Why do you feel it is so hard to be good?

[VictoryinJesus]

BE GOOD AND DO GOOD has become my slogan on this forum.
I feel like the Johnny Appleseed of be good.
Why has it come to this on this forum?.
Probably one of the most worth while discussion we could have.
I CONTEND THAT IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO BE GOOD!
I CONTEND THAT IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO LIVE A NEARLY SINLESS LIFE!
NOW PROVE ME WRONG!

The truth will set you free! Be honest.

still considering your topic of good …but not perfect.
Revelation 3:1 Lexicon: "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive(awake?), but you are dead.

Revelation 3:2 Lexicon: 'Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

Revelation 3:3 Lexicon: So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.


Why “wake up”? Just sharing some thoughts of “wake up” in Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. —We have heard or read this before Yea? 1 Thessalonians 5:4-7 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

the king James of the above says I have not found your works perfect before God. The above version says “I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of God.” Consider “but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.”

2 Corinthians 7:6-12 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; [7] And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. [8] For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. [9] Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. [11] For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. [12] Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

There is also Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Is it “you are good in Him.” Or you are “complete”? Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

If it is easy to be good…impossible to be perfect. Then is it also impossible to be complete without God?

 

[Enoch111]

NOW PROVE ME WRONG!

Why would anyone want to prove you wrong?

 

[Ferris Bueller]

So the great stone too heavy for man to remove rolled away from the mouth of the grave by the Lord when he called “come forth out from the grave” is only to those under the Old Testament? Then why do we speak of the stone rolled away by God …His body buried and His resurrection unto Life if there was never a great stone nor a burial…in saying this removing of ‘the stone’ does not apply to everyone kept under sin and death?

I can't grasp what you're getting at.
Does this address what you're driving at?

"25God presented Him as the atoning sacrificei through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." Romans 3:25​

 

[amigo de christo]

I came to the same realization. It's amazing how many lengthy passages of scripture there are in the NT telling us what to do and not what to do. But instead of talking about those we find the couple of verses about this or that and major on those, lol.

Did you notice what made Wynona realize that . She said WHEN I READ THE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES
i was suprised to find out how often OBEIDANCE is preached . What stands out . NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES .
the problem , thus , with most is , they dont really read them , they let men TWIST THEM INTO A PERVERTED TYPE OF GRACE .
AKA , my saying stands , PEOPLES GET IN THOSE BIBLES cause men are DECEIVING THE HECK OUT OF FOLKS . LEARN JESUS FOR YOURSELVES
LEARN that bible and do so quickly .

 

[amigo de christo]

Well Calvin said it back in the 1600's... But if you think you started using it first, yeah sure... Ok.


Oh, so you have read his works! What books of his have you read? He wrote many and I have read some of them. Lets compare notes! What books of his have you read?

[You are being set up. I know you haven't read any of his works. I have read his works. I know better. He was a monster, but not because of what he wrote. Your best response is to not respond, because you are wrong!]

Even a broke clock can get time right twice a day . But as far as following calvin and his tulip
my advice is , he should have kept those two lips of his closed . Its far easier to just learn the bible for ourselves
than to sit under folks who get some things right , but often things dead wrong as well .
Even the popes can get some things right , but you wont catch me learning from them either .

 

[Brakelite]

Love fulfills everything. This is an interesting thought.

Love leads me to preserve life, so I don't kill. Love brings benevolence so I don't hate. Love rejoices in another's joy, so I don't covet.

Trust makes me rest in Christ, so I don't strive to be accepted by God, which is the fulfillment of the Sabbath.

But it is a very interesting question to me . . . how then is keeping the Sabbath in the OT fashion faith being expressed in love?

What is there in living in faith and love that tells us to separate a day apart from the others?

Much love!

A deeper study of the Sabbath Commandment reveals that it was set aside in love for man to give man the opportunity to use it for the benefit of others. Notice in the commandment it says,
KJV Deuteronomy 5:14
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Just as Jesus healed and brought blessing to others on the Sabbath, so it's right and proper we do the same. If we rest, so also do our employees. And we don't go shopping causing others to work on Sabbath. Love? It's all about love, love for God first because He has all authority and it was He who first sanctified the day and made it holy. And regardless whether we "rest in Him" as you say, which is certainly valid, that isn't related to the Sabbath day itself which remains sanctified and holy.

