What People Are NOT saying

Thank you, Katie; that's important to say. The one thing I would add is that if a person is doing something for the wrong reason, then it needs to be thought through more carefully. To do something which is not against God's word simply because you like it and want to, is quite fine. To declare that this is what God wants all to do, however, especially if it is being linked somehow to being more 'holy' or 'righteous' is very, very wrong.

But it would be awfully boring to see us all dressed the same! So as long as it's modest and you like what you are wearing, wear it!

 

Not getting involved, but it is amazing how round a circle is, even in Bible study.

Cheers,

Just Jim

 

You're right, Jim. But you know something? The Holy Spirit is drawing us all in, from our different starting points, to the Center, Jesus Christ. Sometimes I wonder when we create unnecessary laws for ourselves, or judge others, if we are not actually insulting the Holy Spirit, in a sense telling Him that He doesn't know what He is about.

I'm learning. Slowly but surely, I'm learning.

Thank God!

 

Helen, you know that I resigned as moderator over this, and why I am not getting involved. I feel it will still reflect on the Board, and I don't want that.......but it is interesting to see things unfold..........still, nothing will change in some circles.

A circle comes back to itself. It can insulate, but also isolate.....I guess it all depends on Who is in the centre to begin with.

Cheers,

Just Jim

 

Jim, you really did resign as moderator

I am sorry to hear that. Maybe you will return.
I enjoy your posts very much

 

I'll tell you one of the things this discussion has done for me.

It has made me very thankful, grateful and appreciative of my church.

I looked around this morning and people were there to worship in all manner of dress and they were all so loving and caring for each other.

I have never known anyone to ridicule anyone for any reason. THey pray for each other and care about each other.

Praise the Lord. He loves us!

[ December 01, 2002, 10:58 PM: Message edited by: Thankful ]

 

Oh, I see what you meant, Jim. I was thinking of all different kinds of people and all different starting points. I missed your meaning altogether I guess -- I'm sorry!

I truly hope that we can always make sure the 'circle' stays open, if you are referring to what I think you are referring to. C.S. Lewis talked about a lot of this in one of his sermons/essays.

I just pulled out my copy of the collection entitled "The Weight of Glory". The one I was thinking of is called "The Inner Ring." He talks about the desire of folks to belong to an inner ring that they hold high in their own esteem. And I know from my own experience on both sides of that ring that the natural tendency is to shut people out and make it somewhat 'exclusive' and containing only the 'right sort' of people.

And although the original disciples/Apostles were of necessity their own sort of 'inner ring', one of the main points of Christ's time on earth during the Incarnation was to smash the idea of an inner ring where God is concerned.

And I know that through the ages hundreds of inner rings of one kind or another have emerged in Christian circles. But we must not allow them. As Lewis mentions, it is impossible to avoid in the sense of the directors of an organization. For instance, the moderators here have their own private board, which you, Jim, and I, Helen, have access to. That is a sort of 'inner ring,' but an essential one to the running of the board. The board is designed primarily for Baptists, and that is another 'inner ring', although with all the different sorts of Baptists who have appeared here, that's quite an extensive ring!

And yet our hearts themselves cannot be allowed to be of an 'inner ring' mentality. This is the funny quandry we find ourselves in -- we have to function in inner rings on a daily basis, but we cannot afford to take them seriously in the sense of eternal reality and God's pleasure. We cannot afford to push people away for all the reasons that would be so natural for us to do so if our lives were not governed and inhabited by the Holy Spirit.

A circle? Of Baptists here, yes. But of respect for one another? One of the wonderful things about being one of a number of moderators is that we can cover each other's weaknesses and so keep the circle open.

Have I had my problems with that sometimes? Yes. Am I getting better? Yes. Under my own power? Most emphatically no!

 

Outwitted

He drew a circle that shut me out-
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win;
We drew a circle that took him in!

-Edwin Markham

Cheers,

Just Jim

PS. Yes, Lewis draws a pefect circle, doesn't he?

 

Amen, sister, Preach it!!!

 

Every time I see "Ed Edwards", it makes me smile. I also know that you are Thankful's husband, so she is "Edwards" also. "Edwards" is my maiden name but I also knew an associate pastor/music director named Eddis Edwards and his sweet wife, Eve. Brother Eddis has since passed away, but he did pastor a church in OKC. I guess I never knew there were so many "Edwards" people out there! And I've never known any Edwards' that were bad for sure!
I'll shut up now...
Sue

 

Hi Katie, I hope you feel some peace about this issue soon. I'm sorry if I've made you feel obligated one way or the other. You are a good woman, and you deserve to have peace in your heart about this issue. Trust your instincts. Trust your husband, and most importantly trust the Holy Spirit working within you. I can't say what's best for you, because I'm not walking in your mocassins. I sincerely hope that you have a peaceful closure for this issue. May the Lord bless you abundantly whichever way you are called.

humbly
Maggie

 

Oh I agree, Murphy! But personal guidelines are personal, right? The way I see it, the Holy Spirit has picked us each up from different places in life: some have started out quite liberal and some quite conservative. Some have started out 'modern' and some 'old fashioned.' Just the fact that some are guys and some gals is a difference right there!

And the Holy Spirit is moving us all toward Christ, so that in the end we will all be formed in HIS image and not something in our own minds (mine very much included). Thus, the liberal starter will be moved to a more conservative position and maybe will be given nudges by the Holy Spirit to do things best for him or her which are not necessarily applicable to others. The conservative will learn more tolerance. The older person will learn more of youth and the youth more of respect. About guys and gals....well, that's a problem only God can solve!

Nevertheless, I think that each of us responding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He works in each of our lives is a lot different that actual laws made by some who are sometimes in authority in a church or denomination. We just seem so fond of more and more rules!

So I see the two things as very different. I hope that helps a little. It was not even a 'veiled' barb at anything that has happened on the forums recently, but a far more general observation based on watching people and organizations in general.

If I was confusing, I appreciate your post so I could try to clarify what I was saying. Thank you.