Do We Live to Please Man or God?
 

This subject came up in another thread and I thought it would make for a good thread starter.

If someone feels that going to ballgames is okay and their minister doesn't really preach against it, then why do they feel they have to hide it from others?

Or, they feel watching TV is a sin, yet they will watch a TV series on DVD?

God knows all and sees all so they aren't hiding it from God. They are hiding it from others.

Have we so complicated living for God that we make people do things in hiding to just please other people?

Wouldn't it be easier to just try and please God?

The question is fairly complex, but I will give you the Reader's Digest Condensed Version...

We live to please God, but also strive not to offend our brother's conscience with our liberty.

Also, I have complied with things my pastor asked of us because I wanted to cooperate and didn't wish to cause waves. It was always well worth whatever small sacrifice we made.

I am glad enough to limit my liberties in order to expand my opportunities.

Man does make it complicated. God simplified it for us, but until we see with spiritual eyes, and hear with spiritual ears it will be complicated and confusing.

No doubt.

God instructs us not to be a stumblingblock to a weaker conscience.

We please Him when we observe these cautionary things.

very well said!

CS that is a good answer.

But, you are saying you "gave up" those things. Some don't give it up and still do it, but hide it so others won't think bad of them. Who are they kidding?

I believe in some company, Paul would eat meat that had been scarificed to idols; but when he was with believers whose consciences were offended by the practice, he would refrain.

Example--I have been to a couple of music shows in Branson. I have friends who would be opposed to going. If I were in branson with them, I wouldn't go.

It isn't that complicated.

Exactly. I don't care what your standards are, or your reasons for having them, but if you HAVE them, LIVE them.

Like CS said, I do have some things I just don't do strictly because someone else might have trouble with it. But, that's the thing..I don't do them. At all. Not just hide them away.

Personally, I live to please God! I have to look at everything I do and question whether or not it is pleasing to God. There are several things that I do that many preachers would say I was backslidden because I do them. But I have looked at them and I could not see how they would be displeasing to God. But, never the less, I do not want to be a stumbling block to anyone. Also, I would have no problem letting go of some things for the sake of fellowship with others.

I have no problem with someone questioning me about the things I do.... I don't feel like it's sin or even a weight. But things that I know others have a problem with, I don't broadcast it. Am I hiding it? I don't think so. Just don't wanna cause waves!:queen