Mexdeaf said:
My point is that most peoples' "convictions" change over time as they grow in Christ. They learn to investigate what the Bible says for themselves rather than swallow whatever the current 'hobby horse' of their pastor, church, or fellowship group is.
What you're establishing is how one first responds to the workings of God in their lives as they living according to that "first love" they have for the Saviour, then how many turn back to carnality and the world.
If that's "growth", then it is backward.
The accusation of the "hobby horse" tells volumes about people.
I also respect those who hold to certain personal standards, just as Paul commanded in Romans 14 and 1 Cor 8, but I do not allow anyone to 'lord it' over me and my family's life because I do not toe their line. I have one Lord and it is Him I answer to- in fact we ALL will answer to. If we would stop 'judging another man's servant', it certainly would make an impact in the church and world at large.
Oh, so by YOUR standard, the Lord has a multiplicity of standards and each to ones liking.:sleep:
The only "impact" the church would make by that ideal is to fall dangerously close to being of the world and not just in it.
Revival starts with a call back to the word of God and then advances towards a holiness unto the Lord. It begins when God's people separate from the world's view of things and is sanctified towards God and by God. Then the church has an IMPACT on the world because it is then reproved for sin and unrighteousness.
Preaching standards, BIBLE standards, especially where modesty is concerned, isn't JUDGING anyone. It is presenting the implications of a separated life from the world and unto the Lord.
Judgment must first begin at the house of the Lord, not to condemn others, but to conform others to what God expects of His people.
I think you're trying to justify your ideals by condemning others by the accusation as if anyone has judged another.
Clothes don't make the person, so judging ones clothes does not judge them either. What the clothes do indicate is the outward impression one is willing to make upon others as they are concerned for what they think about them and what the Lord is doing in their lives.:godisgood: