The Old Feud Continues Today
Our beliefs and thoughts originate within the soul and are shaped early in life. Changing our inner belief system and emotional foundations can be a challenging task. For instance, if you grew up seeking your father's approval, your beliefs may reflect this dynamic, leading you to relate to God and other authority figures in a similar manner. Conversely, if your father freely approves, you are likely not seeking God's validation or the approval of others.
In homes filled with conflict, individuals often find themselves in the role of peacemakers as adults, either to avoid confrontation or to strive to resolve disputes. In my own journey, I grappled with the need for my father's approval, which I often sought through my performance. This performance-based role led me to seek out environments where I didn't feel the constant need to prove myself, whether in work or religious settings.
For those who have struggled to gain approval and have found themselves constantly seeking it, a spiritual perspective or a career that requires validation may be necessary. Such individuals often become high achievers, but it's important to remember that their journey is valid, even if they still find themselves looking down on others' performance or lack thereof.
The cross of Christianity is the place where we can lay down our burdens. This act of laying down our burdens symbolizes surrendering our efforts—whether successful or not—at the feet of Jesus and expressing our gratitude for the salvation He provides for our redemption. There are always scoffers present to remind us of our sins and shortcomings; these are often the ones who believe their own performance earns them a right standing with God.
I find it challenging to engage with many people about the clear path to God through His Son due to the added complexities of religion. The numerous "dos and don'ts," along with the "ifs" and "have-to" of man-made doctrines, can be overwhelming. For me, a simple "Thank you, Jesus, for what You have done for me" is all that is needed.
Therefore, you will never win this argument, and it's pointless to try, as this feud has persisted since the time of Jesus. Whenever humanity interacts with Christianity, it often imposes its own biases, and no one truly wins. No matter how hard you attempt to persuade someone, they typically revert to their fundamental belief in earning their keep, which means they believe their own performance earns them a right standing with God.
The two approaches being discussed are at opposite ends of the spectrum regarding their inner beliefs. One approach seeks to control everyone for their own reasons, while the other firmly states, 'No one will ever control me.' Both are exhibiting controlling behaviors, yet they seem unaware of it. When this dynamic enters the church community, it resembles the old feud between the Hatfields and McCoys. These conflicts lead to harm and even death, but ultimately, no one benefits from them.
The Bible contains numerous accounts of conflict, death, war, infidelity, and corrupt rulers, showcasing an almost endless cycle of evil and suffering. This can be perplexing, especially as similar patterns continue to unfold today. In response, I encourage you to focus on cultivating a personal relationship with God—an intimate connection with the divine that does not depend on others' opinions. This is a powerful and empowering choice, allowing you to feel strong and confident while extending the same freedom to others without requiring them to submit to your authority. Amen