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As I review the posts that come in on a regular basis, it occurs to me that some folks will post articles, jokes, memes, videos that stir the pot, and are intended to start an argument. While other folks initiate posts that focus on the positive, the spiritual, and the uplifting. While even others, post things that are neither positive or negative, but rather informative.
I'm doing a self-evaluation here, and wondering which group I fall into. I'm sure I'm guilty of all three, so I need to reconsider the things I initiate here in RP.
This scripture reference is from the Book of Mormon, I know some of you will stop reading this post right now, but I ask that you read the reference and see what you believe in your "gut".
3 Nephi 11:29-30
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.
One can search the Bible and know that contention is not of Christ. I believe one of the key words is "anger". There's nothing wrong with questioning and asking for clarification, or simply disagreeing with others because of personal beliefs. But when we introduce "Anger" that's where we distance ourselves from God.
This is taken from Proverbs 13:10 KJV
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
I've always been taught the opposite of Pride is Humility. A humble soul is teachable and does not boast in their own strength. A humble person will listen to someone else explain their beliefs. Listening does not mean we have to accept their ideas. It's called Respect.
I know this is a military-based discussion board. We all come from different backgrounds, but the military is the one thing we have in common. It's my personal opinion, and this is just me talking about my own experiences, I would not have been successful in the Navy or in Life, without recognizing God and the blessings He has bestowed up on me, my family, and those that serve others. Every single one of us, have served others, by being members of the Armed Forces.
Anyways, if you've read this far, thank you for your time and allowing me to share some of my thoughts.
I'm doing a self-evaluation here, and wondering which group I fall into. I'm sure I'm guilty of all three, so I need to reconsider the things I initiate here in RP.
This scripture reference is from the Book of Mormon, I know some of you will stop reading this post right now, but I ask that you read the reference and see what you believe in your "gut".
3 Nephi 11:29-30
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.
One can search the Bible and know that contention is not of Christ. I believe one of the key words is "anger". There's nothing wrong with questioning and asking for clarification, or simply disagreeing with others because of personal beliefs. But when we introduce "Anger" that's where we distance ourselves from God.
This is taken from Proverbs 13:10 KJV
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
I've always been taught the opposite of Pride is Humility. A humble soul is teachable and does not boast in their own strength. A humble person will listen to someone else explain their beliefs. Listening does not mean we have to accept their ideas. It's called Respect.
I know this is a military-based discussion board. We all come from different backgrounds, but the military is the one thing we have in common. It's my personal opinion, and this is just me talking about my own experiences, I would not have been successful in the Navy or in Life, without recognizing God and the blessings He has bestowed up on me, my family, and those that serve others. Every single one of us, have served others, by being members of the Armed Forces.
Anyways, if you've read this far, thank you for your time and allowing me to share some of my thoughts.
Humility
Pride
Christianity
Service
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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What's good for you isn't good for everyone else. If religion helps you and helped you in the military, cool. Have at it. It's not everyone's cup of tea though and there are about 4,000 religions. faith groups and denominations in the world that exist. Not everyone needs antiquated mythologies to dicate their life. So the religious can believe what they want and the non-religious can go about not believing. I have a lot of family who are Christian and as long as they don't push their beliefs on me, we're cool. The minute they or anyone starts using THEIR beliefs to justify intolerance, bigotry, racism, sexism, etc, that's where we aren't cool.
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CPO David R. D.
I completely agree with you, every human should have religious freedom. The freedom to believe, or not to believe. The freedom to practice and worship in accordance with their faith, as long as it doesn't infringe upon the rights of others.
I have a son, who want's nothing to do with religion, and that's his choice. He used the same language with me, it doesn't bother him that our family participates in religious activities, but he doesn't want us to, even remotely, try to persuade him to the same beliefs. He understands them, because he grew up in our home, but when he turned 18yrs old, he chose to reject most religious things he was taught.
We still love him, we accept him for who he is. He is a good person, he just doesn't believe what the rest of his family believes when it comes to religion or gospel principles.
I have a son, who want's nothing to do with religion, and that's his choice. He used the same language with me, it doesn't bother him that our family participates in religious activities, but he doesn't want us to, even remotely, try to persuade him to the same beliefs. He understands them, because he grew up in our home, but when he turned 18yrs old, he chose to reject most religious things he was taught.
We still love him, we accept him for who he is. He is a good person, he just doesn't believe what the rest of his family believes when it comes to religion or gospel principles.
