The reasons why people do what they do

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kisstheson -> The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 2:15:14 AM)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christ has a way of looking beyond what people are doing outwardly and seeing to the heart of the meatter. here’s an excerpt from a play that my drama group is in the process of putting together. We are in our last week of rehearsals. I thought I would share an exerpt from the script I wrote. The story is about mary magdalwne when she wept at the feet of Jesus. I believe Jesus sees the reasons why people do what they do. NARRATOR: somehow the woman broke free from her captors and ran toward him. The woman crumbled on the floor at his feet. Oh such sobbing, the kind that causes the body to shake and so deep that not a sound comes forth. Yeshua understood. He recognized her desperation. This child of Eve had lost her way and had forgotten who she truly was, a dear one created in HaShem’s image. The road had forked away from the light when she was just a child, a victim of the worse kind of abuse. Until now no one had known her secret pain. Yeshua saw the moment of her betrayal come like dark clouds engulfing a sunlit garden. He saw her retreat deeper into the darkness. Always she was the vulnerable one, loving with all of her heart in the only way she knew how to love, or what she thought was love, but the same hurt was heaped on her. She lost sight of her true beauty thinking there was something about her that wasn’t lovable, something she couldn’t understand or put a finger on, why she was used and then tossed her away like a worthless object? YESHUA: Abba she has forgotten who she is in You. Father she has long ago given up hope of ever truly being loved. Weighted down, confused, trapped in the labyrinth of all her wrong doings. So very sorry and at the same time hating what she has become. A woman known for her many sins. May she remember her home in Us. What do you think? What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior?

Liveloved -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 4:21:59 AM)
quote: What do you think? What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior? He sees a lamb who is not able to keep out of danger and needs a Shepherd. And He loves me, greatly loves me.[:)] Beautiful topic, Kisstheson. Thanks.[:)] LL

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 4:37:10 AM)
awwww...thanks!

LivingParadox -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 10:04:49 AM)
I think you may be on to something as I think all of us could put ourselves in that role...and that's a good thing when we can see it. Definitely makes the emotional connection.

zamdad -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 11:33:43 AM)
As a result of my occupation I have come to understand that Christ had divine insight. Whenever He met someone as illustrated in scripture, He knew their heart. He knew the secrets they were harboring, the hurts they were hiding, the motives for what they do. For us to develop that kind of insight into others takes time and effort. Time is something our culture tries to rob us of and effort is something we, all too often, try to avoid. Coporately, as the church, we tend to develop ministries/programs to reach people with the message of Christ, then do very little to take the time and build a discipling relationship. When Jesus looks at our sinful behavior, He knows the motives of our heart, the thoughts that come before action. As humans, we're all very quick to dismiss the thoughts and not categorize it as sin until we act. I tghink this is what Jesus was getting at when He said that when we lust after another, we have already committed adultery. All too often people will excuse their behavior with the comment, "I wasn't thinking." No action is done without some thought having gone into the act. I think there are two things we need to consider. We have to be aware of our own thought lives and capture those thoughts and surrender them to Christ. And, we have to take the time to listen to and understand those we are discipling. To add to the second: we have to begin in our own homes first.

Little_1 -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 11:53:04 AM)
If you are relating this post to Christians, I am reminded of the Prodigal son who left the safety of his father's home for the ways of the world. His loving father remained at home day after day, hoping and praying that his much loved son would return home to his care. He waited (always on the lookout) for his son's return. When the young son finally did come to his senses and turned and went back home, his father was waiting (ever on the lookout) to welcome his prodigal son home with open arms. God knows when we are truly repentant for our sins and He is not going to hold them against us. We cannot hide our hearts or intents from God. He alone knows us better than anyone ever can and He loves us with an amazing love. God is a gracious and merciful God and greatly to be praised.

