And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.(Matthew 6:5-6)
I think a lot of Christians would do well to remember this one. When they encounter yet another idiot claiming that “our God is greater” (i.e. we are better than other people) or go to a church that cost more money to build than some people earn in their whole lives, they should remember what the person they believe is the Son of God actually said. Truly following Christ is not about making a big fuss about your faith or the might of your God; it’s about living by Christ’s principles. It’s about turning the other cheek, loving your enemies, and showing mercy when others wouldn’t. It’s about giving to the poor, and not turning away those that society has cast out. It’s not about fetishizing death by crucifixion, either; it’s about loving life and the living, and being prepared to sacrifice everything in the name of love.
If you’re not willing to do that, you better STFU about “your” God.
That the Jews assumed a right Exclusively to the benefits of God. will be a lasting witness against them. & the same will it be against Christians
– William Blake
