In the Middle...

I read an opinion article last week criticizing a family for how they are living. This family is a Conservative Christian family. I guess what should I expect from a liberal media site...? But there was a comment on the article that made sense...unfortunately. The comment was along the lines of why are you critizing and judging a family just because you do not agree with the way they live or their beliefs when you are out there shouting from the rooftop that we need equal rights for all (gays, straight, divorced, marrieds, single, etc.). The commentor agreed on equal rights for all, but I think her point was valid, if you are going to be criticizing one part of society, you cannot be advocating for equal rights for all. Another commentor said something like tolerance seems to be only for sinful lifestyles these days. I think that person may have just hit the nail on the head...but then again, what do I know?

What I don't understand is why, when our country was founded on the principle of religious freedom, would our nation turn towards criticizing those who still live by the Bible and have conservative beliefs. Instead of criticizing them shouldn't we be looking towards these people to see how to better ourselves as individuals? But, instead of doing that, we are out there trying to gain equal rights for everyone, redefining the word "marriage", and criticizing those who do not support those equal rights.

 I am in a personal struggle right now with the way our society has so loosely defined "marriage". My cousin who has choosen to be a lesbian, has decided that she should be allowed to get married and that it will still be a church sanctified wedding. Yes, that is right, her church is allowing her to have her wedding there and her pastor is presiding over it. At first I was told that it was open to everyone but it was not something that we should feel like we have to attend. But now, my mom is telling me I need to put aside my thoughts on the subject and be at my cousins "wedding". I am struggling to know where to draw the line. I will support my cousin in her life, but I will not support the decisions that are sinful in nature. I cannot. If I attend her "wedding" wouldn't that be supporting her sinful lifestyle? To me it is, but I don't know how to address the situation with my mom who knows that I have different views than her as she says. I have said before "love the sinner, hate the sin", and I agree with that, but the hard thing with that is where do you draw the line? How do you support the sinner without it seeming that you are supporting their sin?

Blessings in Christ,

 

Your Body is THE Temple...

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therfore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Yesterday I had an "interesting" discussion with a Mennonite lady at noon meal. We were talking about the Amish (I don't remember exactly what about them) and she said, well the New Order would be more Christian-like, right? I told her I didn't know about being "more Christian-like" but definiately more evangelical, like they would go and evangelize more as compared to the more conservative groups. She said, well more Christian-like because they do not smoke and it is such a shame how the Old Order allow smoking amongst their members. I did not know that smoking was a sin as she put it, but she informed me that it is because of the scripture above, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should treat them like temples.

I asked her where we should stop then. Looking all confused, I explained myself further. Should we not allow our members to eat sugar, oils, fats, and caffine? All things that medical experts have advised us to keep to a minimum in our diets because they are not good for our bodies. I had found some literature on someone's blog -- not sure exactly where -- about the conservative Seventh Day Adventist's guidelines for what ingredients should be left out of food when being brought into the church and I told her this. She replied that it was over the top and if we were to say those were sins, then all the Amish and Mennonites would have to adjust their style of cooking. I left it at that.

I don't know that I made a point with her, but it got me to thinking, how do I interpret that scripture?

Is there a difference between what I wouldn't do and what I would consider a sin based on those two verses?

I sure wouldn't smoke, but that is my personal preference. I would not call smoking a sin (I am talking tabacco smoking, anything illegal is a sin because it goes against the command we have to obey the government authority).

Is there anything we could put in our bodies that would be okay and keep our bodies as a temple? Of course. But we have to remember one word. Moderation. Nothing is good for our bodies if we have it in excess. Water, which God created, is not good for us in excess because it throws the vitamin and electrolyte balance off in our bodies. Meat is not good for us in excess, nor are vegetables or fruit because of their natural sugars and startches they have. Does this mean eating any of that or drinking water is a sin? No. If we didn't eat or drink anything we would not live very long. The only thing which we can emerse ourselves in and it not be bad for us is God's Word.

What do you think?

There are quite a few other snipets of conversation from meal yesterday that I think I will share, but not all today :) Too much for one post!

Blessings in Christ,

Modesty

One thing I have been thinking about lately is how can I, as a Christian sister, help my Christian brothers not lust after me?

Lust is such a hard thing to avoid as each man is triggered by different things. Some may be triggered by a woman's hair, some by a woman's eyes, some by a woman's smile, etc etc. So how can I prevent all these different lusts? Am I not supposed to smile? Am I not supposed to open my eyes when in the presence of a man? Of course not. All we can do as sisters is do our very best, follow scripture and the convictions God has laid upon each one of us.

