"The world's spirit is strong, and it can play at religion with every appearance of sincerity. It can have fits of conscience (particularly during Lent)! It will contribute to charitable causes and campaigns on behalf of the poor, but all with its own condition: 'Let Christ keep His distance and never assert His lordship.' This it positively will not endure!" A. W. TozerMost of us know catholics who are really good at 'playing' religion. It becomes particularly evident during Lent. People who don't talk about God (except to use His name in vain), don't obey Jesus' commands, don't love Jesus or strive to be like Him all of a sudden think they're pleasing God by having pizza for dinner in place of steak. What a sacrifice. (It actually is a true act of sacrifice in Florida where the pizza is abysmal...)
This is so sad.
For most catholics, Lent is about worshiping God with their lips when their hearts are far, far from Him.
So what can we, as Christians, do for the catholics we come in contact with?
1. First of all, give thanks to our Lord for fulfilling the requirements of the sacrificial system, thus ushering in the law of liberty and grace. Also, thank Him for declaring all things (foods) good.
2. Pray.
3. Learn. Educate yourself about Catholicism>--it makes an impression when you've done your research.
4. TALK TO THEM! They're supposed to be religious, remember? Talk about God. Ask them questions about their faith, their belief in the Bible, etc.
5. Challenge their beliefs. Sola Scriptura, works-salvation, Marian worship...
6. Live it. Obedience to Christ, accompanied by joy and satisfaction in Him, speaks loudly. Your catholic friends will recognize that what you have is different than what they experience.
Use this season of Lent for the glory of God by seizing the opportunity to reach out to your catholic friends and neighbors.
2 comments:
Thank you Robin. I wonder if it would be good to add to your list the approach Paul takes when he was in Athens (Acts 17:22,23). Whatever interest there is in God (however big or small, heart-felt or purely traditional) we should use for an opening to the truth. I also think we should have concern for all who practice religiocity, not just Catholics. Lent is observed in other denominations in much the same way as Catholics. We should also be concerned for the Protestant who shows up to church on Christmas and Easter. There are opportunities for the gospel wherever we turn, especially during these "holy days".
couldn't a committed christian throughout the year and devoted to Christ at other times still seize the opportunity to devote this time to fasting and prayer and self-discipline........? how is it different than going to church on Christmas eve or devoting Good Friday to remembrance of the work on the cross....
for certain it is about the heart and probably most who practice lent, have hearts not right with God. but I have known committed christians who practice lent and do not have concern for them because of it....it is good, i think...
the heart's motivation is what's important, no?
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