Conversations About Things That Matter To God

By Raymond Cooper


Most cultures have a belief in one or more supreme beings. It's only in modern times that societies are content to let blind chance take the credit for both past and future. Of course, anyone having conversations about things that matter to God will have accepted some sort of diety, even if it turns out to be themselves. The focus of the debate will differ, depending on how objective the participants are.

There are a couple of ways to narrow this down. One is to look inside oneself and find what makes sense, what feels right. This is probably a universal trait, anyway; people tend to make everything subjective to a degree. However, some people are more comfortable with a belief system of their own making. They accept what they like about ancient teachings and philosophy and discard the rest.

Even those who accept much of a doctrine, say Christianity, may reject the rest. Take the matter of hell as a place of punishment when a proscribed code of conduct is broken. There are many who like the God of love portrayed in the Bible, but cannot accept that such a one could condemn created beings to torment. They deny the existence of hell, which is mentioned in the Bible more often than heaven. This lessens the necessity for a savior and a sacrifice and may also dilute the difference between right and wrong.

There is another approach, which involves letting God speak for himself. This necessitates the studying of sacred writings. For example, the Lord of the Bible sets forth rules of conduct, reveals himself to his people in many ways, and binds himself with promises if certain requirements are met. There are millions of people who find comfort in letting holiness define itself. This, of course, involves belief in the Bible as the word of God.

The bible as truth has many supporters who cite archaeological discoveries or miracles as evidence. Many are skeptical that God would speak through human authors. Those who believe are as convinced as those who do not.

When two or more get together to talk about spiritual matters, some common ground is needed. Two Christians can converse easily, and two of different faiths who both acknowledge a supreme being interested in human affairs can also enjoy debate. Someone who looks for help and guidance in crystals, for example, would probably find such conversation pointless.

For those who take the Bible as a reliable guide, helping the poor is a priority. Discussions about that can lead to the formation of plans, agencies, or crusades to accomplish this goal. Evangelists hope to win converts, so their discourse is aimed at explaining the relationship between the Lord and man. Leading a godly life is a topic of endless interest to anyone who wants to truly imitate Christ. Talk radio is a wonderful resource for those who are isolated.

In the Bible, believers are encouraged to speak of the things of the Lord. The Book of Ephesians is particularly rich in guidance about avoiding loose or evil speech and focusing on what is pure and right. Discussing righteous actions unites believers, encourages them, and promotes the work of the kingdom.




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