I personally feel the best way I can do this is to dress modestly. That will help many boys and men stray away from lust. I have my own convictions on what is modest as does each one of you, that does not make it wrong per-say as long as we are obeying God's word on the topic and we feel that He has made our convictions and not that we are making our convictions His...

What is modest?

The Bible has this to say:
1 Timothy 2:9 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.

The word "modest" in greek is kosmios (2887). This greek word is used in 1 Timothy 3:2 as "of good behavior". In greek, kosmios is defined as well ordered, orderly, that is to say well behaved, discreet, decorous for the useage of "modest" in 1 Tim 2:9 and well ordered, of persons, orderly, well behaved, discreet, etc for the useage of "good behavior" in 1 Tim 3:2.

The greek word for apparel is katastolē (2689). The only place this word is used is in this verse. It is defined as "equipment, dress, properly a long garment or robe reaching down to the feet" which is derived from katastellō (2687) meaning to "send or let down".

Array is defined (from the greek word) as apparel. This last statement adds to the modest part that we should not wear expensive apparel. Each of us has our own convictions on what "expensive" means. The greek word for "costly" does not give us a price point, it simply says "the very uttermost or highest cost, very expensive or costly". We are left to determine what is expensive and what is not.

I still struggle with some aspects of the Biblical definition of a Christian woman in 1 Tim 2:9. I once wore earrings and a necklace. I no longer regularly wear them but I still do want to wear the earrings every once in a while. I wear a watch, but I do not feel that a watch is "jewelry" per-say because it has a practical use, although some of the watches that are sold today are very well jewelry. It all depends on the style in which one chooses. Even though the definition of katastolē is "reaching down to the feet" I do not feel convicted that my dresses have to reach the floor. Some of them do, but not all of them. Some of my skirts are mid-calf length and for working I truly do not feel that is inappropriate. Maybe one day my convictions will change, but right now, I do not feel like I am dishonoring the Lord by wearing a little bit shorter dress or skirt.

The only part in the verse discussing a woman's hair says that it should not be braided, however, the greek definition for braided hair is "broided hair (sometimes wrongly printed as broidered or braided) anything twined or plaited". This leads me to believe that it may not necessarily be the same as what we would think of as braided today. Scripture does not tell us the exact style we must wear our hair in.

Modest does not mean old-time or "unfashionable". You can be fashionable and modest at the same time. By fashionable I mean, not prarie (or Amish) as is what a lot of our society thinks of when someone says modest. If someone attends a church where their dress is dictated, then so be it, she should follow the rules set out by her church, but if she does not have those rules set for her, there are so many varieties of modest dress. None of them are the "right" one and nor are any of the styles "wrong" as long as the woman feels convicted by the Lord.

Blessings in Christ,

One of the Ultimate Sins

In today's society, I feel pressured to accept homosexuality as "okay". Not only do I feel pressured by society, but I feel slightly pressured by my family. That is because I have a cousin who has chosen that path... We also have several other family friends who have chosen that path too. I used to think that it was okay because God created each person as who they are and we are to accept them they way they are. But as I have grown older and read more of the Bible, I have learned that God did not create us to be attracted to people of the same sex. There are no instances in the Bible where God blessed a same-sex couple, rather He laid His wrath upon them! God blessed the couples who were of different sexes, look at Abraham and Sarah who after some mistakes in putting their wants before God's timing, were blessed with a child. There are many other examples throughout the Bible which support this as well.

How should we handle this sin when it is within our own family? I tyipcally try to stay out of the discussion about it because I know I am probably the only one in my family who does not accept it as "okay", but this cannot be avoided forever. My cousin has said she hopes my move to a more conservative church will not change how I view her and her living decisions. That's exactly what they are... decisions. We all have the ability to stay away from sin if we simply rely on God, but if we give in to temptation, that is when we encounter trouble. My friend once said (about this topic) "I support the person, but not their decision". I think that is the stance that I have to take on this issue, especially if the person is one whom I care about, but I cannot support their decision to live in sin, but I can support and love them as a person.

I have heard churches preach on "keeping homosexuality out of OUR church" to the extent of not allowing homosexuals to step foot in their church. Should we take it that far? I understand not allowing membership to people who choose that path, but should we not allow them to come to our churches so that they could have the chance to hear the truth and realize that their chosen lifestyle is sinful? Yes, God detests this sin, but it does not mean that He will not forgive those living this lifestyle if they truly repent and change their ways. That should be our goal...to spread the truth about this choice that is becoming more and more common rather than trying to keep it out of OUR churches.

