I ponder this too. Often.
I ask. Why do those who claim to be christian (whether they are or are not is between them and god), live in big houses, drive fancy new cars, buy big boats, go to the lake every weekend, built huge megachurches, buy their kids brand new cars when they turn 16, have a television in every room, subscriptions to 200 magazines, fancy brand new name brand clothing, run around with the latest gadgets, over two thousand songs on their ipod, and many many many more profound wastes of their time, money, and energy!!?!?!?!
I resolve, they are fools. They will get what is coming to them.
The Rich Man and Lazarus:
Parable or Prophecy?
Lazarus and the Rich Man (Lu. 16:19-31)
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead”.
As always, when you criticize the actions of one, you must offer an alternative, that you percieve to be the moral standpoint. What do I plan to do with my life? Small house. All I need, is a bedroom big enough, for a bed, a dressor, and maybe a closet. Closet is totally optional. I would like some sort of underground shelter, but could do without. I would only need one full bath, and a kitchen. The kitchen would be simple. One sink. One stove/oven. I don't need a microwave. It is a waste of money. It is unhealthy, and the food just doesn't taste that great in my opion. I would have a small area for a small table, which would double as my desk. I don't plan on a TV, I would have one laptop, as in the future I expect technology to take over life more and more. I would simply take the same chair from my small kitchen table outside, and I would enjoy my evenings outside. Without gadgets, without music. I would just enjoy the evening. I do this sometimes now, but in Missouri, it is often very hard for someone with allergies to do this with no complaint.
In Modern American Society, I think we have lost touch with Morality as a whole. I think this is evident in so many ways. Drop me a message if you care to hear what I think.
I will say one thing to any American out there. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Want does not constitute need. No one seems to use this concept. We wear the full suits, and the American Eagle, and other expensive clothing. I thought Jesus taught to be humble and modest, yet earnest.
I would very much like to find a "house-church". I believe that the church is the people, not the brick. We spend too much money tething away to build these megachurches, and even large churches in small towns. This money is not being adequately used to feed and cloth the poor.
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:2
Too often, charitable works are paraded. Don't parade, Don't ask for recognition, don't reject recognition though, be humble and accept it, but use it as a chance to glorify God.
As the original poster stated, my faith is weak too. Probably the weakest of all people on these forums. I look around at the "Chrisitan America", and I think.. "Oh Lord, how could this be?" "Why do so many make exscuses for their actions?" "They simply say, God will forgive me, so I can do whatever, as long as I am sorry." It's just like what my parents would say, "Are you sorry for the action, or for being caught?"
EDIT: Just gunna add this at the end, instead of putting it where it belongs, so you can see the original version as was. I could also go without air condition, heating, and possibly hot water. I've lived outdoors. I'm a Boy Scout. A Scout is prepared. I'm pretty tough. Ain't no wimpy kid here.
Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is
trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent.
