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One of the main attractions here in South Korea is their temple. It is an amazing architectural structure designed with beautiful detail. It catches the eye of everyone that walks past. Thinking I would offend Jesus, I chose not to stare at it too closely. But eventually, my curiosity got the better of me and I couldn’t help but explore around.
To my surprise, at around 9 pm, there were close to seventy-five people in the temple praying. If I’m being honest, I was pretty impressed by the number of people because of how cold it was. Yet, despite the freezing temperatures, everyone had their shoes off outside while they were there inside the temple.
As I continued to walk around, I saw a lady writing on a glass jar. I went up to her and asked what was going on. She proceeded to tell me that if I wrote down everything I wanted on this glass jar and lit the candle on the inside of it, then I could go and pray and believe for it.
Honestly, I expected there to be more to it. It sounded more like a free lottery ticket system. If I had to guess, I would say their statistics are probably about the same as the lottery in regard to the amount of people that are actually getting results.
Walking away prideful, I thought, “How silly of them to only be worrying about what they want and putting faith into a statue that doesn’t talk back.” But I quickly remembered that until recently, whenever I prayed to the God I thought was better, I never got a response either.
"47 Whoever is of God listens to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or in harmony with Him." - John 8:47 AMPC
Isn't it odd that Christians wouldn't expect Buddha to respond to Buddhists, but when we don't receive a response either we don't see a problem?
"15 And when you spread forth your hands [in prayer, imploring help], I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it." - Isaiah 1:15-20 AMPC
The interesting thing about coming to Christ is that most of us Christians are quick to bash other religions because of their fake gods, but aren't admitting how many times we actually hear from ours. The truth is that if you are praying to God with the intent of only receiving, then you are actually praying to the same god (small “g”) that the Buddhists believe in — A nonexistent one.
A harsh reality is that the bible actually says that God only hears the prayers of those who are committed to doing HIS will and most believers pray with the intention of God blessing THEIR own. I'm sure even Stevie Wonder could see the problem that would arise with this mentality.
"31 We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and a worshiper of Him and does His will, He listens to him." - John 9 :31 AMPC
Why would we think that the God that created the universe would be interested in fufilling our own selfish plans that have nothing to do with Him? Imagine if you went to a restaurant and the waiter sat down and asked you to get him a coffee? This is the thought process of most believers I've come across.
"19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many good things laid up, [enough] for many years. Take your ease; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself merrily. 20 But God said to him, You fool! This very night they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all the things that you have prepared, whose will they be? 21 So it is with the one who continues to lay up and hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relation] to God [this is how he fares]" - Luke 12:19-21 AMPC
Oftentimes, I would travel from place to place and see homes with Buddha statues. I've realized that these people haven’t actually given their life to Buddha. They only want Buddha to bless what they are already choosing to do. If we are being honest with ourselves, most Christians have the exact same life. We write down a Christmas gift list for God and blame Him if He is late or doesn’t come through on what we want. As if God, the Creator of the universe, only exists to serve us.
"25 Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it). 26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one," - Romans 1:25-26 AMPC
I have not researched every religion, but a thought comes to mind — If the God we believe in doesn’t expect obedience and for us to completely devote our lives and lose sight of our own plans, then what would be the point in following Him? If we are left to completely rely on ourselves then what would be the point of God creating us in the first place? Most people can agree that God exists, but the difference in opinion comes when we start to talk about what He actually expects from us.
"16 Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)? 17 But thank God, though you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed. 18 And having been set free from sin, you have become the servants of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in thought, purpose, and action)." - Romans 6:16-18 AMPC
I would say that my perspective is limited based on the people that I’ve met. But what I’ve seen as a common occurrence between religions is that everyone is pretty much doing whatever they please, and using what or who they believe in as the good luck charm to their own personal pursuits.
A thought comes to mind — Why would the Creator of the universe want us to create our own plans if He is much greater and wiser than we are? Imagine if a five-year-old told their parents their plans for the next couple of years. We would laugh. But for some reason, a majority of Christians believe that we can tell the Creator of the universe our own plans and expect Him to bless them. Sadly, if it wasn't for God's silence, we would probably hear His laughter.
We have tried to turn the all-powerful God into a Santa Claus at the mall, only acknowledging Him when we are in want or need. We have exchanged the blessing of His presence in search of his presents.
The sad reality is that most Christians actually want to serve Buddha but don't realize it. They don’t want a God that controls everything and expects everything in their life. They want a god that they can sit in the corner and rub on the head as “good luck” for whatever they choose to pursue.
A question comes to mind. Do we want to serve the living God or a statue that has no say in what we do?
"9 For they themselves volunteer testimony concerning us, telling what an entrance we had among you, and how you turned to God from [your] idols to serve a God Who is alive and true and genuine," - 1 Thessalonians 1:9 AMPC
Question of the Day: Would God consider you Buddhist based on the amount of times you've placed Him on a shelf?
Questions to find out if you are serving God or yourself.
When is the last time you did something outside of your comfort zone for God?
Can others guess what you will be doing a month from now?
What is the most uncomfortable thing God has asked you to do? Did you do it? Has he asked you to do anything?
Can someone that doesn't follow God relate to your day to day life?
Are you known for helping others?