Quote:
Originally Posted by Irreligious
Sleeve length, facial hair, ear rings, etc. You know, the long list of forbiddens. I'm not trying to start a fight here, I just honestly wonder why it's even an issue. It causes SO much division and is a HUGE stumbling block to those outside the faith.
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Thank you for explaining what you were talking about...I don't always catch on! lol...
I do think it is ok to express how we believe...and whatever we believe but I do not think we gain anything by fussing and fighting over scripture.
I hope I am making sense. For example...I have never cut my hair I feel that is what the Lord requires and have said that HOWEVER I am not making fun or those that feel different than I do. Beards were worn in Bible days only someone very shallow would say otherwise...for many years it has been a custom not to wear beards in many circles. My father in law was one of the greatest christian men you could ever meet and he wore a mustashe. It was his custom in his country. Beards can become a symbol of pride...so the heart plays a great part in our life.
We all know jewelry was worn in the Bible...Sarah our mother in the faith wore it...Rebecca was given her jewels...and on and on however we do know that many times it became a downfall to God's people and PRIDE caused them to err...
In the circles I mostly visit I see watches that are really not just a time piece they are worn to impress and cost LOTS of money...pins on peoples dresses that would never wear a necklace...and on and on...so we could go on all day and for months and years deciding what is right or wrong but somewhere down the road a person has to have THEIR own experience with God and decide for themselves what God requires for them.
Shoes of all kinds of hides...belts....purses....perfumes that cost way up there... Churches and Homes that cost millions...cars that are beyond words...
So dear ones remember IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY GOD JUDGES US BY OUR WHOLE LIFESTYLE...Maybe we should read about heros of the past that did great works for God...one of the greatest virtures was humility.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
(Matthew 5:5 NIV)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(
Matthew 11:29 NIV)
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the
greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (
Matthew 18:4 NIV)
Of course the apostles and saints of the first century church also commended humility, as the writings of Paul, James and Peter attest:
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with
one another in love. (
Ephesians 4:2 NIV)
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
(
James 4:10 NIV)
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the
humble." (
1 Peter 5:5 NIV)
That does not mean God wants us to live in a shack, drive a car that is falling apart however we must remember all earthly things that brings pride to the human heart are ashes only...and live according to that standard.
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