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Profit... I write horror novels because conflict sells novels. General audience tend to reject boring media, because it is a snooze fest.... That's why good news doesn't make money.
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CPO David R. D., I applaud and respect those who maintain their devotion to their religion to maintain their spirituality. I have met quite a few over the years and it is always admirable to see someone so dedicated to the core principles and tenets of their faith.
However, this is not representative of the vast majority of military members nor those of practitioners of organized religion. This may be a hot take for some, but there is truth in it.
Without the repeated and habitual exercise of the 7 deadly sins alone, we would lose 75% of the military and 90% of the rest of the world. True devotees would live a simple life and give of themselves to their community, which is not indicative of most Americans.
I may be a cynic, but if you were to profess that you are a follower of an organized religion and use the same hateful stuff that is preached against, it bothers me. Its hypocritical. And that is most of the negative stuff we see, not only on RP, but the rest of SM. Sure we could say "both sides" do it. But only one side is professing the virtues of organized religion when they do it.
However, this is not representative of the vast majority of military members nor those of practitioners of organized religion. This may be a hot take for some, but there is truth in it.
Without the repeated and habitual exercise of the 7 deadly sins alone, we would lose 75% of the military and 90% of the rest of the world. True devotees would live a simple life and give of themselves to their community, which is not indicative of most Americans.
I may be a cynic, but if you were to profess that you are a follower of an organized religion and use the same hateful stuff that is preached against, it bothers me. Its hypocritical. And that is most of the negative stuff we see, not only on RP, but the rest of SM. Sure we could say "both sides" do it. But only one side is professing the virtues of organized religion when they do it.
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CPO David R. D.
I appreciate your comments. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I am part of an organized religion, I also completely understand that I am not perfect, I make mistakes. One of the important principles in Christianity is that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can empower us to repent daily, change for the better, and make tomorrow better than today.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the principle of service is consistently taught and practiced by the members, but it doesn't mean all the members are perfect. No one is perfect. The goal is to do what we can, with the gifts and blessings we've received. Humility doesn't have to equate to "poor". There are many financially wealthy people who are faithful Christians, who use the resources they've been blessed with to benefit the lives of others. Their lives are not "simple", but they understand where their blessings come from and use their resources for good.
For me, I have always been taught, "By their fruits, ye shall know them." Tells me, I can watch people and organizations and see what they produce, to know if they are good or not good. In the same breath, I need to evaluate myself and my actions, and see if my "fruit" is good or not good. Again, I'm not perfect, there are times when I say or type things that may be objectionable or offensive. Are there times when I may be hypocritical, yes, because I make mistakes. It's my responsibility to figure it out, learn from my mistakes, change my approach, and be better in the future.
I have a friend, a former co-worker, who is very liberal. We've had some serious differences of opinion. We've agreed that we don't talk about political views. However; we respect each other enough that we can talk about issues and concerns with what's happening in society. In our discussions, the most important thing, is our families and what's best for them, which always brings us back to level ground. I would think, we all want our families to be safe.
I am part of an organized religion, I also completely understand that I am not perfect, I make mistakes. One of the important principles in Christianity is that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can empower us to repent daily, change for the better, and make tomorrow better than today.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the principle of service is consistently taught and practiced by the members, but it doesn't mean all the members are perfect. No one is perfect. The goal is to do what we can, with the gifts and blessings we've received. Humility doesn't have to equate to "poor". There are many financially wealthy people who are faithful Christians, who use the resources they've been blessed with to benefit the lives of others. Their lives are not "simple", but they understand where their blessings come from and use their resources for good.
For me, I have always been taught, "By their fruits, ye shall know them." Tells me, I can watch people and organizations and see what they produce, to know if they are good or not good. In the same breath, I need to evaluate myself and my actions, and see if my "fruit" is good or not good. Again, I'm not perfect, there are times when I say or type things that may be objectionable or offensive. Are there times when I may be hypocritical, yes, because I make mistakes. It's my responsibility to figure it out, learn from my mistakes, change my approach, and be better in the future.
I have a friend, a former co-worker, who is very liberal. We've had some serious differences of opinion. We've agreed that we don't talk about political views. However; we respect each other enough that we can talk about issues and concerns with what's happening in society. In our discussions, the most important thing, is our families and what's best for them, which always brings us back to level ground. I would think, we all want our families to be safe.
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