Blessings in Christ,

Put Off - Put On

I found this on-line this past summer and I have gained from it, I hope you can as well.

The part is the sin that we should put off, then there is scriptural insight (the first is the scritpure referring to the sin and the second is the scripture referring to the righteous deed) and following that is the righteous deed to put on.

Put Off - Put On Scriptures

1. Lack of love 1Jo 4:7,8,20 Jhn 15:12 Love
2. Judging Mat 7:1,2 Jhn 8:9;Jhn 15:22 Let God search my heart
3. Bitterness Hbr 12:15 Eph 4:32 Tenderhearted and forgiving
4. Unforgiving Sprit Mar 11:26 Col 3:13 Forgiving spirit
5. Selfishness Phl 2:21 Jhn 12:24 Self denial
6. Pride Pro 16:5 Jam 4:6 Humility
7. Boasting (Conceit) 1Cr 4:7 Phl 2:3 Esteeming others
8. Stubbornness 1Sa 15:23 Rom 6:13 Brokenness
9. Disrespect for authority Act 23:5 Hbr 13:17 Honor authority
10. Rebellion 1Sa 15:23 Hbr 13:17 Submission
11. Disobedience 1Sa 12:15 Deu 11:27 Obedience
12. Impatience Jam 1:2-4 Hbr 10:36 Patience
13. Ungratefulness Rom 1:21 Eph 5:20 Gratefulness
14. Covetousness Luk 12:15 Hbr 13:5 Contentment
15. Discontent Hbr 13:5 1Ti 6:8 Contentment
16. Murmuring/Complaining Phl 2:14 Hbr 13:15 Praise
17. Irritation of others Gal 5:26 Phl 2:3,4 Preferring in love
18. Jealousy Gal 5:26 1Cr 13:4 Trust
19. Strife/Contention Pro 13:10 Jam 3:17 Peace
20. Retaliation (Getting even) Pro 24:29 Rom 12:19,20 Return good for evil
21. Losing temper Pro 25:28 Pro 16:32 Self-control
22. Anger Pro 29:22 Gal 5:22,23 Self-control
23. Wrath Jam 1:19,20 Pro 15:1 Soft answer
24. Easily irritated 1Cr 13:5 Pro 19:11 Not easily provoked
25. Hatred Mat 5:21,22 1Cr 13:3 Love
26. Murder Exd 20:13 Rom 13:10 Love
27. Gossip 1Ti 5:13 Eph 4:29 Edifying speech
28. Evil speaking Jam 4:11 Pro 15:30 Good report
29. Critical spirit Gal 5:15 Col 3:12 Kindness
30. Lying Eph 4:25 Zec 8:16 Speak truth
31. Profanity Pro 4:24 Pro 15:4 Pure speech
32. Idle words Mat 12:36 Pro 21:23 Bridle tongue
33. Wrong motives 1Sa 16:7 1Cr 10:31 Spiritual motives
34. Evil thoughts Mat 5:19,20 Phl 4:8 Pure thoughts
35. Complacency Rev 3:15 Rev 3:19 Zeal
36. Laziness Pro 20:4 Pro 6:6-11 Diligence
37. Slothfulness (Not doing best) Pro 18:9 Col 3:23 Wholeheartedness
38. Hypocrisy Job 8:13 1Th 2:3 Sincerity
39. Idolatry Deu 11:16 Col 1:18 Worship God only
40. Left first love Rev 2:4 Rev 2:5 Fervent devotion
41. Lack of rejoicing always Phl 4:4 1Th 5:18 Rejoice
42. Worry/Fear Mat 6:25-32 1Pe 5:7 Trust
43. Unbelief Hbr 3:12 Hbr 11:1,6 Faith
44. Unfaithfulness Pro 25:19 Luk 16:10-12 Faithfulness
45. Neglect of Bible study 2Ti 3:14-17 Psa 1:2 Bible study/Meditation
46. Prayerlessness Luk 18:1 Mat 26:41 Praying
47. No burden for the lost Mat 9:36-38 Act 1:8 Compassion/Witnessing
48. Burying talents Luk 12:48 1Cr 4:2 Developing abilities
49. Irresponsibility (Family/Work) Luk 16:12 Luk 16:10 Responsibility
50. Procrastination Pro 10:5 Pro 27:1 Diligence
51. Irreverence in church Ecc 5:1 Psa 89:7 Reverence
52. Inhospitable 1Pe 4:9 Rom 12:13 Hospitable
53. Cheating 2Cr 4:2 2Cr 8:21 Honesty
54. Stealing Pro 29:24 Eph 4:28 Working/Giving
55. Lack of moderation Pro 11:1 1Cr 9:25 Temperance
56. Gluttony Pro 23:21 1Cr 9:27 Discipline
57. Wrong friends Psa 1:1 Pro 13:20 Godly friends
58. Temporal values Mat 6:19-21 2Cr 4:18 Eternal value
59. Love of money/Greed 1Ti 6:9,10 Mat 6:33 Love God
60. Stinginess 1Jo 3:17 Pro 11:24,25 Generosity
61. Moral impurity 1Th 4:7 1Th 4:4 Moral purity
62. Fornication 1Cr 6:18 1Th 4:3 Abstinence
63. Lust 1Pe 2:11 Tts 2:12 Pure desires
64. Adultery Mat 5:27,28 Pro 5:14-19 Marital fidelity
65. Homosexuality Lev 18:22 1Th 4:4,5 Moral purity
66. Incest Lev 18:6 1Cr 7:2,5 Moral purity
67. Pornography Psa 101:3 Phl 4:8 Pure thoughts
68. Immodest dress Pro 7:10 1Ti 2:9 Modesty
69. Flirtation Pro 7:21 1Pe 3:4 Gentle, quiet spirit
70. Worldly entertainment Pro 21:17 Gal 5:16 Spiritual pursuits
71. Fleshly music Eph 4:29,30 Eph 5:19 Edifying music
72. Bodily harm 1Cr 3:16,17 1Cr 6:19,20 Glorify God in body
73. Alcoholism Pro 20:1 Pro 23:30 Abstinence
74. Following the crowd Pro 1:10 Pro 3:7 God-fearing
75. Witchcraft/Astrology/Horoscopes Deu 18:10,11 Deu 6:5 Worship of God
76. Gambling Pro 28:20,22 Luk 16:11 Good stewardship
77. Preferential treatment Jam 2:1-9 Luk 6:31 Love neighbor as self
78. Presumption on the future Pro 27:1 Jam 4:14-16 Trust God's will