thiricy -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 11:55:07 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: zamdad As a result of my occupation I have come to understand that Christ had divine insight. Whenever He met someone as illustrated in scripture, He knew their heart. He knew the secrets they were harboring, the hurts they were hiding, the motives for what they do. For us to develop that kind of insight into others takes time and effort. Time is something our culture tries to rob us of and effort is something we, all too often, try to avoid. Coporately, as the church, we tend to develop ministries/programs to reach people with the message of Christ, then do very little to take the time and build a discipling relationship. When Jesus looks at our sinful behavior, He knows the motives of our heart, the thoughts that come before action. As humans, we're all very quick to dismiss the thoughts and not categorize it as sin until we act. I tghink this is what Jesus was getting at when He said that when we lust after another, we have already committed adultery. All too often people will excuse their behavior with the comment, "I wasn't thinking." No action is done without some thought having gone into the act. I think there are two things we need to consider. We have to be aware of our own thought lives and capture those thoughts and surrender them to Christ. And, we have to take the time to listen to and understand those we are discipling. To add to the second: we have to begin in our own homes first. Amen to that. Keep our thoughts captive and surrender them to Christ.

URForgiven -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/13/2008 1:38:35 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kisstheson What do you think? What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior? You mean the sins that were taken away on the cross, and placed behind the back of God, never to be seen again? When God looks at man He sees either dead people (without His Son) or He sees alive people (in His Son). To the first they remain condemned because they refuse to accept Christ. To the second there is no longer any condemnation left for them...Christ has taken it all. God no longer deals with man based on his sins, He deals with man based on whether they are alive or dead. And those who are alive are alive because they are indwelt by the One who has life...Jesus Christ. And to those, He gives the right to be called Children of God. Peace

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/14/2008 12:32:04 AM)
great insight everyone. thanks!

Cynpurr72 -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/14/2008 2:51:26 AM)
I would just like to say I am new here and just got on this site. I am looking for CHRISTIAN friends. I have about had it with my "gaming" friends as I call them. I am a shut in with health problems so I can't get out much. I have to make internet friends, I have NO choice. So I aprreciate what you said about your play and I feel so lost from the Lord having spent too much time with those who are not Christians. Having grown up in a Christian home, my mom and dad always taught me that having Christian friends was VERY important and the fellowship we have with them helps us stay on the pathway to the Lord. I have now realized this the HARD way because out there people play a lot of head games that have nothing whatsoever to do with the love they say they have for you. I feel far from Christ and am sure I am on the right path by coming here and talking to those who Christian as you understand what it feels like to be alone and when Jesus feels far away like He does to me now, I know I need to get into my Bible and hang with the Lord's people who have spiritual knowlege of "backsliding" ---which I am guilty of. Jesus knows this so why is all this friend stuff bothering me so much? Why do I care SO much what people think of me, even secular friends? Sorry to get off topic, but this is what it brought up for me. Happy to meet you all[:)] I hope I will find many who understand me and can help me and I can help others, as I am a nurse who missses caring for the ill now I am in my patients' place, dealing with pain etc. I know all this suffering is necessary for growth. I do know that. But Jesus feels so far away, even when I pray. Why do I feel this way????? How can I get past it to know Him and His Will for me? Anyways, thanks for your post. May God Bless You and everyone here. Phil 4:13 Cyn

Wild-Rose -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/14/2008 9:10:49 AM)
quote: What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior? I am reminded of Gideon. He was scared to death and arguing with God " I am the weakest fellow in the weakest clan, don't send me! We will fail miserably". But when the angel of the Lord talks to him, he calls Gideon " Oh Man of Valor!" You can almost picture Gideon looking behind him to see who the angel is talking to. God calls us and sees us as we can be, as we should be.

