The churches of today are filled with corruptions and hypocrisies and are becoming exactly as the Word of God warns us.
We abhor the focus of self, and favor the focus on our walk with Jesus Christ, and our works for God.
Popular movements of today encourage self focus and improvement, and in fact, we have seen many people improve their lot in life by participating in evaluating themselves, and changing the things that are causing them to not grow.
But that has nothing to do with the walk that Jesus Christ as expressed in his Word of God. Churches have become so dirtied by focusing on making money and conducting self improvement projects for their congregations. They may well be entertaining and profitable for their church, but they are NOT worshiping God.
On a personal note, the more closely I focus on the things of God, the more self-confident I become. This self-confidence is not a sin, but a declaration of faith. While I may well mess things up bad on my own, I am confident that if I let the Holy Spirit lead me, everything works out perfectly.
Is it me that is doing the works of God? No; the Holy Spirit is.
Is it me that is preparing my mind, body and soul with study and prayer to God to give Him access? YES; and I am very proud of the efforts I have made, and strive every day to do better.
Does God look upon me as a sinner because I am proud that I strive every day to become a better tool for Him, than I did before? NO! He wants everyone of His People to strive to their highest spiritual places, so more of His Works can be accomplished.
If I could not experience the feeling of pride, then I would have no measure or motivation to move to the next higher level. It is not a sin, but rather a desirable condition if God is given His due.
The Word of God is not perverted! The things man has done with the Bible is. It is imperative in these days that Christian men with strong faith and conviction open the Bible up and study and learn the things of God, rather than sitting around like stupid beasts and be led by the nose by false teachers.
One day, on the New Earth, there will be a great need of leaders who are able to translate the Word and Will of God to bring justice and truth to lives who have been tricked in this lifetime.
GOD DOES NOT WANT WIMPS!
And that is the challenge for every Christian man and woman, trying to grow spiritually in these confusing times. You must pick your teacher well.
If you go to the churches that teach self improvement, then you will be deluded into learning things that does not concern God at all.
If you are taught the things of God, through His Word, your life will begin to conform to His Way, and He will begin to use you.
And brothers and sisters; if you don’t experience an immense pride from being chosen by Him, then you are insulting His love for you!
That’s the way I see it, and that’s the way I teach it.
Kathy L McFarland