In the World, but not of it

I read a book recently that took place in the time of Christ. One of the prominent groups of people during that time were the Pharisees. The Pharisees made it their life's work to study the law of Moses and to observe it strictly. They believed that by doing this they were doing God's will. Yet, they became so focused on making sure that they were following every jot and tittle that they lost the reason for the Law. The Law was given so that man might draw closer to God.

I wonder if sometimes we get so caught up in doing what's "right" or giving up things that are "worldly" that we forget the why. Are we become zealous in giving up the world for God that we lose sight of Him?

There were also the Zealots in the time of Christ that wouldn't believe he was the Messiah because he preached peace and forgiveness. They believed that the Messiah would come with sword in hand and call the Jews to take up arms and overthrow their Roman captors. They believed they also were doing right by fighting the Romans. They, too, were trying to follow scripture, but with the wrong idea also.

Do we also try to go about following Christ, but end up not understanding what he really means? I think it is very easy to do something for the right reasons and then continue doing it for the wrong ones.

As I ponder this, I wonder, where is the point where I need to be? There are so many good things in this world. Some are better than others and of course some are the best. I think each person would agree that they have a color or ice cream flavor or brand of something that they view as "best". So what is best for me may not be best for someone else. Still, some things are standard good. Healthwise, smoking is not good, we know that. Breads, pasta and meats are better, but fruits and vegetables are best. As to things of this world, some things I believe are just trash. There are a lot of television shows that I feel are pointless and degrading. We don't have cable or satelite or anything like that. We do occasionally watch movies, but even then, some are better than others. The same things goes for books, some are just garbage. They have no moral code or plot or are just twisted around so that wrong is right and right is wrong. I won't read those. Others are fine, they have nothing wrong with them, but they aren't really good either, they are just something to read. And then you have books that are engaging, teach a lesson and make you think. Those are some of the ones that I've enjoyed the most. I've begun to look at the things I read and watch differently.

I heard the phrase once that if you aren't moving forward then you are going backwards. The world is constantly going and if you aren't, then you will be falling behind. So, even if I think I'm not doing anything wrong, if I'm not doing something right then I'm going backwards, or falling behind. I realize that we all need down time, but is that down time still lifting me up and helping me be a better person, or is it just keeping me where I am, in which case, I'm not going forward and I'm falling behind? Is this book/movie/blog/activity that I am spending my time on enriching my life or not? While I am occupied with this book/movie/blog/activity, how do I feel? Do I feel good and uplifted or do I feel down, angry, bitter or confused? Does it bring me happiness and joy, or is it a rush that will lead to a crash and burn later?

I feel like my thoughts are random and scattered, but I have a hard time putting words to the emotions in my heart. I strive to be better than I am. I strive to know what is best for my family. I believe that there are many good ideas out there and if done for the right reasons and with the right attitude can be a really positive thing in someones life, but I also know that if done for the wrong reason and with the wrong attitude, they can lead to bitterness, hurt, and damaged relationships. I think it's a hard balance to find and I also think that once you know what is good and what is not, then you are responsible for making those changes and you will be held accountable for your decisions. Change can be hard and it can be uncomfortable, but the right changes will eventually turn out good and bring happiness and joy, this I believe.