Vital signs- Monday, August 8th, 2022

God Gives Satisfying Life

Often well-meaning and misguided people can cause us to avoid God because of their fanaticism. Here are the types of religious fanatics I've observed over the years: Freddy the Pharisee -- Rigid, narrow-minded, and legalistic, he has a rule for everything. His favorite word is "don't." Jesus called people like Freddy the Pharisee, "blind guides," saying, "You strain your water so you won't accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!" (Matthew 23:24 NLT)

Susie Self-righteous -- Holier-than-thou attitude and judgmental, her favorite phrase is "Thank God, I'm not like you!" But Jesus says, "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 18:14 NLT)

Billy Bible-thumper -- He's an obnoxious and overzealous crusader. His favorite phrase is "Turn or burn!" Yet, God's plan for bringing us home to him is full of love, grace, and sacrifice.

Pauline Praise-eluia -- She speaks using religious cliches. Everything is a miracle or the Devil did it. She's put her brain on the shelf. But God doesn't want you to stop thinking; he wants to give you the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV)

These are stereotypes of people who have abandoned their relationship with Jesus to instead embrace a religion. Jesus says, "I have come that you might have life [not religion] and have it to the fullest!" (John 10:10)