Although it’s been a while, what we learned about Buddhism on our trip to Myanmar, formerly Burma, needs to be shared.
We learned that Buddhists don’t believe in a personal God! Some Buddhist sects may pray to Buddha, but most meditate on, and only pay respect, to Buddha, their teachers or their ancestors. It was our understanding that they might meditate for themselves or others. Their prayers may often be their own words of encouragement to themselves!
Their lifestyle is steeped in superstition and luck, which they take seriously. We were told that certain flowers are bad luck if placed in certain places. Doing different normal activities might be bad luck, depending on the day or place.
When I think about my faith in Jesus Christ, I realize there is no place for superstition. Christians are not to be superstitious. Superstitions are actually a form of witchcraft and we want no part of that! Satan is alive! Satan does not care what we believe, as long as we don’t put our faith in Jesus Christ.
What about LUCK? A follower of Jesus is not to depend on good luck, nor fear bad luck. In fact, I believe there is no place in a Christian’s vocabulary for the word luck. We depend on Jesus Christ and the Word of God, which is far superior than luck.
- Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’ These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23
- Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:7
- THE STORY OF A DREAM – by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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Dear Kathleen,
I enjoyed this devotion on Buddhism. We live near a Buddhist Temple and every time I drive by it I pray for the salvation of all who attend.
Thank you for doing that Katie. God hears those prayers and someday there will be souls who will thank you.
Very good post. Satan has so many different ways to deceive people, because he knows that some things will appeal to some but not to others. For us, we need to live like the Bible is true and be an example like those around us.
You are absolutely correct, Matthew. No matter what those around us are doing, we are to continue to cling to Jesus and His truth.
Thanks, Kathleen for sharing. I agree, there is no place in the life of Christians for luck and superstition. We walk by faith, and faith is based on neither luck nor superstition.
Dear Frank, We agree again. Indeed, this walk is a walk of faith.
Well written and good advice for the right perspective of superstitions for parents.
It can be very easy to “play along”and pretend with our children that this is a fun
game, but God loves truth and delights in our trust in Him alone!
I agree, Gloria, we should not make light and play along with superstitions, as it says in 1 Timothy 4:7 “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
I totally agree with you. It has become so common place to wish someone “Good Luck”. It will be hard to break the habit, but I think it is worth doing.
It is sad the deception that runs rampant in the world that keeps people from believing in Christ. They all need their eyes opened just as we once did. There are still so many unbelievers and when I think of Christs return it is sobering.
I agree with you, Deanna, there are still so many unbelievers. That’s why it’s important that we are obedient to Christ’s Great Commission, to share the Good News with others. Even so, not everyone will follow. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and ONLY A FEW FIND IT.” The key word there is FIND. One must be searching in order to find. I believe many people stumble upon Jesus and get up and keep going. Sadly, they don’t want what He has to offer. They have not yet come to recognize their need.
“I believe there is no place in a Christian’s vocabulary for the word luck” … Amen.
Thank you, Liana. We certainly agree on that!
Great post! Our God is sovereign over everything. There is no such thing as luck! I just found your blog recently and have enjoyed all your post since then. You are a kindred spirit and have encouraged me through your posts! Thanks! May God bless you as you follow after Him!
Thank you Susan! It’s true that we sometimes say things without thinking.
Glad you want to make the effort to make a change. God blesses our obedience.
Thank you Dea! I’m glad you’re reading. I appreciate the encouragement!