hvt -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/14/2008 5:02:18 PM)
Hello kisstheson, Another very deep and beautiful narrative. Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy what you write. Would you mind sharing more of the script? “The road had forked away from the light when she was just a child, a victim of the worse kind of abuse.” IMHO this no stretch at all. In that day when all is revealed it will be known that “abuse” of some type or other opened the wider pathway away from righteousness. Father’s word is utterly clear that He has implanted the knowledge of right and wrong in each person. Ask anyone who has, as this lady you write about, fallen into a downward spiral of aggregated sin, and if they are totally honest will be able to pinpoint a juncture in their life where abuse upon them was initiated. Consequently, the cacophonous enticements of the enemy of our souls gaining foothold. “somehow the woman broke free from her captors and ran toward him.” Beautiful are the feet that run to Righteousness! Righteousness Himself had planned this event from since before the foundation of the world (all glory to Him) and poured forth abundant mercy to cover all defect! Oh, how well He knows each and every one. Oh, how wonderfully He arranges each event to meet the needs of His called out ones. Oh, the strength He gives to each one of us to run to Him. “Abba she has forgotten who she is in You.” I once was lost, but now am found. I once forgot, but now am reminded of the utter beauty of being created in the image of God. I once was buried in sin, but now am buried in the crimson flow that speeds me on to total recovery of all the canker worm has eaten. “What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior?” The apple of God’s eye. Bruised and bloody, yes. Forsaken, never!

hvt -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/14/2008 5:08:14 PM)
Hello Cynpurr72, Never give up or think anything is too hard for God! When is the time to trust? Is it when all is calm, When waves the victor’s palm Of joy and praise? Nay! But the time to trust Is when the waves beat high, When storm clouds fill the sky, And prayer is one long cry, O help and save! When is the time to trust? Is it when friends are true? Is it when comforts woo, And in all we say and do We meet but praise? Nay! But the time to trust Is when we stand alone, And summer birds have flown, And every prop is gone, All else but God. What is the time to trust? Is it some future day, When you have tried your way, And learned to trust and pray By bitter woe? Nay! But the time to trust Is in this moment’s need Poor, broken, bruised reed! Poor, troubled soul, make speed To trust thy God. What is the time to trust? Is it when hopes beat high, When sunshine guilds the sky, And joy and ecstasy Fill all the heart? Nay! But the time to trust Is when our joy is fled, When sorrow bows the head, And all is cold and dead, All else but God. -Author unknown- Proverbs 3:5,6.

Liveloved -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/14/2008 8:09:44 PM)
quote: As a result of my occupation I have come to understand that Christ had divine insight. Whenever He met someone as illustrated in scripture, He knew their heart. He knew the secrets they were harboring, the hurts they were hiding, the motives for what they do. For us to develop that kind of insight into others takes time and effort. I am not dismissing what you have said, zamdad, but I think it takes the indwelling Spirit and dying of self. This can take time and effort or it can happen quite quickly. But for most, I would say it is the time and effort route. Working out your salvation is the process whereby we get rid of 'me' and the result is that we can truly hear Him and know Him (and ourselves) AND know others. It is our self love, interest in me, me, me that is the biggest hindrance to God and to loving others. Time is something our culture tries to rob us of and effort is something we, all too often, try to avoid. (satan and self are involved BIGTIME here.) Corporately, as the church, we tend to develop ministries/programs to reach people with the message of Christ, then do very little to take the time and build a discipling relationship. Again I believe much of this (ministries and even evangelization) is more about ME than about Jesus and love of others. When Jesus looks at our sinful behavior, He knows the motives of our heart, the thoughts that come before action. As humans, we're all very quick to dismiss the thoughts and not categorize it as sin until we act. I tghink this is what Jesus was getting at when He said that when we lust after another, we have already committed adultery. All too often people will excuse their behavior with the comment, "I wasn't thinking." No action is done without some thought having gone into the act. I agree. And isn't this why we are to meditate, brood over and ponder ALL that God says. He wants us to be a thought full people. . . FULL of thoughts. And when we are thinking, we are much less likely to sin. Amen. You've touched on some very important and distinct needs within the body of Christ, zamdad. I have not come by my knowledge of this through a career such as yours but simply through knowing Jesus. I think there are two things we need to consider. We have to be aware of our own thought lives and capture those thoughts and surrender them to Christ. And, we have to take the time to listen to and understand those we are discipling. To add to the second: we have to begin in our own homes first. We need to know Jesus and ourselves and be willing to DIE before we are really of any use to others.

