Point 3: re- " God is almighty, so he won’t lose anything if we lessen our zealotry." Correct. He is not the "Or-i-gen" of Stargate SG1. :) ;-) :D . re: On the other hand, the problems of this mortal life are ours to solve. Or do you imply that God will fix everything if only asked?" Answer: Maybe you have heard references to "The Second Coming." In my heart, I do believe in "Millennialism." If it becomes true, Jesus will be a literal, ruling King. He can not/will not "fix everything with a wave of His hand." But He will level the playing field and give mankind the tools to heal human civilization of its brokenness on many levels. Right now, in this age of man's misrule over his fellow man, the playing field is not level. (Point 4 on the next post)
re: Point One: It isn't just about worshipping God alone. It is also seeking to be like Him in mind and character. " But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). Seeking God's righteousness is seeking his holiness. There is a "secondary mission" of "subduing the Earth." As for "constant dependence," this is where the analogy between human parents with their biological children and humans with a spiritual relationship with God does not serve. Human children need to grow up independent of mom and dad. God is the source of all that is good and He never dies. He never leaves us or forsakes us. So yea, there is a constant dependence here.
re: Point Two: "worldly passions" Absolutely I have had these! "Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10. There is nothing wrong in of itself with becoming good at a game, pursing an exercise program, or digging deep in academia about history or whatever. Pursuits such as these can be immensely satisfying. But they are not to be elevated in importance above relationship with the Creator. A relevant quote here: "Where there is no reverence there cannot be morality, and where there is no God there is no reverence…Ideas have an expiration date for thrills; only the glory of a person is inexhaustible. Wonder can be thrillingly sustained when each new discovery points to the Creator. Without the Creator the means overtakes the end, and wonder dies. Worship is the culmination and continuance of a relationship with a person, not the celebration of an idea." Zacharias, Ravi. Deliver Us From Evil (p. 156). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
As for "inclusivity and diversity"--the Gospel of the Kingdom was/is to go out "to ALL nations," that is, to all PEOPLE. **The gospel of Jesus Christ--the gospel of the Kingdom of God is in fact, ALL INCLUSIVE for all those who accept its message! ** And each nation may bring its own "diversity" in language or style of worship. The problem anciently and now, is people take the gospel message and water it down OR ADD stuff to it to fit desirable narratives -narratives to allow for, or enforce unnecessary or evil behavior. Accepting the gospel comes with a responsibility---to hate evil as God does. And yes, worshipping other gods is evil, because He who has the true right to define what is good and evil says so.
