tirsdag 4. oktober 2016

It is about fighting the misconceptions

NORSK
If I believe that God is holy and believe in the Trinity, it is impossible to question the holiness of Jesus. Therefore it is interesting to look at something of what we know about the man Jesus in light of the three misconceptions which are often linked with holiness:
1. Holy people are not tempted
Is a misconception because: We know that Jesus was tempted without falling (1).
Many pious people blame themselves because they experience temptations they thought they had overcome, and Satan is using this to produce the feeling of guilt and shortcoming. Jesus was tested in everything just as we are, but without sin (2). This truth gives me confidence.

2. All holy people have a peaceful temperament
Is a misconception because: Jesus could be angry – I even imagine that he could be furious (3). A sanctified temperament in one person does not need to look like a sanctified temperament in another person – what the two temperaments have in common is that they are lead by the will of God.
3. All holy people have an ascetic lifestyle
Is a misconception because: Jesus participated in the regular life, both on the ordinary and festive occasions, and he was called ‘…a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’(4) Jesus was in but not of the world. Likewise it is with his followers (5). I believe this "discovery" will be a great asset in holy living.

'Manna' for today:
The way of holiness can be hard to travel because of misconceptions.
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(1) Matt 4:1-11
(2) Hebr 4:15
(3) Re: The cleansing of the Temple e.g. Mark 11:15-19
(4) Luke 7:34 NKJV
(5) John 17:16

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