alexstin said:
I do.
I am a believer but sometimes I think in the body of Christ and outside of it the word Christian carries perceptions and beliefs that have nothing to do with a relationship with our Savior.
Some people think if you're a Christian you shouldn't wear pants or makeup. You should act a certain way in church and so on and so on.
Many of these "beliefs" have no basis in truth but have been passed down from generation to generation as the right way to worship the Lord.
So do you think that people(saved or unsaved) have expectations for you because you're a Christian?
I have been through many 'expectations' - high, low and in between. But you know what? No matter what we do there will always be a disparagement from someone who simply does not want to give honor to our faith in Jesus. They look for any and every reason to count it null and ineffective. Most times to justify their choice for not following Him.
In the following manners of judgements we receive:
Clothing:
When it comes to our lives, it not what we wear but
how we wear it. Are we modest or immoral in our dressing. Wearing pants is not a sin, as they are actually quite functional and even necessary for many activities. For me personally, I'd prefer to wear pants before I climb a ladder, climb into a truck or sit upon a high stool...not a dress or a slim skirt.
As for wearing pants in church, it's not a sin. In many ways, it's more attractive than many of the dresses and skirts I've seen. Only because it's Church, I just prefer to wear my best. Sometimes, I have a conviction that I dress better for work or 'play' than when I go to worship God. It's like, am I giving God my very best today? But that's just me. I cannot judge someone else for what they wear.
Jewelry is not a sin. But it can be taken to an extreme. Mutiple chains, bracelets (
not a sin), but a little too much at times.
There are those who live outside of marriage as though they are and yet go to Church without conviction. Only God can judge them. For there are things that I do which appear un-Christ like. While I know my intent, others don't. So, it's up to me personally to correct it.
Anyway, there's much to what both you and Brownsugarflygirl are saying and it's giving me 'food for thought' for each day, I have to be aware of my living testimony for Jesus.
But you know what? It's not just us as Christians. And as no offense to anyone else's faith, you will notice the same issues.
Not all Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc., live the faith they profess 'accordingly'. It's like that in ALL walks of life and for many, many reasons.
I can see your heart; you love that you love Jesus and you do not wish to compromise what it means to you, to be a Christian. You have the heart to please God.
Thank you for making this thread...
