I just had to repost here. I hope it has meaning to someone.
http://geppy.gephart.info/2008/02/religion-vs-life.html
I am currently involved in a discussion on something called syncretism. Truthfully, I had never heard the word before so I had to start by looking up the definition. It has something to do with the combination of religious practices from various religions into your own religion. Basically the discussion started out with (1) if it was right to do, (2) if the LORD would accept such worship, and (3) examples in the Old Testament of Israel doing just that.
So, not only did I not know the word but even after reading the definition I just don't accept that syncretism matters. Syncretism is a discussion of religion, and we are not called to a religion but a life style. The LORD did not ask us to worship him by a specific religion, but with our whole heart and with all our might. So, we are not asked to worship a specific way; we are asked to give him everything - all that we are and all that we do. If we worship in this way (with everything), then the outward form of worship (religion) will be correct no matter what its style is.
So, for a personal story - which I have not shared often; but it relates to other discussions I have had recently too. When I was graduating from high school and getting ready to go to college I suffered from some depressive thoughts and thoughts of suicide (though I was too cowardly to ever act on them - thankfully). But one night the LORD stepped in and did something to "fix" these thoughts. He showed me the concept of what he wants. That night, I died and Jesus came to life - in a sense. Of course I did not physically die, but the LORD became all in all to me. Everything that I did now became whatever he would want from me.
This of course doesn't mean that I didn't fail; didn't sin. Even the Apostle Paul continued to sin. But the joy of it is that it is no longer I that am sinning, but the old sinful nature that exists within this frail body. But someday, HE will rectify that. When Jesus comes back to establish the kingdom this old, frail body will be gone and I will have a new body that exists without a sinful nature! Life will be perfect. Creation will be perfect. Nature will be perfect. The Kingdom of Heaven will be here - upon this planet to which we belong.
So with this thought beginning in my soul and growing thru my entire being, how could the depression not shrink and shrink and shrink. There is nothing, absolutely nothing depressive about this promise. And I will be there; I will participate in this promise. I will finally be able to do whatever my soul desires; no longer a slave to the ways of this world. I am a citizen in the Kingdom, not of the world empires.
So, instead of worrying about what this world does to me (which it still does; that is life) I look for what Jesus can do thru me today. Whether it be speaking the words that he would have me say, or to do things that make others able to focus just slightly more on the Kingdom and worry less about today, or to give money and resources to those who need it. This is Kingdom life.
To remember that this world and its ways are not my home. This planet is my home, but not the world that the deceiver rules. Jesus will put an end to those world ways and restore our world to this planet. To practice the ways of my world within this world, that is to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. That is what we are all called to do.
Arguments about religion and words are not of my world. Worrying about if someone has been disrespectful is not of my world. Pointing out the sins and faults of others is not of my world. My world is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. My world is the forgiveness of others sins and faults. My world is one thing in and thru everything. My world is the LORD.
What is your world?
synergism
Thank you for your thoughts about synergism. I greatly appreciate that this is not your personal interest. For many people the concept of evaluating and defending the faith is rather unattractive and unpleasant task, however that doesn't mean that it is not a necessary evil. Because we live in a fallen world and the enemy is a cunning crafty beast, he will try to turn and twist the truth in sutble and slight ways. Please remember that the smallest untruth or half-truth in a large statement makes the whole thing wrong. Satan works in increments not in revolution.
Just as not everyone is comfortable defending and protecting our nation in the military; willing to go to war in the defense of our freedoms, so to not all are called to be on the front lines of apologetics and standing as a watchman on the wall of the faith.
Most people find it rather in poor taste to attack our troops who swear to protect and defend our nation; why is it consider fair game to disparage those who take the defense of the Truth of God's word just as seriously?
The concept of synergism make not concern you, I rejoice that your faith is strong, however the intrusion of misleading and false beliefs into the faith can have devestating consequenses to one not as strong in the faith as yourself. There will always be those who either by accident or by intention distort the Word of God and so there will also be a need for people of faith to be willing to "give a defense" and stand a watchmen on the wall of God's people.
Just some food for thought.
RE: syncretism
Hey gerrykapanka,
More power to you to if you feel led to this battle. I hope that you did not take my words as disparagement as they were meant as encouragement to the brotherhood of Christ. Also, it was meant as the viewpoint of an individual in his or her life's journey, not as a viewpoint of the battle.
But, that said, as I've stated numerous times in discussions recently - our calling is to speak of our Lord and what he has done for us. The battle is His to fight; not ours. And, the battle is only meaningful to those whom He has - or will - call. On all others it is fruitless and meaningless.
It is not that I am not involved in the battle - for I am. But the battle drains all that you have. If you fight for more than is your duty, it may just drain too much of you and then you loose where you are attempting to win.
Anyway, peace and good luck.
Just learned this word myself
In my studies on the Divided Kingdom, I just learned this word in relation to Samaria... I can see where the concept would lead to good discussions... The workbook I am using is called Revival or Captivity? by Kay Arthur if anyone is interested...
God Bless,
John