By Nancy Virden (c)2024

From ancient history, people have tried to use, manipulate, steal from, and misrepresent culture’s religions to make their personal situation better. it worked for some- especially those who made money off it.

Jesus flipped the money changers’ tables when he saw this type of fraud happening in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. These dealers were not representing God but merely religion as they overcharged and cheated the faithful. No doubt some dealers were competitors, so sales pitches and alluring tactics made for some ancient click-bait-style marketing.

If you notice a religious leader making a lot of money while asking followers to suffer for them, trust your instincts; it is probably a deception.

James (Jesus’ brother) tells us in his letter to Jews worldwide, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27). Not too many money grubbers meet that criteria.

No, religion is about man-made rules and burdens that are too heavy for us to carry. There is, however, a huge and noticeable difference between sharing a relationship, even a friendship with God, and mere religion. A true Christian accepts God’s way of doing things as described in God’s written Word, the Holy Bible.

Firstly, we put our trust in the sacrifice of Jesus to spiritually clean our sinful selves and make us new. Secondly, as we grow in our knowledge and faith, we see that God is very near and more than delighted to lead us along the best pathway for our life.

Does this pathway mean riches? Ask the woman in North Korea who scrambles for bites to eat. She is in a labor camp because she believes in Jesus.

Does it mean peace and safety? Ask the believers in Nepal who lose their homes and are sometimes beaten because they profess Jesus as their Savior.

Does this pathway mean “easy”? Look at our society in America and observe how the non-Christian world treats true believers who speak about the Bible. We are seen as idiots, accused of mental illness if we say God speaks to us, of closed-mindedness if we uphold biblical standards, and of hatred if anyone is offended. I have lost job opportunities over my faith, and that is only me.

No, God didn’t promise easy; he promised to get us through. We find wholeness when we are joined with our Father because his motives are pure; his love is never a violation. No religious system offers his personal, invested love.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

James 1: 2-4

 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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