looking for a balance who can relate

[Jay]

Live with your standards high, determine the standards that are an will require a break in fellowship (not ignoring them, but not fellowshipping and there is a difference), be sweet to everyone, whether or not you ever agree. Fix the line that you want for the church, live above that so your people will live at it, and enjoy living for God.

I will give the only example that I can, and you can decide what it is worth. My pastor teaches 3/4 length sleeves. I wear mine alternating between below the elbow and to the wrist (personal preference). We do not have rings anywhere, nor make up, men have short hair, and women uncut. The ladies were skirts below the knee and no splits(the trend in our church right now is to wear it nearly to the ankle as preference).

Those are the basic standards of the church, and to say that we do not watch movies or television goes without saying. However, my youngest brother goes to a church that does not have our standards. We have enjoyed their company and fellowship before, and are anticipating doing so again (problem is that they are six hours away). We have others in the area that do not hold our standard, but we are always friendly when we see them. I was at a conference and the standard was not the same at home. I did not stop enjoying the conference because of them. I was there to have a good time and meet with God. Mission was accomplished, and I came home refreshed and renewed.


I have waxed long winded to say this. A critical spirit in a high exterior standard will go to the same place as a person who falls below God's minimum standard. Personally, I want both my standards, character, and my attitude to be the very best that they can possibly be.

I am sorry, but I get long winded if I am not careful.