Quote:
Originally Posted by staysharp
Rhone, you are 100% correct. A few things I might add. Outward standards do two things. Create spiritual pride and a false sense of identity.
When a child is made to defend needlessly their dress in school and refute harsh criticism, as a coping mechanism, they are told by those who are in authority over them, "we do this because we are God's children and special to God. You don't wear pants, because Jesus doesn't love girls who wear pants. The other kids aren't saved and aren't going to heaven. You, however are chosen by God to represent him. This make you special."So, as this child grows, it's implanted into their psyche that their unusual dress is a form of worship and attaches to their identity. Once this occurs, Satan now has access to divert their faith away from Christ towards self. The oldest trick in the book. If he can accomplish that, he destroys their salvation without them even knowing it.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard "it's our identity". Sadly, their absolutely right. A false identity which they themselves find security in. However, they do not understand that no one on the planet is interested in Christ through their clothes.
Jesus tells us what our identity is; by this shall all men know you are my disciples. That you would love on another as I have loved you.
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WHAT??? I have been in this all of my life and NEVER have I heard anyone tell their child that Jesus doesn't love little girls who wear pants....My mother never told me that, nor imply it!
and the outward standards do not create spiritual pride.... I have been around long enough to realize that it is the person behind the clothes the have the pride.... AND I have seen those without standards have spiritual pride as well.... I am sick of people painting everyone with the same brush.... You just can't do that..... There has to be a level of maturity somewhere. I don't assume that all thoes who don't adhere to standards have a problem with rebellion.... I don't just blast them because I think they have no respect of authority for the ministry so they knock standards and the men who preach them. I can't do that! It is wrong....So to say that THE above attitude is consistant is those who hold to standards, well, that is just incorrect...