Monday’s thoughts
“Can You Be Too Pious?”
Is it possible to be too religious; too pious? I think it is. I have known people who are so religious they are a hazzard to themselves and a problem to their family and friends. People who practice religion to the point they lose the point of religion promote something that isn’t religious; they put forward a faith based on fear or habit; they posture a proposition that gives religion a bad name.
One of the most important themes of the Gospel is the idea that religion must be relevant and alive. The spirit of faith must soar and the strength of dedication to our beliefs is crucial. There is no question about the importance of faith and the importance of carrying out faith in the practice of our faith. But sometimes things happen to us. We have witnessed numerous clergy who have gotten so caught up in popularity of their ministry they have lost sight of the essence of it and what got them into it in the first place. Fred Craddock once thinks one of the most dangerous things for clergy is being applause. Clergy do not think they will experience applause but then it comes. We get used to it. We enjoy it and then we lose our souls because of it. He thinks that’s one of the things that happened to Ted Haggard.
There is danger in what can happen if we become fanatical in our faith. Jesus knew this and he confronted the Pharisees.
What are the areas of faith that can cause you to lose your balance?
How can you become too religious?
What do you do with people who have become too religious? Jesus prayed for them.
I’d like to hear from you about this. I think it may be a problem we all have to guard against. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you’d like others to see your thought click on the “comments” box. Thanks for looking into our Build a Sermon.
Charles
Pious is NOT an adjective that I think of when I think of Jesus. Sometimes, when I’m spending a lot of time studying scripture, worrying about church issues, and defending my faith to evangelicals, I think, “Wouldn’t it be better to be using my time to help the poor?” I know God gives us each different gifts, but feeding His sheep and loving our neighbors could realistically take all our spare time and leave nothing for organized religion. Striking the right balance can be tricky.
Many times I find myself unable to enjoy pop culture because I see it setting such a poor faith example. I’m certain some of that is because I am seeing through the eyes of a mother of preteen boys right now.
I think Jesus also challenged those who had become too focused on a narrow definition of religion. That’s hard to do unless you really know and love the person who is too pious. Praying for them (and yourself) is probably the best idea. I’m glad you mentioned that!
What are the areas of faith that can cause you to lose your balance?
When I use religion to raise myself above others, I’ve lost my balance.
When I use religion to speak for God rather than a means to hear God’s voice, I’ve lost my balance.
When I use religion to substitute for loving kindness, I’ve lost my balance.
When I use religion to determine God’s will for others rather than myself, I’ve lost balance.
How can you become too religious?
I become too religious when religion becomes an end in itself rather than a tool for seeking and demonstrating the love of God.
What do you do with people who have become too religious? Jesus prayed for them.
I’d have to say please be patient. God isn’t finished with me yet.