18: We are not Destined to be Happy

Well, there it is. The second line of today's devotion puts it out there. "We are not destined to happiness." Not only that, but "at all costs, a person must have the right relationship with God." At all costs? Are you sure? This seems a little zealous to me. While I agree that being in the right relationship with God is important, we can't simple drop everything we have. Unfortunately, we live in a real world with real money issues and tax issues. I haven't seen anyone selling all their possessions to buy a pearl or a lot of land lately. At all costs? What does that even mean? Family? Job? House? Relationships? Friends?

Next, it talks about preaching and why it makes people feel guilty and uncomfortable. The answer: because we all fall short of the glory of God. This is God's way of setting us straight from our sinful ways. That's fine. But why with guilt? It only makes those who are non-Christians feel even worse and they end up never wanting to come back.

And lastly, it says, "Never tolerate, because of sympathy for yourself or for others, any practice that is not in keeping with a holy God." I completely disagree with this statement because it makes Christians go on the offensive, as if it is our duty to change the ways of others. What about things like compassion and understanding? Do those go out the window and we just come in with our swords and start chopping people down? That's one of the problems with Christianity today. Too many people do not show enough compassion towards others. When abortion is mentioned, Christians start flying arrows. When evolution is said, Christians bring in the heavy bombers. When homosexuality is mentioned, we drop atomic bombs. That doesn't sound like Jesus. At least Jesus took the time to talk to people before getting to the healing part. Granted, even if Jesus didn't say anything to them, he's the Son of God so he already knew.

Today's devotion was not a good one. It says that we are not to supposed to be happy, we are supposed to feel guilty when listening to sermons, and we are to not tolerate others. Where is the joy in that?