Props, and an empty heart

[placebofactor]

2 Timothy 3:5, “Having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” What’s your take on the following story?

I knew a man who gathered his family together each day for prayer. They prayed before each meal, and attended Sunday services with his family; all were baptized, and every week, he gave a tenth of his income and also attended Bible studies during the week.

He claimed, “Since I began this routine, we have grown more prosperous, happy; and much more comfortable than most.” This got me thinking, “Would the same strict observances produce as much success and happiness in my life, as it has in his?”

If I were to get myself into a routine of worship, would I feel the sweet effects of God’s gratification in my life? I concluded I would at least be standing on much safer ground with God. The more I thought about it, the more the idea appealed to me.

But then I thought, “What happens when I do sin? I suppose I can repent of this evil, increase my diligence in prayer and study, and seek more earnestly the ways of goodness. In this, I would attempt to make up in one area, for what I had lacked in another.”

Yet, down deep in my heart, I knew I was under a delusion. I would only be building for myself a house of cards, and soon the whole house would come tumbling down!

What’s the remedy for those who hold to these ideas?

[1213]

...
He claimed, “Since I began this routine, we have grown more prosperous, happy; and much more comfortable than most.” This got me thinking, “Would the same strict observances produce as much success and happiness in my life, as it has in his?”
...
What’s the remedy for those who hold to these ideas?

I think crucial question is, what is the reason to do so. If you do it because you love God, I think it can't fail. If you do it only because you hope to get a reward, I think it is going to fail.

[placebofactor]

...
He claimed, “Since I began this routine, we have grown more prosperous, happy; and much more comfortable than most.” This got me thinking, “Would the same strict observances produce as much success and happiness in my life, as it has in his?”
...
What’s the remedy for those who hold to these ideas?

I think crucial question is, what is the reason to do so. If you do it because you love God, I think it can't fail. If you do it only because you hope to get a reward, I think it is going to fail.

Good reasoning, I like it.

[placebofactor]

...
He claimed, “Since I began this routine, we have grown more prosperous, happy; and much more comfortable than most.” This got me thinking, “Would the same strict observances produce as much success and happiness in my life, as it has in his?”
...
What’s the remedy for those who hold to these ideas?

I think crucial question is, what is the reason to do so. If you do it because you love God, I think it can't fail. If you do it only because you hope to get a reward, I think it is going to fail.

Good reasoning, I like it.

Would Judas be a good example of having the form, but not the love?

[1213]

...
He claimed, “Since I began this routine, we have grown more prosperous, happy; and much more comfortable than most.” This got me thinking, “Would the same strict observances produce as much success and happiness in my life, as it has in his?”
...
What’s the remedy for those who hold to these ideas?

I think crucial question is, what is the reason to do so. If you do it because you love God, I think it can't fail. If you do it only because you hope to get a reward, I think it is going to fail.

Good reasoning, I like it.

Would Judas be a good example of having the form, but not the love?

Maybe, I don't know well enough his motives.

[placebofactor]

...
He claimed, “Since I began this routine, we have grown more prosperous, happy; and much more comfortable than most.” This got me thinking, “Would the same strict observances produce as much success and happiness in my life, as it has in his?”
...
What’s the remedy for those who hold to these ideas?

I think crucial question is, what is the reason to do so. If you do it because you love God, I think it can't fail. If you do it only because you hope to get a reward, I think it is going to fail.

Good reasoning, I like it.

Would Judas be a good example of having the form, but not the love?

Maybe, I don't know well enough his motives.

Greed and a lack of faith in the one he walked with for 3 1/2 years.