Better Safe Than Sorry?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Yes and no.

If "No," you are not resting in the promises of Jesus, you should know that you aren't that safe. He is our way out. He came to reconcile the world unto himself, to correct the brokenness, restore the upheaval in creation. He is a passionate, pursuing God who comes to bring Life, not death... and well... he kinda loves you too.

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by Socialite

But you're better safe than sorry!

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

IMO, people use this approach when they aren't sure of something themselves. I can think of one particular issue right now that bothers me because of how I was brought up, and I can't shake it even though logically I know it isn't scriptural. Therefore, I have to take the "better safe than sorry" tact because I can't have a clear conscience otherwise.

I guess that would be one of those areas where I'm weaker than my brothers/sisters. Generally, when I hear people saying stuff like that, I think that it's something that bothers their conscience, and if they can't do it with a clear conscience, they can't allow others the freedom to do it without it bothering their conscience. Does that make any sense at all?????

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

That's what I mean, though. If a pastor can't do something with a clear conscience, how can he endorse it for the congregation with a clear conscience?

I would as a general rule side with better safe than sorry.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

I would as a general rule side with better safe than sorry.

I did until I realized I was all tied in knots by fear. I lived in fear.

Once I decided to live by faith instead of fear, I realized I was safe. So I no longer had to err on the side of what was for me - fear.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

I would as a general rule side with better safe than sorry.

It's a false choice and false options.

I side with "Holy Spirit speak into my life" and "I am completely dependent on your work on the Cross to save me."

That's the real way we can "play it safe." Not pointing to our plans and resolutions, but to His cross.

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I did until I realized I was all tied in knots by fear. I lived in fear.

Once I decided to live by faith instead of fear, I realized I was safe. So I no longer had to err on the side of what was for me - fear.

Fear and guilt are not of God, that is true. Conviction is and there is a difference.

A pastor who leads by fear is not a true Shepard, that is very different than exhortation and warning.

[MrMasterMind]

The other side of the equation of better safe than sorry:

what can I get away with and be saved.


This is the problem with the rulebook mentality, as opposed to relationship.

The rulebook looks down and says "What do I have to do", relationship looks up and says "How can I express my love"

An analogy: which is the better?

"Honey I really want to be in a relationship with you, what is the least I can do and get by, for example just how much can I flirt with other people and get away with it"

or

"Honey I love you so much if there is anything I can do to express it let me know, and if there is anything I even think will give you discomfort you won't even have to ask"

Human nature is to see how close I can get to the edge, to seek loopholes in the law.

True love seeks how can I please, even if means going above and beyond.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

Fear and guilt are not of God, that is true. Conviction is and there is a difference.

A pastor who leads by fear is not a true Shepard, that is very different than exhortation and warning.

Then that's not just "playing it safe." That's obeying God's voice.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

The other side of the equation of better safe than sorry:

what can I get away with and be saved.


This is the problem with the rulebook mentality, as opposed to relationship.

The rulebook looks down and says "What do I have to do", relationship looks up and says "How can I express my love"

An analogy: which is the better?

"Honey I really want to be in a relationship with you, what is the least I can do and get by, for example just how much can I flirt with other people and get away with it"

or

"Honey I love you so much if there is anything I can do to express it let me know, and if there is anything I even think will give you discomfort you won't even have to ask"

Human nature is to see how close I can get to the edge, to seek loopholes in the law.

True love seeks how can I please, even if means going above and beyond.

What can I get away with?

Had that person really understood the Gospel? Who really, truly asks that question? I've heard that sermonized my whole life... the only one's that matched the description were the young people I pastored who thought they could live how they wanted as long as they got their fix on Sunday. But truthfully, I'm not sure anyone says "what can I get away with and still be saved." That's not the thoughts of a New Creation in Christ.

You said it best when you said this is symptomatic of "rule book" culture.

Even as parents, we should point to the consequences of poor decisions, and as is age-appropriate disciple by consequences and less by "because I said so."

Hidden underneath "better safe than sorry" is fear, anxiety, uncertainty of one's position before Christ --- and often "I don't have any other biblical way to explain this so...."

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by Socialite

What can I get away with?

Had that person really understood the Gospel? Who really, truly asks that question? I've heard that sermonized my whole life... the only one's that matched the description were the young people I pastored who thought they could live how they wanted as long as they got their fix on Sunday. But truthfully, I'm not sure anyone says "what can I get away with and still be saved." That's not the thoughts of a New Creation in Christ.

You said it best when you said this is symptomatic of "rule book" culture.

Even as parents, we should point to the consequences of poor decisions, and as is age-appropriate disciple by consequences and less by "because I said so."

Hidden underneath "better safe than sorry" is fear, anxiety, uncertainty of one's position before Christ --- and often "I don't have any other biblical way to explain this so...."

It is actually a mantra on most preacher forums; Will I go to hell if.....

Looking for loopholes used to be a UPI staple I don't have a tv in the house. Its in the garage. I didn't cut my hair I twisted it until it broke. Not an indictment on anything but human nature when focus in on the rules