In a recent episode of The Goldbergs, the mother Beverly wanted to renew her wedding vows for her anniversary. She asked her husband to write his own VOW to express his love and feelings.
After wasting time, he plagiarized the lyrics to the theme song of the Family Ties T.V. series. At first Beverly was SPEECHLESS, until a friend told her the truth. Beverly was furious with her husband and demanded he come up with something original to show his love and thanks for all she had done for him over the years. Sadly, this is how the world and most people view a THING CALLED LOVE.
But, real love always gives and never expects anything in return, not even a THANK YOU! And that is what this Thanksgiving blog will be about. One of the most DANGEROUS twisted Gospels.
Philanthropy?
Philanthropy or humanism comes from the same Greek word used in the New Testament to describe a brotherly, affectionate love and desire for each other to be happy, kind of like Beverly, phileo. Compared to the ultimate love, agape, it is weak and fickle—because it is based on feelings. And like feelings, this love can fade. These kinds of lovers are only part-time lovers.
Whereas agape love is more trustworthy—it is not based on feelings, but the one giving the love. This is the type of love God has for us and we should have for others, it expects nothing in return. The apostle Paul refers to it in his letter to the church of Corinth (1 Corinthians 13:3–7). It isn’t boastful or showy.
That is where Philanthropy becomes TWISTED, it’s showy—it says, “DO THIS and you’ll be good with God.” There is not enough WORK on earth to get you into heaven. The late MICHAEL JACKSON is listed in the Guinness book of world records for the most money given to charities by a pop star ($350,000,000) and not a dime of it will get him into heaven. Yes, for a time he was KING OF THE WORLD, and he did a lot of good. But his works count for nothing in the long run. Christ’s blood is the BEST IN ME, not my works.
For the last few months I’ve had something ON MY MIND and it’s time for me to be honest and LET IT OUT. A few months ago there is a big trend in social media with the A. L. S. Ice bucket challenge. It’s time for the whole truth.
I prayed that no one would challenge me, because I wanted no part of that showy works-based belief, I was ashamed to see as many Christians posting videos on social media. That is the way the world, not the church. Everyone went berzerk posting videos.
I know that many had good intentions. But the proverb is true, “The path to hell is paved with good intentions.” Charity originally started in the Jewish culture as Tzedakah or acts of righteousness and giving the poor their due. Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias notes, “The most dangerous temptation is to do the right thing in the wrong way.”
In Jesus’ day it was common for the elite and religious to do their acts of righteousness in grandeur ways for everyone to see. They could live however they chose and then put on a GAMEFACE when in public to look more spiritual. They aired their deeds like a HOT AIR BALLOON.
However, Jesus taught His disciples not even let their left hands know what the right hands are doing. For those who announce their deeds with trumpets already have their reward (Matthew 6:1–4). But we have hope! First, we must STOP PLAYING GAMES before we stand before God.
GOOD NEWS 2. 0?
Interestingly, in the previous chapter Jesus told the disciples to let their light shine before men (Matthew 5:15–17). Then He says to do them in secret? When Jesus taught His disciples the golden rule (Matthew 7:12) the point wasn’t to get anything back, but the LOVE WE SHARE, LOVE NEVER LEAVES.
Of course, we all know God is omnipotent and HE KNOWS everything we are doing, there are no closed doors to Him. This is why it’s important that our worship is an ALL DAY, EVERYDAY act—it’s ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL. Those who wait for the weekend or special occasions to worship God haven't fully grasped biblical worship.
It’s not just when people are watching us. It’s not just when there is a good cause to promote. It’s not just when we meet together for corporate worship. True worship is lived out in every detail of every day of our lives—in both the big and small events. This is why there’s no need to put on a show or try to earn salvation. Hallelujah for the cross!
The truth and good news of the gospel is that Jesus won the SWEET VICTORY on the cross to REDEEM all who believe. It is an UNBELIEVABLE free gift for which we should at least say thanks-a-lot.
