When I attended the UC church, I followed the standards.
I remember one weekend I went shopping for a dress to wear to church. I needed something appropriately modest as I was a greeter at that time.
I found a cute dress with a scoop neck, which decently covered the top of me. the sleeves were just to below the elbow, and the hem was just to below my knees, and in the store I felt the dress was appropriate.
When I walked in the door of the church, I started to feel anxious. Maybe the neck was a tad low, maybe when I sat down the dress would slide up a tad and reveal a smidgeon of my knee. Maybe someone would find the ornate barrette which secured my uncut hair in a twist at the nape of my neck offensive.
Someone was always offended with something someone else was doing.
I learned that in such an uptight crowd to go ahead and let them be offended.
Remember, when the Bible says one should remove their own eye if it offends someone it is about not causing the person to stumble. It would be like a man who is at perfectly liberty with an adult beverage choosing to not drink it in front of someone who has previously had a problem with alcoholism. It is NOT about having to bow down to those who find offense in everything they do not personally agree with.
It seems that there are males on this forum who attend UPC or similar type churches, but don't believe in what we call "3 steps," and don't believe in "standards."
I'm curious to know this
Do your wives, daughters, girlfriends share your beliefs?
Do they conform to the church teachings or make a stand for what they believe?
If you are single do you expect your future wife, daughters to conform to the beliefs/standards of the church you attend?
I attend a UPC church, but not a company man. My wife keeps her standard, we teach our kids modesty is the big thing. My son wears shorts right past his knees showing the same I see from sisters on platform. My daughter will wear cullottes when playing, I'm some would take issue, but she not their tax deduction.
I think doctrinal things would be what put me on the hot seat vs standad differences. for example: ok to drink wine, no tithes, no literal NJ city, trib past. sure there's more
__________________
Today pull up the little weeds,
The sinful thoughts subdue,
Or they will take the reins themselves
And someday master you. --Anon.
The most deadly sins do not leap upon us, they creep up on us.
I learned that in such an uptight crowd to go ahead and let them be offended.
Remember, when the Bible says one should remove their own eye if it offends someone it is about not causing the person to stumble. It would be like a man who is at perfectly liberty with an adult beverage choosing to not drink it in front of someone who has previously had a problem with alcoholism. It is NOT about having to bow down to those who find offense in everything they do not personally agree with.
point taken
__________________
Are you worried about what 2026 will bring?
I think it will bring flowers. why?
because i'm planting flowers 🌹
Sounds fun. I have always wanted to visit an *imaginary* city.
__________________
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
I am solidly in the Water/Spirit doctrine camp. That wont change. On the issues that we like to kick around, I am very much a middle of the road guy. (dont ask, I am not elaborating).
My wife is more conservative on dress standards than I am. Neither of us project on others.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
Linear Mode
