Do You Believe and/or Teach that Standards are Heaven-Hell Issues?

[Blubayou]

Opps, I posted before I read. Sorry

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Margies3

I can explain that for you because that's very close to what I did. I did follow standards for many, many years. I never understood them. I never agreed with them. But I followed them for two reasons:
1) I heard over and over that you were to "obey those that have the rule over you". That that was pleasing to God. So I obeyed. Didn't agree and certainly didn't understand. But I obeyed
2) I followed standards because in order to be a part of the church and feel like you belonged to the crowd, you had to do what the crowd did. Kinda like when kids hang out with druggies, it becomes easy to start using drugs (I KNOW - polar opposite!!! But it's a good illustration of peer pressure)

Later, when I got really serious about it and started to seek God's answers, I realized that the other reason I followed standards was because I had been convinced that I had to in order to be saved. In other words, I was buying my own salvation and paying for it with my adherance to standards. So now I follow whatever God leads me to do. If God tells me that drinking a drop of alcohol is wrong, you can bet your life, I'll never touch a drop. But I don't follow any standards just in hopes that I'll be good enough to make heaven.

I've said it before and I'll say it again tho: I find no fault with those who follow standards because they truly believe that what they wear or don't wear is what it takes to please GOD. If they do it because they want to please the pastor only, then shame on them. But if they're doing things in order to show their love for God by trying to please HIM and doing what they think it takes in order to please Him, then that is great!!! I honor them.
Personally, I don't think God cares if I'm covered with pants or with a skirt. Just so I'm covered.

This is a good post, Margie.

From the point of being in leadership, I think I have to obey even if I don't agree. I think it's worse to cause confusion and disunity.

Now, really I am torn because I can't go back to what I have been and I see things that don't make people holy the other way.

I've seen people get more busy with movies, entertainment and skipping the prayer room before the services.

So, I'm wondering - If the churches were stronger in this area, would we be having this discussion?

Things to ponder.

It's hard to throw something out when the Lord lead you through that door, but it's also hard to hold on to it when you see that the clothing didn't make the carnality abate.

Perhaps I also view it as salvational and wonder why it isn't making people look or acted saved ?

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by OGIA

I agree, PO, but there is a part of our outward appearance (esp. women) that attracts the world and let's them know "something is different about that one!"

I work in a hospital. I can spot the housekeepers from the nurses and them from the doctors.....WHEN they are dressed according to our system's standards. If I were to need a doctor, I'd KNOW (if they are dressed per "standards") who to run to. When they are walking around dressed any ol' way they chose, you can't tell one from the other (some- or most times).

Along those lines, I've always used this example (and pardon me that it works best with, but not exclusively with, women): if you desperately needed prayer at a car accident and two women were walking your way and one was dressed "worldly" and the other like an Apostolic who holds to the stricter standards of dress, who would you run to first?

Please don't assume I think outward dress saves anyone, but there is a place for it in the world. (I'm not even saying the more strict dresser is the best one to have pray for your need!) There may not be time for someone to see your fruit, even though I think that is the best indicator to the world of who is a Christian.

Just a thought.

Oh my Lord, this is the lamest example I think I've ever heard for standards.

You think the world thinks we're holy because of the way we dress, and they want to be like us??????????

I can spot an Amish person a mile away, but that doesn't mean that I want to be one!

And the example of the car accident????????? Just crazy.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

Oh my Lord, this is the lamest example I think I've ever heard for standards.

You think the world thinks we're holy because of the way we dress, and they want to be like us??????????

I can spot an Amish person a mile away, but that doesn't mean that I want to be one!

And the example of the car accident????????? Just crazy.

You must not have been around here much

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Michlow

You must not have been around here much

Lol...you have to admit that's pretty lame though.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Lol...you have to admit that's pretty lame though.

I would definately put it in the top 10....



That's idea for a thread....Top 10 lame reasons to teach standards....

[Subdued]

Originally Posted by Michlow

I would definately put it in the top 10....




That's idea for a thread....Top 10 lame reasons to teach standards....

LOL... Go for it!!!!

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Subdued

LOL... Go for it!!!!

ha! I don't have the patience. I would get all fired up and end up ranting

[Subdued]

Originally Posted by Michlow

ha! I don't have the patience. I would get all fired up and end up ranting

Ah well... maybe another time.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Subdued

Ah well... maybe another time.

Perhaps I will start athread called "Epley told me I will just have to go to hell" that would be an attention getter wouldn't it? That's what has me fired up right now