Originally Posted by Jay
l4h, there is a sad misconception that if you have high standards of dress andentertainment, that you are naturally going to be a bitter, sour, and despicable individual. That might be true of some, but if you remember that we are all human with all the faults and have a little grace, you would soon realize that there are really only a few that are so stuck on having it all their way. Most of us understand that there is room for disagreement, and so we fellowship others, but tend to be closest with those who are most like us (we all do it, birds of a feather and all of that).
However, there are obviously some things that bring larger seperations, and much depends on the hypothetical hill peoople are willing to die on. This should also be understood when considering why people seem to cut ties, It is often that some have a line that to cross beyond ends fellowship.
Variations on sleeves, as long as they are at a minimum of a quarter length is typically understood to be an issue of agree to disagree, as are wedding rings, exact necklines and hemlines. These last are typically below the knee and around the collar bone for the lowest points. Most conservatives have variances with one another on these, with some holding a higher standard on one and not the other. A few will hold to high standards on all of these. The exact use of video (not for watching Hollywood/Commercial entertainment as a given) and internet are othe points where good gentlemen will disagree.
The issue of television is another ball of wax all together. The accepted rule of thumb is to have a standard (generally set in the middle of the variations) that will apply to things such as youth camp so that all sides are in comfortable.
Are there horror stories of some things getting out of hand, and people saying God said things that He did not say, or saying something at time when it should not have been mentioned? Yes, I have more than a few of those myself (no I will not tell who said what where and when). It ought not be so, but it is.
It once again comes down, as I said before, to attitude. Are you demanding a standard that you can not live up to, then that is hypocracy. You have made one rule for you and another for them. Are you trying to compete with another person's standards? You should not do so unless you are able to abide by them, and God has dealt with you on it. Standards should be checked to see if they need tightening, but one should not loosen those that are already high.
I know that some are going to be irritated with this post, and othes will only pick out part to read, but inward holiness and outward standards are both important. You want to know if a certain article of clothing meets my standards, sorrry you know what you were taught, and you have to answer to God for what you did with it.
I base all of my standards on three points 1) what does the Bible say about the topic and are there principles that apply, 2) will it cause my brother or sister to have a stumble or fall, and 3) will it bring a reproach to the Lord, His Word, or His church.
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