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 12:30:53 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Cynpurr72 I would just like to say I am new here and just got on this site. I am looking for CHRISTIAN friends. I have about had it with my "gaming" friends as I call them. I am a shut in with health problems so I can't get out much. I have to make internet friends, I have NO choice. So I aprreciate what you said about your play and I feel so lost from the Lord having spent too much time with those who are not Christians. Having grown up in a Christian home, my mom and dad always taught me that having Christian friends was VERY important and the fellowship we have with them helps us stay on the pathway to the Lord. I have now realized this the HARD way because out there people play a lot of head games that have nothing whatsoever to do with the love they say they have for you. I feel far from Christ and am sure I am on the right path by coming here and talking to those who Christian as you understand what it feels like to be alone and when Jesus feels far away like He does to me now, I know I need to get into my Bible and hang with the Lord's people who have spiritual knowlege of "backsliding" ---which I am guilty of. Jesus knows this so why is all this friend stuff bothering me so much? Why do I care SO much what people think of me, even secular friends? Sorry to get off topic, but this is what it brought up for me. Happy to meet you all[:)] I hope I will find many who understand me and can help me and I can help others, as I am a nurse who missses caring for the ill now I am in my patients' place, dealing with pain etc. I know all this suffering is necessary for growth. I do know that. But Jesus feels so far away, even when I pray. Why do I feel this way????? How can I get past it to know Him and His Will for me? Anyways, thanks for your post. May God Bless You and everyone here. Phil 4:13 Cyn Thanks for sharing. I hope you receive lots of love and encouragement here. The greatist proof of Jesus' love for you is all that endured for you on the cross. I look to the cross and think about his sufferings when I doubt his love. He has not turned from you. He has great compassion on you. I pray that he shows you in a real tangible way his concern for you. But please start with the cross.

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 12:33:39 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Wild-Rose quote: What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior? I am reminded of Gideon. He was scared to death and arguing with God " I am the weakest fellow in the weakest clan, don't send me! We will fail miserably". But when the angel of the Lord talks to him, he calls Gideon " Oh Man of Valor!" You can almost picture Gideon looking behind him to see who the angel is talking to. God calls us and sees us as we can be, as we should be. yes! I love this!

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 12:37:03 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: hvt Hello kisstheson, Another very deep and beautiful narrative. Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy what you write. Would you mind sharing more of the script? “The road had forked away from the light when she was just a child, a victim of the worse kind of abuse.” IMHO this no stretch at all. In that day when all is revealed it will be known that “abuse” of some type or other opened the wider pathway away from righteousness. Father’s word is utterly clear that He has implanted the knowledge of right and wrong in each person. Ask anyone who has, as this lady you write about, fallen into a downward spiral of aggregated sin, and if they are totally honest will be able to pinpoint a juncture in their life where abuse upon them was initiated. Consequently, the cacophonous enticements of the enemy of our souls gaining foothold. “somehow the woman broke free from her captors and ran toward him.” Beautiful are the feet that run to Righteousness! Righteousness Himself had planned this event from since before the foundation of the world (all glory to Him) and poured forth abundant mercy to cover all defect! Oh, how well He knows each and every one. Oh, how wonderfully He arranges each event to meet the needs of His called out ones. Oh, the strength He gives to each one of us to run to Him. “Abba she has forgotten who she is in You.” I once was lost, but now am found. I once forgot, but now am reminded of the utter beauty of being created in the image of God. I once was buried in sin, but now am buried in the crimson flow that speeds me on to total recovery of all the canker worm has eaten. “What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior?” The apple of God’s eye. Bruised and bloody, yes. Forsaken, never! all that you said is so thought provoking and deep. It would be too difficult to comment on everything here. Please know that I love sharing with you. its always rich. But of coures...we are talking about Jesus! :)

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 12:40:00 AM)
quote: I agree. And isn't this why we are to meditate, brood over and ponder ALL that God says. Yes!

ta_mosquito -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 8:23:26 AM)
quote: IMHO this no stretch at all. In that day when all is revealed it will be known that “abuse” of some type or other opened the wider pathway away from righteousness. Father’s word is utterly clear that He has implanted the knowledge of right and wrong in each person. Ask anyone who has, as this lady you write about, fallen into a downward spiral of aggregated sin, and if they are totally honest will be able to pinpoint a juncture in their life where abuse upon them was initiated. Consequently, the cacophonous enticements of the enemy of our souls gaining foothold. I hope you are not saying that people are not responsible for their sin, that "the devil (errr, abuse) made them do it"...

