I think that perhaps it boils down to motivation.
Am I doing it to gain something for myself?
For example, am I doing something because I am worried about appeasing someone (such as god) because it might determine whether or not I will wind up in heaven or hell, or am I doing something because I want to help someone?
In a way, it reminds me of the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18, verses 9-14)
9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[a]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
It seems to me that the Pharisee is not motivated by love or compassion, but rather by making himself look good, and basically saying "I'm better than others, so I deserve to be rewarded." On the other hand, the Tax Collector is asking for mercy.
In the same way, do I try to help people so I can boast about it? Or do I try to help people because I want to help them? Do I think that by helping others that I can "pay my way" into heaven? Or if I do enough "good deeds" it will balance out all of the bad things that I've done so I can avoid hell?
I see heaven as a gift - not something that I deserve, but something that I can attain simply by accepting it. And by "accepting it" I don't mean adhering to the tenets of a particular religion or set of beliefs. It is a gift available to all and for all. I believe that we accept the gift of heaven by living for others, by treating others well and with respect, and by helping who we can, when we can, and how best we can.
I imagine that we may see this differently, but I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have this discussion with you.
Again, wishing you well and peace.
Tim
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