 

[Grailhunter]

still considering your topic of good …but not perfect.
Revelation 3:1 Lexicon: "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive(awake?), but you are dead.

Revelation 3:2 Lexicon: 'Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

Revelation 3:3 Lexicon: So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.


Why “wake up”? Just sharing some thoughts of “wake up” in Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. —We have heard or read this before Yea? 1 Thessalonians 5:4-7 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

the king James of the above says I have not found your works perfect before God. The above version says “I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of God.” Consider “but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.”

2 Corinthians 7:6-12 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; [7] And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. [8] For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. [9] Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. [11] For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. [12] Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

There is also Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Is it “you are good in Him.” Or you are “complete”? Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

If it is easy to be good…impossible to be perfect. Then is it also impossible to be complete without God?

2nd Corinthians 7:6-12
6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Good scriptures....

 

[VictoryinJesus]

2nd Corinthians 7:6-12
6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Good scriptures....

what version is this? Love Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Ephesians 6:12-18 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18]

“He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

2 Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

 

[Grailhunter]

what version is this? Love

New International Version NIV

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—

regret it? Is that the same as Repent?

“but only for a little while” for me weakens “for a season” because “a season” helps…more than “a little while”

“I do not repent, though I did repent” …for if “need be for a season” 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Philemon 1:14-16 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

 

[Grailhunter]

regret it? Is that the same as Repent?

“but only for a little while” for me weakens “for a season” because “a season” helps…more than “a little while”

“I do not repent, though I did repent” …for if “need be for a season” 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Philemon 1:14-16 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Regret is the more correct translation and is also used in the New King James Version. Repent can mean several things, but regret fits this conversation better.

Philemon 1:14-16 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

regret it? Is that the same as Repent?

“but only for a little while” for me weakens “for a season” because “a season” helps…more than “a little while”

“I do not repent, though I did repent” …for if “need be for a season” 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Philemon 1:14-16 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

especially in ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: [2] A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; [3] A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;…’ Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

 

[Grailhunter]

A detour study of the Sabbath Commandment reveals that it was set aside in live for man to give man the opportunity to use it for the benefit of others. Notice in the commandment it says,
KJV Deuteronomy 5:14
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Just as Jesus healed and brought blessing to others on the Sabbath, so it's right and proper we do the same. If we rest, so also do our employees. And we don't go shopping causing others to work on Sabbath. Love? It's all about love, love for God firstb because He has all authority and it was He who first sanctified the day and made it holy. And regardless whether we "rest in Him" as you say, which is certainly valid, that isn't related to the Sabbath day itself which remains sanctified and holy.

Personal beliefs on how to observe Sunday...the Lord's Day, I have no issues with.
Whether Sunday is a Sabbath is debatable.
For me I am not a Jew and Judaism is not my religion.
The Mosaic Law demanded the death penalty for incorrect observances of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was Saturday and it could not be moved.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Regret is the more correct translation and is also used in the New King James Version. Repent can mean several things, but regret fits this conversation better.

Philemon 1:14-16 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. [11] For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought(worked) in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Whatever translation the above sounds like more than just regret. Worldly sorrow can also have regrets but still leads to death. Like bewail sounds like more than to just regret. 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

 

[Grailhunter]

Whatever translation the above sounds like more than just regret. Worldly sorrow can also have regrets but still leads to death. Like bewail sounds like more than to just regret.

Repent compared to regret.

I was going to damn the creek but I repented.... Decided not to.

I regret putting my finger in the mouse trap...

When I decided to be a Christian because I believed in Christ....and wanted to follow His ways and examples.
I repented my past life and regretted the wrongs I did. So from there on I intended to be good and do good the best I could. It is said that perfection is the goal even though impossible but still the goal is valid, because it narrows your intent.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Repent compared to regret.

I was going to damn the creek but I repented.... Decided not to.

I regret putting my finger in the mouse trap...

When I decided to be a Christian because I believed in Christ....and wanted to follow His ways and examples.
I repented my past life and regretted the wrongs I did. So from there on I intended to be good and do good the best I could. It is said that perfection is the goal even though impossible but still the goal is valid, because it narrows your intent.

