Toodles: I hate to say it but "hate and lust" are not material obejects. Unfortunately we are stuck on earth - with is composed of both love and sin. scall |
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Date: 11/21/2003 11:02:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Shadow Ghost: I think the key is the love of all - both people and things, but not things in spite of people. People to me will always mean more than material -- that's why I am such a "trouble-maker" at work -- always sticking up for the little guy ;-) Scall |
Date: 11/21/2003 11:22:00 PM
From Authorid: 3125
Scall..Jesus is saying that we are to turn away from and not be involved in the sins of the world such as lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, etc, etc.. We are to set our minds on doing the good and righteous things of God. If we have our minds set on worldly things then how can we be of God who is holy? If we turn to God with our heart, mind and soul then we attempt to do that which is pleasing unto Him..We all know that sin is not pleasing unto Him so we do all we can to avoid sinful things. Love is of God and love for our family, friends and anyone we meet is very pleasing unto Him. We can enjoy life to the fullest without yielding unto the sins of this world.  |
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Date: 11/21/2003 11:52:00 PM
From Authorid: 31255
I not saying hate and lust are material objects. I am saying we should not be in love with material objects, or hate, or lust or all those other things we know are not of God. |
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Date: 11/22/2003 12:24:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Rusure: I'm not sure I get what you mean. I hope you are saying that I can do what I am doing in the material word so long as I keep my intentions clear. Otherwise, I don't get it.
Scall |
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Date: 11/22/2003 12:28:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
TOODLES: I see, and I agree - we should not be in love with or idolize material objects, but to accept them as part of the world we live in is only natural. |
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Date: 11/22/2003 9:06:00 AM
From Authorid: 3125
Scall, The things of the world can be used and possessed for the uses and purposes which God intended, but believers shouldn't seek them in the wrong way. To seek to satisfy ones own desires could lead to sin..We are human and we have natural human desires, but we can allow these natural desires to cause us to sin. Here's a few examples...1. the lust of the flesh- this includes anything which our fleshly body desires. If we do not keep it in check, our fleshly desires could lead to gluttony, alcoholism, selfishness and greed, sinful sexual relationships such as fornication, adultery, etc... 2. the lust of the eyes- the eyes are delighted with rich possessions and beauty; this could easily lead to the lust of covetousness. It is ok to become wealthy, but if one becomes wealthy and forgets the poor, he is sinning. If a desire to be wealthy causes one to gain wealth in the wrong way such as gambling, cheating, stealing, etc, then this is sinning...3. the pride of life- a vain man craves the grandeur and pomp of a vain-glorious life; this includes thirst after honour and applause and obtaining this through unrighteousness acts. For example, many in the entertainment world will forfeit their morals, etc, in order to obtain fame and honor. Honor and recognition becomes more important to them than the righteous things of God. I hope this helps you to understand. :) |
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Date: 11/22/2003 9:52:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Thanks for clearing that up RUSURE: I understand the difference but I still have trouble with the emphasis on hating anything in the world. I think a person could like/love something and not become *attached* to it. Scall |
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Date: 11/22/2003 8:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 3125
Scall, The hate we are discussing here is used in the sense of feeling a dislike or distaste for sin/evil. For example, I hate dishonesty. Many associate hate with a strong hostile feeling toward a person. God is not talking about this kind of hate. This type of hate is destructive and is taught against in God's Word. |
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Date: 11/22/2003 8:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 12341
Rusure, I hate murderers, and child abusers, child molesters. This is perhaps where I have the most trouble with God. WHY, why, why. My heart will always hurt and grieve for those who are tortured. There is no greater pain. I can and have learned to accept death from natural causes and disease. it is always the kind that humans inflict upon others. Often children. I can't and will never understand how a human can hurt another human or most especially a child. Where was God? |
