I think that I will start doing one of these posts per week.
Some of these topics are ones that I've been tossing around in my head awhile and either 1)have an opinion on but would like feedback from others or 2) really don't know and would like feedback from others.
However, this only works when you respond so if you have to think about it or don't have time right now please feel free to respond later and hopefully we'll have some fun discussions! I will post my opinion after most everyone has gone. :)
So: TOPIC #1-
(I'm not sure how to appropriately name this topic but here it is)...
How much does where a person is in their walk with Christ factor in when we're talking about holy living?
I have noticed that there is little room for grace and growth in some believers' lives. They expect all Christians, regardless of the length of time they've served Christ and regardless of the discipleship or lack thereof, to be at the same place in their spiritual walk. Is this realistic? Should we demand that people follow a list of "dos and don'ts" immediately upon coming to Christ or do we give room for the Holy Spirit to convict? (or both) What is helpful and what isn't? How can we be sensitive to where someone is at and at the same time spur one another on to love and good works?
I'm looking forward to your responses.
Love, Angela :)
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8 comments:
This is a great topic with no easy answers. Obviously, no one becomes a Christian and then magically becomes perfect. Better yet, no one becomes a Christian and is even aware of ALL the areas that God will be working on in the future. It’s a bit overwhelming, and God in his grace seems to work on us step by step, inching us closer to him and each other, if we are willing.
What older Christians should keep in mind is that God works in everyone differently and at different times. Often times Christians will jump onto a select few issues that they want to clean up right away: dress, language, music, alcohol, etc. I always keep in mind how Jesus criticized the Pharisees for only being concerned with the outside of the cup, while leaving the inside filthy and empty. Again, our focus on image (which needs abandoning btw...hehe), seems to cultivate an out of proportion fixation of superficial morality, which sometimes is more cultural than biblical.
I guess it comes down to grace and discernment. We should teach the bible, lead by example, and cultivate a firm relationship based on trust and love with a person before speaking into their lives. Randomly imposing do’s and don’ts just alienates people and misses big picture of what it means to walk with God.
i think we should remember that as believers, saved by grace, we are all holy and righteous from god's viewpoint.
we are blameless because of Jesus' sacrifice. i think that is what we should always encourage one another in, no matter where we are in our walk...find life in him and let his spirit live through you. there is no measuring stick for that, or specific steps IMO..it is an individual process. my journey and fruit may be different from someone else's.
iron sharpens iron...there is no "someone being holier than another". we are just dealing with different challenges and circumstances through our new identity in christ. some have pracitcing that longer and have less to deal with, because they know who they are in him.
i've met alot of unbeliever's who live "holier" than i do in some areas. i'm not sure if i'm off track, from what you are talking about, but the "holy living" phrase still kinda sends chills up my "i can easily get legalistic about this" spine.:):):)
i also agree that sharpening one another should always come naturally out of loving relationship and never out of "image" expectations.
Sorry about the chills Christy. Although I agree with God's call for us to be holy I understand EXACTLY what you mean about the "i can easily get legalistic about this spine.:)" thing. I didn't mean to make you cringe. I cringed while I was writing it. :):)
Oh, and I just want to say that I think that the whole "image expectation" thing can really mess up new believers because they are too busy comparing themselves to the "holier" Christians and feel like they will NEVER arrive at where the older Christians are.
That's really sad.
As Tia would say- Abandon Image!
I think it depends on a few things: 1) How realistic we are with ourselves about our own walk. I have found that the more honest I am about my own faults and sinful tendencies, the harder it is for me to even notice if a fellow believer is "out of line".
2) It depends on how close of a relationship you have with the believer in question. For example, if I'm engaged in a behavior or mindset that I know is not compatible with being a Christ follower, then I think my husband, a close friend or relative, or even one of my kids is totally justified in calling me on that. The Bible is clear that we are to live lives of holiness and I would never want to cheapen the grace of God by watering that down simpy because of my own lack of self control. That said, none of us will arrive at perfection this side of heaven and it really rankles me when I see people put unrealistic demands and unbiblical rules of conduct o new believers simply because of their own self-righteous view of what holiness is. Salvation is by faith alone, not works and when we brow beat people into instant holiness it just burns them out and I think causes them to turn back, especially when they encounter the hypocrisy of self-righteous people who don't even measure up to their own standards. Didn't mean to write a book but I am really passionate about the need to extend mercy to fellow believers.
Terry, You passionate-Nah!! :P
Just teasing!
Thanks for commenting. :)
my friend michelle's post today is right along this topic...
from 1 tim. :) you might like her thoughts.
chewingonit.blogspot.com
I skimmed it (time shortage) but I did like what she was saying. Thanks for the link! :)
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