It Doesn't Matter Who You Are

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by NorCal

I am sorry, but the World will know that you are a disciple of Christ by:
1) "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:35
2) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. - Mark 16:18-19

I do agree with what you are saying, but not the attitude and spirit behind it. You should show love towards those so called "Pharisees and Scribes", or you are none of Christs.

NFS's "bad attitude" does present something of a quandary. Had he come out with the same attitude, but extolling the virtues of the "dress code" then some would be praising him while others would not. Would you criticize his "attitude" if he was one of those "holiness or hell" and "three-stepper" types?

Of course, since he took the opposite route, those who praise him have switched roles with those who would criticize him.

NorCal is correct, of course, in citing John 13:35. This is so vital for all of us. Kudos to NorCal for bringing it up. But, I am still impressed with how sensitive we still are about those "button pushing" issues. NFS has some rather obvious "buttons" that have gotten pushed when he offers a post like this. My own buttons are legion (and legendary).

Are we helping the Pharisees at all when we post or are we finding some solace and healing for our own wounds? Converting the Pharisee ought to be the real goal, I suppose; though I confess that I have found a great deal of therapy posting on this board over the years. Probably didn't win a single Pharisee over, but I was able to confront a lot of those "push button" issues and found ways to tame my response (sometimes).

We probably should be seeking to compass land and sea to make a single proselyte of the Pharisees, though. If we are to save them from being a "child of hell" - at all, the rest of us have work to do and some traveling ahead. That journey is a long one. Hang in there, Pharisees. We're coming!