Like what???

Today I was reminded of those stupid "Like this if you want to go to heaven, ignore if you want to go hell" photos.

They are usually accompanied by some verses, maybe some bad grammar. You know the sort. Those pictures "urk" me in ways you can't even imagine, because I know a lot of people are being led astray by their false teachings. It turns into a popularity contest, and the opportunity to witness to unbelievers is lost. Beyond that, these pictures are flat out contradicting and perverting the gospel of Jesus Christ. No amount of work or "likes" will ever get you to heaven. They will never land you safely into God's presence and they surely won't be with you always.

Why are so many people interested in this religious propaganda? My guess: a feeling of doing something without sacrificing their own comfort. If Jesus was as easy to follow as liking a picture on facebook is, then the radicality of many Christians would seem unreasonable. Anything seems easy when we don't have to stand up or change the way we live. "Accept Christ into your heart and you will be saved" is the first part on this journey of discomfort that the world mocks.

While it is true that anyone that accepts Jesus is going to be saved, which is part of the beauty (and simplicity) of Christianity, we also have to remember that Christians are told to show (EMPHASIS ON SHOW) our faith by our works. Notice the word is show, it is not entailing that we must live by a set of rules to get into heaven. James 2:18 spells it out:

^" But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.^"

 No works could ever cover all my sin, and I am only a teenager. No amount of likes will ever save your soul. No amount of likes with assure your spot in God's house. No amount of likes can satisfy the soul like Jesus can. But a relationship with Jesus can save you, mold you, and give your soul the rest it so desperately needs. No picture died for you, no picture loved you so much that it would give its life for your salvation. Think on such things.