Quote:
Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*
I'm sorry if I've come across that way, it's not my intent.
But this thread was about separation, right?
You'd probably be very surprised if you saw me.  I attend an ultra-ultra con church, and I follow the standards. Don't cut my hair, only wear dresses, no makeup - even clear fingernail polish - no tv or movies. So if I come across as a liberal, resentful of standards, that wouldn't be true.
But I DO disagree with a lot of the teaching I've heard through the years. I'm in a pretty tough spot right now, as a matter of fact, because I do disagree.
And this is one that I've heard a lot, to justify our standards - that we must be separate, using that verse.
Apparently Esther has heard it that way, too, or maybe I misunderstood her post.
Sorry if I offended. |
It is my opinion that God is directing our lives. Aside from all the "standards" talk and disappointments that have come against us - we follow after His direction - alone!
I have been disappointed by many things. Been let down by people, organization - which is people (lol).
In all of these situations I have sought for His voice - His direction. What do I do? Sometimes He has told us to go (from a church) and more times than not He has told us to stay and He would see us through.
I heard Nona Freeman preach at a ladies meeting years ago. She gave us this advice - "If you think your pastor is wrong, pray that God will change him or move him OR change you or move you." Good advice.
I don't direct the following to you - just expressing myself further - I have no patience, anymore, on these types of subjects. It is no one's place to tell me where I need to be in my life. My life belongs to God alone. If He tells me, for the rest of my life, to stay in the UPC, that is what I will be doing. I am adamant. He has always told me when I am moving and where I am going. It has never happened for me any other way.
I feel as though somehow, we have gotten the idea that we get to make the decisions for God. I don't know where I will be in 10 years. I don't know what changes will be taking place. I've seen a whole lot of change in the last 10 years - big changes. Because I want to stay inside the place He has set out for me - to mold me, direct me, and prepare me to be received by Him some day - some of these issues are not up for evaluation.