Christian Support Group Community Group
This is a place for everyone who loves Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (or those who are seeking Him), to come and discuss important issues in their lives and find support from fellow believers in regards to their faith and life. We uphold the Bible and living a Christ-like life, not as a way to heaven, but as a reflection of our love for God.
Here in Oklahoma, down by Fort Sill on the Wildlife Refuge we have a replica of the Holy City. It is called the Holy City of the Wichatas. We hold a Passion Play there every Easter. No matter what the weather. The first year my husband and I did it it was -35 degrees. brrrr. So the next year we wore long johns and sweats under our costumes. Of course it was 85 degrees all night long. But I digress...
This past weekend a friend of mine was there with her young children. Some other young adults were there, dressed in really skimply clothes. Low cut tank tops, low riding, high cut shorts and sandles. These women climbed on the three crosses and posed for photos.
Now I understand that the weather has been unusally hot, even for Oklahoma. Well over 100 every day. But such clothing was not appropiate for the setting. And especially not for climbing all over the cross representing the crusifiction of our Lord. My friend became irate and yelled at the women. Just hearing about it broke my heart. I think I would have just told them how sad it made me to see them mocking God in such a manner. What do you think?
YSIC
Jenn
This past weekend a friend of mine was there with her young children. Some other young adults were there, dressed in really skimply clothes. Low cut tank tops, low riding, high cut shorts and sandles. These women climbed on the three crosses and posed for photos.
Now I understand that the weather has been unusally hot, even for Oklahoma. Well over 100 every day. But such clothing was not appropiate for the setting. And especially not for climbing all over the cross representing the crusifiction of our Lord. My friend became irate and yelled at the women. Just hearing about it broke my heart. I think I would have just told them how sad it made me to see them mocking God in such a manner. What do you think?
YSIC
Jenn
I think your approach would be more Christlike than your friend's approach of beiing irate. It makes me sad, too. As the world gets more and more godless, we Christians are going to have to stand up more and more for what we believe in, before that right is taken away from us entirely.
As far as the clothing people were wearing, we have a discussion on modest dress further down the list. That's a whole other topic that I could rant about for quite awhile. Kids don't even know what the word means nowadays.
Judy
If they did know Christ, then I really question their commitment. I find it a tragedy that so many young people have been deprived of an understanding of the ways of God - both his justice and his love.We just had riots in Vancouver over a hockey game. Everyone thought they were poor young kids, from bad homes. Turned out some of the were poor/ rich kids from fancy mansions who thought they could do whatever they wanted and their daddies would bail them out.
Either way the cross was a shame. It was a disgrace, but it was the choice of Jesus to go to it, to save even wretches like me and them. There is not point trying to instill the fear of God in those who do not know fear or God. I think prayer is the only answer for such mockery. But I cannot lie, your story grieves my heart, because it shows how far our society has moved away from God and knowing and obeying him.
What does that mean?
the "bump up' thing?
YSIC
Jenn
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
Who is offended by water being wet or fire being hot? IN the same way it is absurd to be offended by the young behaving immaturely.
your friend who is supposed to be mature and Christian is behaving worse than the women she was correcting. Here was a perfect opportunity to witness Gods love to these women, wasted.
You may know the words, "do not judge by mere appearances but make a right judgment." Yet obviously this wasnt practiced or applied.
From these described circumstances, we dont even know if these women were saved. What a perfect opportunity to go introduce yourself and ask names and also if they have turned their hearts to God, if not...perfect opportunity to snach souls from satan...if they were christian, a perfect opportunity to express Gods word about dressing modestly and encouraging them to consider how their behavior looks or could be misconstrued. To answer your question, it would have been better to love rather than judge them then take offense.(and most likely this judgment was erronous)
Other verses came to my mind when i read this. Love does not consider a wrong suffered. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Love is not self seeking. Humility comes before wisdom.
Some time ago I read a statement i found to be very true. It is very difficult to offend the humble. As I prayed about this God showed me this is actually a good measure of humility. We measure distance in inches feet yards miles. We measure weight in pounds. The measure of humility is how easily a person is offended And humility comes before wisdom. YOur friend was offended by obviously immature women behaving foolishly. wet water. I wouldnt expect her to have much wisdom.
IF we are going to take offense, lets take offense at the cross. Its a representation of our sins. And lets be most offended by our own sin, not sins of others. You without sin cast the first stone..and timothy wrote, a good saying is this:Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. Love for God is obedience to His commands and the fulfillment of the law is to love your neighbor as yourself. Who loved these women. Jesus died for them just as he did for me and each of you.
Lots of info there. Gotta have some coffee and pray about it all. Thank you very much.
YSIC
Jenn
I had no idea.
YSIC
But, I have to wonder, if a more "teachable moment" might have worked with these females. Perhaps saying "hey ladies, would you mind coming down so I can tell you something?" and then proceeding to tell what the crosses mean to you/ to us and let them draw the conclusion of how disrespectful it was all on their own.
And letting them see, perhaps not until much later, how gracious we can be while still being offended. That might strike a more powerful thought and memory and impact with these ladies than if they were yelled at and scorned by a Christian.
I struggle with righteous anger and knowing when and how and if to share it. I know it's better to turn it over to the Holy Spirit and let him do it his way, though it often takes intention to be actively passive in that way. ; )
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 22:24
Saying 3 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
Proverbs 29:8
Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
IF we consider the words from James, I believe He is equating our "human anger" with moral filth and evil. HE says humbly accept the word planted in you. Again humility before wisdom.
Anger itself isnt sinful. NO emotion of itself is sin. It is written, do not allow your anger to carry you off to sin. It isnt being angry that is a problem. It is what we do because we are angry that is the issue. Gods instructions to us are clear. Cast your cares upon HIm. Trust HIm. Thank HIm. HE will keep me in perfect peace if my mind is stayed on HIm because I trust in HIm.