The Teaching of Jesus
Throughout his life, Jesus preached and taught both small and large crowds, instructing them to live moral lives and help their fellow humans in any way they could. He instructed humans to be kind, gracious, forgiving, loving, and compassionate.
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However, a significant amount of time has elapsed since Jesus’s death and the modern era, and Christians propose the prophet wouldn’t agree with many facets of modern society. Several. Here are ten things Jesus would condemn if he walked among us today.
Humans Have Become Selfish in Nature
Christians argue some members of the faith have strayed from Jesus’ teachings, becoming entitled and selfish in the modern era, with some suggesting this has resulted in a lack of empathy and concern for fellow members of our species.
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1 John 3:17 speaks on overcoming this selfish attitude, instructing us to help our fellow humans. “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Excessive Materialism
In the age of consumerism and material wealth, it’s difficult to resist the desire to obtain a nice house, car, and several vacations to 5-star resorts each year. But in the process of chasing these goals, many Christians have begun prioritizing the latter over spiritual values.
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Matthew 6:19-21 instructs Christians on why we should limit materialism, stating, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Avoiding Violence
Jesus was a proponent of a peaceful existence and often inspired others to live similar lives. He claimed that engaging in a calm and untroubled lifestyle could inspire others to live similar lives.
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Luke 6:27-29 shares Jesus’ thoughts on overcoming violence: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.”
Neglecting Stewardship of the Earth
In the earliest books of the Bible, God instructs humans to tend to his creations. Humans are stewards of the Earth, and the scriptures claim we must take responsibility and ensure that all of God’s beautiful creations are catered for, not just mankind.
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Just like Jesus knew during his time on Earth, humans have a duty to the planet to ensure it is not abused or abandoned.
Too Much Pride to Help Those Less Fortunate
Christians with too much pride often tend to slip away from their duties on Earth, losing their sense of humility and desire to help those much less fortunate.
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In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus claims “pride” is one of several “evil” things that can corrupt a human being from within. This is clearly shared in the Old Testament, in which Proverbs 13:10 states, “By pride comes nothing but strife.”
A Rise in Discrimination
Jesus was one figure who sternly opposed prejudice based on gender, religion, race, or any number of human characteristics, insisting we are one family under God.
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James 2:1 8-9 emphasizes the importance of loving all humans regardless of their individual characteristics, stating, “Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
Deception and Dishonest Behaviour
Jesus instructed his followers to live honest lives and avoid lying or manipulating others for personal gain.
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The severity of lying and dishonesty in God’s eyes is expressed in Psalm 101:7, which reads, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.”
Abuse and Addiction
Addiction and substance abuse is considered a great sin, for it affects not only the overall physical and mental health of the individual but, more often than not, the families that surround them.
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1 Corinthians 6:19-20 emphasizes the point of treating your body well, stating, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
Standing Up to Injustice
While, at times, it can be easier to look away from injustice and avoid standing against oppression in the world, Jesus taught his followers to defend the weak from such atrocities in a peaceful manner.
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Isaiah 1:17 states, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Remember to Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You
Above many other teachings, Jesus emphasized the importance of one’s ability to forgive another human.
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In Matthew 6:14, Jesus taught, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”