Doin' some Thinkin'

Some things I've been thinking about.

Lately, I've noticed lots of discussions in blog land revolving around certain Christian 'issues'. I think it's a good idea to share our points of view (obviously, since I'm sharing mine here) and have interesting and even edifying 'talks' online. Really it's wonderful for us busy moms who couldn't 'talk' in person or on the phone- we can take time to pause when we have a few minutes to 'talk' when it's convenient for us.

Still, I am rather, what's the word, disheartened? Let me explain. It seems to me like there Christians drawing divisive lines based upon our outward appearances. For instance, the recent headcovering discussions on some fairly well known websites. I read with interest, but it just bothers me to see Christians throw scriptures at each other proving the other's point. (no offense Candy, I totally agree with your post- I hope you get my drift)

Does it really matter? I mean honestly, if we are serving the Lord to the best of our ability, if we are seeking to honor and submit to our husbands and serve our families, does it really really matter if our heads are covered with veils? Or, if we do understand that our children are blessings from the Lord, but choose to limit how many we have so we can fully focus on the ones we have, is He disappointed?

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39


I think sometimes in our extreme desire to follow Jesus and completely give all to Him, we can become so focused on details and not the heart. I did for awhile. I got into some type of place of judgement about women who cut their hair and wore pants. Then the Lord sort of forced me to do an in depth study on the matter and where did it lead me? That it is the heart that matters. A woman who wears modest dresses and headcoverings, yet has pride that she is somehow 'closer to God' and looks down on others is not practicing the 'meek and quiet spirit' pleasing to God.

My friend pointed out to me once that a lot of people may be turned off by Christianity if we cause ourselves to be so different and unapproachable. I went to Walmart one day and saw a Mennonite family. No one was smiling, they were not friendly and looked uncomfortable. A non-believer more than likely wouldn't be attracted to them. Of course people are going to look at them because they are so different. Not that being different is wrong, but...

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law that I might win those who are under the law;o those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ, that I might win those who are without law;to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1 Cor. 9:19-22

This is a key verse to me. Having gone to a highschool run by missions, I saw firsthand what this means. I saw people with dreadlocks, tattoos, piercings, 1980s' clothing and hairstyles, super conservatives, 'normal' or a mix of all the above preach the Gospel with their lives. The best teacher I ever had, the first time I met him, he had bushy blond curly hair, a button up shirt, Mickey Mouse tie, cargo pants and tennis shoes on. His signature phrase to any and everyone, instead of saying 'bye' was 'Have an awesome day with Jesus!'. He rocked my world,me, a rock solid Christian, by simply living radically for the Lord.

If we make being a Christian attractive, be it dressing in beautifully made dresses or holey jeans and purple hair, and lead others to Him, then that is what matters. Personally, I think it's important to God that our heart is right in what we wear or don't wear, but other than that, I don't think He really notices our physical bodies-He is focused on our spirit.

I'm not just speaking in regards to clothing and birth control, this division can also be present in those who do or do not homeschool, or the women who work outside of the home with God and their husband's blessing, or those who don't feel particulary led to cook from scratch healthy meals. I am so thankful that God created us all so different- we are not all the same nor will we all have the same plans or goals or visions. We are all the body of Christ with each of our own purposes and races to run. No one is better or more important than the other. Maybe an eyelash doesn't seem all that important compared to a liver, but if all the eyelashes left we'd be very uncomfortable. (maybe I'm a nose hair in the body of Christ,LOL)

I am a question asker-research-the-issue-to-death type of person, and seeking information is a good thing, but we have to remember that we have Him living in us, and He is more than able to instruct us in how we should walk with Him.

Just my thoughts.