everseeking

I sometimes think the quote "take up your cross and follow me" is such a daunting request. Isnt this the real reason we don't want to become Christian? That we are afraid God will ask too much of us? That He wants us to choose the painful route, the one where we receive insults and don't seek payback. We might get chewed out by our boss, and somehow try to see from his point of view. We get micro-managed by a line manager and silently suffer, instead of blowing a fuse. We choose to read our bible before going to bed, instead of playing our favourite computer game.

Do you believe that a relationship with Jesus and God is a way of ensuring good mental health? Sometimes I get anxiety worrying about Hell or having sinful thoughts. And guilt of course over past mistakes. Currently I seem to have a transference issue. I have had difficult work relations with some women . But it seems to be a pattern now as I change workplaces. I seem to clash or attract rude behaviour from women especially those who have seniority over me. I know it is something I am doing or thinking but cant seem to stop it. Not all women of course as I have been happily married for 25 years. I think it is one for the counsellor rather than prayer but still.

I think so

I sometimes think the quote "take up your cross and follow me" is such a daunting request. Isnt this the real reason we don't want to become Christian? That we are afraid God will ask too much of us? That He wants us to choose the painful route, the one where we receive insults and don't seek payback. We might get chewed out by our boss, and somehow try to see from his point of view. We get micro-managed by a line manager and silently suffer, instead of blowing a fuse. We choose to read our bible before going to bed, instead of playing our favourite computer game.

Do you believe that a relationship with Jesus and God is a way of ensuring good mental health? Sometimes I get anxiety worrying about Hell or having sinful thoughts. And guilt of course over past mistakes. Currently I seem to have a transference issue. I have had difficult work relations with some women . But it seems to be a pattern now as I change workplaces. I seem to clash or attract rude behaviour from women especially those who have seniority over me. I know it is something I am doing or thinking but cant seem to stop it. Not all women of course as I have been happily married for 25 years. I think it is one for the counsellor rather than prayer but still.

OK thanks for your advice everyone

Just sometimes I think choice of religion depends on where you live, your culture. More likely to be Buddhist in an Asian country than a western country for instance. The countries where Christianity hasn't taken hold or become popular, really disadvantage them knowing Christ. Seems unfair they would miss out the opportunity. But then part of me thinks that truth is relative to what tribe you belong to, what culture you were raised on. Sorry if these doubts I express seem disrespectful.

I'm quite new to bible study and have only recently started going back to Church. I live in New Zealand by the way. My question is, why did God choose the Middle East, Israel, Jerusalem and surrounds to send his only son, Jesus Christ? Is this then, the most important part of the world? Why not China or England or South Africa or Australia? Was it because of population density? is it because the Jews were really the chosen people? Do the Jews still have a very special place in God's heart? (because of the stories in the bible especially old testament) I'm still at an agnostic stage about Jesus Christ, unfortunately. I wish it was as simple as saying "yes I believe" but I don't think making a statement like that works if you don't have a deep, firm conviction.