DenyAsk

Recently, one of the leaders of a mega-church in North America made the following statement: "I just want to encourage every one of us to realize: When we obey God, we're not doing it for God.  I mean, that's one way to look at it.  We're doing it for ourselves.  Because God takes pleasure when we're happy.  That's the thing that gives him the greatest joy this morning.  So I want you to know this morning, just do good for your own self.  Do good 'cause God wants you to be happy.  When you come to church, when you worship him, you're not doing it for God, really.  You're doing it for yourself, because that's what makes God happy.  Amen?" It has been a couple of weeks ago since this statement has been heard in that church and subsequently around the world.  I haven't been able to shake it off because, sadly, this statement seems to pervade through much of our theology and the way we perceive God's role in the lives of His creatures....