I have a conflict between johnny Appleseed “good” (I’m not mocking you), and be perfect as your Father is perfect …that you may be called the children of your Father which is in Heaven. You said it is easy to be good. I’ve seen good out in public, parading good around like a badge of honour …yet I’ve also seen that same behind closed doors. And there is a contradiction there. Out in public…then where it is thought to not be seen. I get that doesn’t make sense but I’ve experienced the “nice and giving” well liked unless they want something and then they will take it without any regrets or remorse. I’m not meaning you but just commenting on life experiences…yet called good.

 

[Grailhunter]

I have a conflict between johnny Appleseed “good” (I’m not mocking you), and be perfect as your Father is perfect

Actually this conflict is much broader. The issue is that people do not understand the religious literary style of the time period. Christ used it and most of the Apostles used it. They talk to the extremes....you will see people debating on topics, presenting opposing scriptures from the same person.

Christ is not stupid....He is not telling you to do something that is impossible....what would be the benefit of that?

Hate your mother and father to be His disciple....what would be the benefit of that?

You said it is easy to be good. I’ve seen good out in public, parading good around like a badge of honour …yet I’ve also seen that same behind closed doors. And there is a contradiction there. Out in public…then where it is thought to not be seen. I get that doesn’t make sense but I’ve experienced the “nice and giving” well liked unless they want something and then they will take it without any regrets or remorse. I’m not meaning you but just commenting on life experiences…

People are going to be people....you cannot hold that against Christ or morality....and it is not a justification to be immoral....it is not a justification not to obey Christ and the teachings of the New Testament. Be good and do good is the best practice. What would be the alternative.? What if Christ and the Apostles preached these things? What if they practiced them...Christ spending nights with prostitutes, some of the Apostle staggering around drunk as they preached the Gospel, some murdering, some stealing...How would that have effected Christianity?

This attitude that it is some how wrong to even try to be good and do good is a new belief....Even to the point that these groups will suggest it is anti-faith to be good. To what end? Evil proves faith? LOL Christians preaching that being good is impossible because we are all dirty rags and dung in the ditch, so God expects us to just keep sinning.

Christians opposed to being good and doing good is not represented in Christian history. It started out in the 60's with the flower children and free sex and peace, love, and smoke pot culture. It evolved into a social religion that is tolerant of all manner of sin and sinful lifestyles.

I do not run into this much with Christians and I am thankful for that. And I have never seen it preached from the pulpit. It is very sad that there are Christians that are opposed to trying to be good and do good....so sad and so misguided.

 

[Waiting on him]

Actually this conflict is much broader. The issue is that people do not understand the religious literary style of the time period. Christ used it and most of the Apostles used it. They talk to the extremes....you will see people debating on topics, presenting opposing scriptures from the same person.

Christ is not stupid....He is not telling you to do something that is impossible....what would be the benefit of that?

Hate your mother and father to be His disciple....what would be the benefit of that?



People are going to be people....you cannot hold that against Christ or morality....and it is not a justification to be immoral....it is not a justification not to obey Christ and the teachings of the New Testament. Be good and do good is the best practice. What would be the alternative.? What if Christ and the Apostles preached these things? What if they practiced them...Christ spending nights with prostitutes, some of the Apostle staggering around drunk as they preached the Gospel, some murdering, some stealing...How would that have effected Christianity?

This attitude that it is some how wrong to even try to be good and do good is a new belief....Even to the point that these groups will suggest it is anti-faith to be good. To what end? Evil proves faith? LOL Christians preaching that being good is impossible because we are all dirty rags and dung in the ditch, so God expects us to just keep sinning.

Christians opposed to being good and doing good is not represented in Christian history. It started out in the 60's with the flower children and free sex and peace, love, and smoke pot culture. It evolved into a social religion that is tolerant of all manner of sin and sinful lifestyles.

I do not run into this much with Christians and I am thankful for that. And I have never seen it preached from the pulpit. It is very sad that there are Christians that are opposed to trying to be good and do good....so sad and so misguided.

What if all your good is only a matter of perspective. And the good you see as good, to me is evil?

 

[Waiting on him]

I mean to say of course you’re gonna give yourself an A + on the report card, fact is you possibly aren’t the only one keeping score.

 

[Grailhunter]

What if all your good is only a matter of perspective. And the good you see as good, to me is evil?

It is really not up to me or up to you. What is good and what is evil and sin is defined in the Bible. I do not need to tell you to read the Bible.