I read this following description of Muslim religious devotion and practice during Ramadan:
In Muslim nations and regions around the globe, this is the first week of the holy month of Ramadan, a time for followers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity during the day, breaking their fast each sunset, with traditional meals and sweets. During this time, Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran, to give freely to those in need, and strengthen their ties to God through prayer. The goal of the fast is to teach humility, patience and sacrifice, and to ask forgiveness, practice self-restraint, and pray for guidance in the future. This year, Ramadan will continue until Saturday, September 19th. (39 photos total)
Pretty righteous and rigorous isn’t it? For Christians the season of LENT may be comparable to Ramadan. But from my experience as a pastor it is hard to get people to come out to pray/study/read the Bible one hour mid-week. What does that say about Christian culture?
What would Jesus have to say about it? The Pharisees had a very rigorous discipline of devotion in Jesus time. The Muslim regimen reminds me of Pharisaic lifestyle. But here is what Jesus said: Matthew 5:20 ” For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Makes me think – - – you?
They don’t say anything about the custom of killing any woman who leaves the Muslims and becomes a Christian. I’ve heard that it’s in the Koran. Hmmm.
“Makes me think – – – you?” Man, you have no idea. I’m left (deservedly) troubled. As Christians, we know “good works” do not gain us access to heaven – and my righteousness doesn’t even come close to the “Pharisees’ very rigorous discipline of devotion in Jesus.” One thought provoking Saturday blog post and I’m left thoroughly unsettled and anxious. I don’t see how I can possibly measure up.
Bonnie,
It is not a matter of measuring up as none of us measure up which is what Jesus was pointing out about the Pharisees. It takes more than human righteousness. What God is asking is that we include Him in every aspect of our live. As we go through our daily life we need to include God in it. We don’t block out life we include God in it. We live our lives in God’s power to His glory.
Thank you Bonnie. Feeling similar, I went webbing, looking for righteous vs non-righteous and found many explanations, rules, regulations and more bible verses.. I believe most of these rules came from Jesus preaching from the Mount…
At the very end of one set of scriptures, I found this : HOW TO CHANGE THE HEART FROM THE INSIDE OUT
1. Humble yourself. Know your limits.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,”
Matthew 5:3
2. Confess your sins in brokenness. Seek change. “Blessed are those who mourn,”
Matthew 5:4
3. Yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
“Blessed are the gentle,”
Mathew 5:5
Please help us on this Pastor Steve. Thank you.
B.J.