Thanks. I remembered the statement by the preacher about spiritual levels, and have zlways felt it was a great reminder for me to not seek any “higher levels” than what I am currently at, per gods appointment, as it could spell doom because I wouldn’t be spiritually capable of handling the levels,of spiritual attacks from the evil one that come with being closer to God and doing more for him yet.
I tend to get caught up in “doing things of substance and with showey results for God” but just being faithful is “doing”, and often all that God allows some folks who are isolated and not able to get out (like folks who lived on the prairies way back when, and couldn’t get out) - they likely felt that they weren’t “doing g enough” because of their situations, but the reality was just being g faithful was al. God required of them for his own purposes.
Sometimes I imagine all that God requires of folks who might seem backslidden or worldly or whatever is that for now, they just keep,the faith and respond when the holy spirit moves them to act even In their “carnal state”. ,infa like the widow who had only a penny to put in the offering box- she didn’t have much, but gave when moved to give, and christ honored that above the folks who valued everyone seeing them give great amounts. It’s the heart’s attitude at the time of the act that matters methinks. (Not saying that trying to honor God through god,y living is ad, of course it isnt- just reminding that even folks who are rea.ly spiritually immature are used by God too.)
We cannot be good even if we try. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can be "good" through us if we get out of the way and let him.
That's what I was referring to in my original comment.
I wasn't criticizing people for not being good. I was commenting on Christians being "saved" yet not inviting the Holy Spirit into their body, mind, and spirit.
Only God acting through us is capable of "good." This idea that people can become saved and change the world without being born again of the Holy Spirit is (as I think you said) a powerful and potentially dangerous thing.