Scorn From Others

[DocCas]

Originally posted by go2church:
Remember dresses over pants is a preference not a biblical doctrine.

What about those of us who believe the bible does teach dresses/skirts rather than slacks, and can point to scripture to support our views? Can we have a conviction it is a bible doctrine without being attacked by those who don't believe it?

 

[Margie Kritzer]

Teresa, that was a very good post. I believe also that ChristianGurl is looking for commonalities of experience when one chooses to live by one's own convictions.

As a teacher, I see a lot of peer pressure. I always admire those students who aren't afraid to stand by their religious convictions. I am so tired of the "thug" mentality that I see students copying...I can see right through the act. So many students are afraid to be themselves.

 

[extremebiblereader]

Well, I just started to cry when I was reading this. I have to say I fell victim to the peer pressure of my convictions and listened to them, and lost my stand. I am happy that you are trying to keep you convictions about this stuff. It is hard, but strong people can withstand.

 

[AdoptedDaughter]

Originally posted by Margie Kritzer:
Teresa, that was a very good post. .

Thank you Margie!

~Teresa~

 

[Christian41974]

I am glad to hear of your convictions ,but sorry to hear of your problems. Please keep your convictions. Don't quit what you believe because it's not popular;because doing what is right usually is not too popular. Remember we will not stand in judgment before our peers but in front of our Lord Jesus Christ. So keep your stand for God's glory by God's grace.

 

[HurryUp]

Just wanted to pass on my 2 cents here...
My daughter also had very high standards when she went into Junior High, even to the point of not going to the beach/pool in a bathing suit (missing out on a lot of activities!) since she would be around guys. Many of the things you mentioned, she also felt strongly about.

The comment I have is two fold. #1, I think God was calling her to a higher level of purity, and now at 20 years old, she has a huge abstinence/purity ministry and is still saving her first kiss for her wedding day (though many of her convictions have relaxed) http://www.christincook.org

But #2, I can tell you from experience that many of the comments from friends were more about how she made them feel rather than what she was wearing. Like right now, the hippie movelent is coming back strong...it highlights long prairie dresses and loose fitting long sleeved shirts. If you were wearing that, I bet people would think it was cool. However, if you are dressing in long coulottes and oversized shirts with watermelon collars and very outdated jumpers, etc...then people are going to look at you weird anyway.

But, many times it's how you present why you do something. Many times my daughter would be "legalistic" in her approach to explaining why she dressed the way she did. Legalistic meaning, I dress like this because it's the "right" way to dress. Meaning that the other person is wrong. Well, anyone is going react defensively to that sort of comment.

I found that it's much better to just say "I like this style, it is more 'me.' Allow your convictions to be portrayed though the love you have for that person and that is how God will be glorified...not by a set of rules that you believe is the best for everyone.

I hope you don't feel attacked with this answer, that is not my intent. Since we have lived through it, my experience is valuable to others, I feel. Our goal should be to Glorify God not exalt self. Sometimes we get hung up on the small things and when we realized that the relationship with God is PERSONAL, it is a free-ing thing!

Karen, band manager and mom