Yes, unless motivated by love in our actions, as scripture says we gain nothing. I think pride can easily be the driver in our humbleness, godliness, modesty, simple living, giving, praying, separation, etc. 'God, I'm thankful that I am not like one of these non-Anabaptists'. (non-Evangelicals or non-Charismatics or certain kinds of Anabaptists, etc). Jesus spoke of losing eternal reward when we do things for show.Bootstrap wrote:Definitely. I think living simply is important. I just think it's also important to realize that we can become eye-servants in living simply, and if the happens, much of the spiritual value is lost.Sudsy wrote:Interesting arguments but I still would and do have 'qualms' or perhaps a better way to say this, I still am disappointed in where my heart is when I compare how I live to the needs of those I can help. I just went out today and bought some summer clothes as I lost some 40 pounds over the last year. And although I think I chose modestly, I am still somewhat uneasy about my spending on self. Isn't that a good thing ?
But that's a danger for most spiritually valuable things. For instance ...
Doesn't mean that having faith, donating to the poor, or understanding are unimportant. But we can easily delude ourselves.If I speak human or angelic languages
but do not have love,
I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy
and understand all mysteries
and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith
so that I can move mountains
but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body in order to boast
but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Whoops other posts to read. O well, I'll post this first.