Today is Thursday, October 28th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1934

Beginning to read a portion of the book of Judges which has as its purpose "to show that God's judgment against sin is certain; and his forgiveness and restoration to a relationship with Him is just a certain for those who repent..."
 
A side-by-side chart tucked into chapter three shows the comparision between worship of God and worshiping idols (some of us remember The Ten Commandments movie and the golden calf which people 'worshipped' and we don't do that. But there are many other things which hold our undivided attention - maybe cable television, cell phone use, run to accumulate more dollars - you fill in the blank - you fill in your blank.)
 
Worshiping God:
* long-range benefits;
* gratification postponed;
* morality required;
* high ethical standards demanded;
* unseen God worshiped;
* unselfishness expected;
* strict religious practices maintained;
* changed life demanded;
* ethical standard expected;
* concern for others taught.
 
Worshiping idols:
* short-range benefits;
* self-gratification immediate;
* sensuality approved;
* low ethical standards tolerated;
* visible deities worshiped;
*selfishness condoned;
* religious practices loosely regulated;
* changed life not demanded;
* compromise and cooperation practiced;
* no concern for others expected.
 
"The temptation to follow false gods because of short-term benefits, good feelings, easy 'rules' or convenience is always present. But the benefits are deceptive because the gods are false. We worship God because He is the one and only true God."
 
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