LivingParadox -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 12:35:12 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ta_mosquito quote: IMHO this no stretch at all. In that day when all is revealed it will be known that “abuse” of some type or other opened the wider pathway away from righteousness. Father’s word is utterly clear that He has implanted the knowledge of right and wrong in each person. Ask anyone who has, as this lady you write about, fallen into a downward spiral of aggregated sin, and if they are totally honest will be able to pinpoint a juncture in their life where abuse upon them was initiated. Consequently, the cacophonous enticements of the enemy of our souls gaining foothold. I hope you are not saying that people are not responsible for their sin, that "the devil (errr, abuse) made them do it"... Sometimes Satan is to blame but I agree we usually pick sin ourselves without the help of Satan. I think maybe the OP is maybe giving the backdrop of how someone finds themselves in such situation which often gives a much better understanding of such things. All people sin. How someone gets to a downward spiral into a life of sin is usaully a little more complicated. And understanding of how people get to these places I think is the first step on turning them their life around.

Walker311 -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/15/2008 5:40:31 PM)
quote: What do you think? What does Jesus see when He looks at our sinful behavior? Animals act on instinct and in a way, due to our sinful nature, we instinctually sin and Jesus understands this fallen nature so He looks past or beyond our faults, and sees our needs. He then provides a way out.

hvt -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/17/2008 8:55:41 AM)
I hope you are not saying that people are not responsible for their sin, that "the devil (errr, abuse) made them do it"... Hello Tricia, I most definitely was not saying that we are not responsible for our sin. Let me try to clarify. “IMHO this is no stretch at all” was simply an acknowledgement that childhood abuse could very well have occurred in Mary’s life. Kisstheson has been raked over the coals here, in the past, for taking such liberties in her writing or art. I just wanted to let her know that there would be none of that with me, rather encouragement to keep writing. There are those, and I hope it is very many, who, although having Adam’s egregious, inherited stain, have weathered the storm fairly well prior to their eyes being opened by the Holy Spirit to their condition and their need. They had loving parents, a solid, encouraging atmosphere during their childhood, some choice “benefits.” For the most part, they have met few bumps along the road in growing up, and that being their lot have not been a surveyor of the “deeper dimensions” of sin. Then there are those, myself being one, who have been victims of childhood abuse where a door was opened that ideally should never have been. This door, having been opened, did not negate, to the unfortunate victim, all responsibility for their choices and their sin, but it sure did become a tool used by the enemy of our souls to gain a foothold. When you think about Mary, this could have happened to her. This could explain her inability to properly and healthily connect with men. This could account for what I called “the spiral of aggregated sin.” I can personally attest to this being the case with me, and even others who have shared about their lives. Is the abuse responsible for my sin? No. Did the abuse create a vulnerability to that “wider (than normal) pathway away from righteousness”? Absolutely! Penetrate the soul of any abuse victim and you will find the inevitable evidence. I do so hope that I have made myself clear, and thank you, Tricia, for questioning me. God bless you.

ta_mosquito -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/17/2008 10:26:11 AM)
Yep, that's clear. And it makes sense. [;)]

kisstheson -> RE: The reasons why people do what they do (9/18/2008 12:31:01 AM)
quote: Kisstheson has been raked over the coals here, in the past, for taking such liberties in her writing or art. I just wanted to let her know that there would be none of that with me, rather encouragement to keep writing. Thanks! I wish you could be there see this living art. (my play) The man who portrays jesus shows so much compassion and tenderness. For me to try and describe the play does no good. You have to see it live. I appreciate the encouragement very much.

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