Although ritualistic Bible reading and praying can be a form of self-delusion, deluding us that we are more worthy of favour from God than other people, it is still worthwhile being well acquainted with holy scriptures, and not only those in the Western Bible. There may be poorly translated verses here and there in most Bibles but the main thrust is true and leads in the best direction for our wellbeing. Likewise we do well to try to pray, trying to gain some blessing and mercy from God, more or less daily. It does not mean we are more worthy than others if we do but it leads to better knowledge of God’s power if He listens to us now and then. Giving to poor people and not shutting out their pleas is good for finding favour with God as an accompanying practice. All should be kept low profile, just for God to notice, not abusing it by showing off to others and not presuming it makes us holier than others. We are not saints just for doing this. Yet the calling to be a saint beyond just this kind of practice, truthful in speech, loving in disposition, strong in faith, full of hope in God, content to be poor, this calling can be clarified by awareness of scriptures and God’s power. Ultimately it is the gracious preaching of the message of God about Christ which saves us and transforms us to saintliness accompanied by miracles and works of the Holy Spirit, but still the prayers and charitable giving and scripture knowledge does a lot to help.