Blessings in Christ,

They'll know we are Christians by our love

Sound familiar? It might because it is a popular Church song (at least at the Church I grew up in)... "And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love, yes they'll know we are Christians by our love". Well that's the chorus at least!

I certainly hope the people that I interact with will think that I am a Christian because I truly do my very best to be kind to everyone that I meet. Granted, no matter how hard I try, I may not be as kind as I should. Not only kind, but patient and loving.

Now, the other day I was listening to "What if I Stumble" by dc talk. Yes, it is more of a Rock Christian band, but I like some of their songs :) The beginning of the song is narrative saying "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable".

Am I supposed to be only kind to my unbeliving neighbors? No. I ought to be kind to my Christian neighbors as well. Which sometimes is actually more difficult because they should know what is wrong and what is right, but as we all know, that is not always the case. Anyway, one of my friends has a saying, "don't hate the sinner, hate the sin". I find myself repeating this saying often when I am trying to be friendly to my Christian neighbors, even the ones that do not realize they are sinning or I hate to even say it, but care that they are sinning.

How we approach our unbelieving neighbors will have a lot to do with how we can help them. If we do not be kind and cautious in our approach, we may overwhelm them with the wonderful news of our Lord. If we lead them to believe that we NEVER stumble or have our doubts, how could we gain them as a fellow brother or sister in Christ? I know I definitely have my stumbles and doubts occasionally. But as soon as I immerse myself in the word of our Lord, I am reminded of why I am here and why I will have eternal life, even if not on this world!

I think dc talk did a good job of highlighting the common frets and worries of someone who looks at Christianity. Either we honor our Lord on Sundays alone (or even worse, while we are just at Church) or we act like we are perfect and have no worries or problems.

You may be thinking "Chelsea, what on earth are you going for? You've gone all over the board in this post". Well hopefully I can tie it all up here for ya :) As Christians, our unbelieving neighbors should know we are Christians by the love and kindness we show to them. No matter what might of happened to cause us to not want to love and show kindness. In doing so, we shall teach them about our Lord, but also, we must not be afraid to share our stumbles with our neighbors! We can all learn from other's questions or mistakes :)

Remember in school..."there is no such thing as a silly question except for those left unasked"? That still applies {grins}.

A few questions each of us needs to answer and be truthful with ourselves on.
- How do my neighbors view me? Both believing and unbelieving.
- What kind of Christian AM I?
- What kind of Christian do I WANT to be?
- And finally, what do I need to do to get there?

Blessings in Christ,