I know a man who was a drugged out God-hater, foul-mouthed person. He came to a point where he was at rock bottom. Kind words of a man he'd met played in his head, and he sought that man out. The man was a Christian and led this man to God. This man's first prayer to God was laced with vulgar words---he had no idea how else to speak. I KNOW, though, that when God heard it, it was very beautiful, because the man had turned around and accepted God! That man is now a preacher and helps others come to Christ as well. But it took awhile. Even when he was going to school to become a pastor, he was working at his initial reactions to things that happened. His initial reactions were anger and profanity...still....and he pleaded and begged with God to forgive him and to help him and to take away these thoughts and reactions and change him. But it was a process. A process God led him patiently through. This man now has compassion for struggling people, Christians and non-Christians alike. He feels God led him through that time so that he would be able to help others in a way that meets them where they're at and works with them where they are at. God sees and knows our hearts. He knows where we are in our walk with Him and guides us through our struggles. I, too, was dedicated as an elder in our church. The first time when I was in college. So, I see both sides of this. I see the OP has a burden she feels strongly about, but may not know exactly how to use it yet (as she stated). I see others saying, "We are all at different places...leave us alone!" (basically ) I think each one of us struggles sometimes, and feels a need to draw closer to God, and a need to help others sometimes. I can see how someone showing up and with their first post "accusing" others, it not coming over well. But I honestly don't think the OP's intention was to accuse. It was just to bring a reminder. Yet I also believe God is working in all of our lives and we are not in the same places. If we step back a minute--we are all sinners. While I would hate hearing someone pray to God USING VULGAR LANGUAGE, I can see where God would find it beautiful, because He's been working on that heart for so long, and sees this person being brought to tears and turning their life over to God! So how can I say anyone else is not doing right, when maybe they're doing all they know to do right? How can I say one term used is WRONG, when they've never come to that point that that would be the wrong thing to say? This is tough! I say we turn it all over to God to do with as He sees fit, and just move on!
Wow....what a topic. I just read through it and have to say that I don't think Trish was trying to cause a stir. I think she brought up valid points and I don't see that she was judging anyone. I honestly think she was simply asking a question and stating her opinion. I think that she is correct that Christians are being constantly judged by the outside world and that we have a responsibility to uphold Christ. I don't think she was implying we should be perfect. I get what she was trying to say it was just unfortuante that she used the board as an example....that confused the issue. I tell my kids all the time that if you work at Best Buy and wear a name tag saying "Hi, I'm Howie a Best Buy employee, how can I help you?"...than you represent Best Buy. If you screw up or say something out of place you run the risk of giving Best Buy a bad rep. Or what about the waitress who was terrible at a new restaurant. I know plenty of people who generalize and don't go to a restaurant or a store due to customer service they recieved. Well, when you are a Christian you wear a name tag saying that you serve Christ. Everything you say and do will either make Christ look bad or good. Is that fair? NO. Is that how Christ should be judged? NO. Are we just people who are forgiven and not perfect? YES. However, the world will view us in the context of our beliefs regardless of what is fair. So, how do we want to present Christ to the world? I think that is the point, Trish was making. Having said all that...I do think that we need not judge someone's salvation based on using OMG or saying something that may not sound so christian like. We all have different backgrounds and different ideas of what is offensive and what is not. I know some Christian women who find the word "stupid" to be a cuss word. I use the world all the time and don't feel a bit bad about it. Sometimes are stupid! LOL. I also find no offense at the word "poop" but many other's do. We are to try not to offend but we can't know the triggers that everyone has. Some Christains are comfortable with things I am not and the opposite. That does not say anything about our heart or our salvation. So, we need to be very careful as to look at the heart and intent of the person and not mere words. I know a few who are not elequent at all and express themselves roughly but are fine Christians based on the love and compassion they have for others and especially their love for Christ. Having said that...I do think our speech is important and should be use with care. Although I don't always live up to that. Thank you, Jesus, that you love us despite our flaws.
I just wanted to clarify that this is NOT the OP's first thread, and she has posted in other forums (including the homeschooling forum). I really don't think that the OP was trying to cause trouble. I think she was sharing what was on her heart. I understand that many of you think the timing was bad (maybe it was), but let's give the new folks a chance, before we run them off with hateful words. :love: Ava and Deena shared great thoughts. I agree with them!
I totally agree with this! I think that because of past experience with new people coming on and insulting it is possible her statements were taken the wrong way. I still think Trish was only bringing up a point. If the post was written by an oldie maybe it would have been taken differently...which is not Trish's fault. No worries, Trish...no one will hold this against you and if someone does it only means they have nothing better to do! LOL...ok...now I am taking the heat off of her and putting on me by that comment! LOL. Love to all of you!:love::love:
Thanks. In retrospect, there are probanly tons of ways I could have brought up my point in a less "in your face" manner. I actually re-wrote several times, trying hard to be diplomatic. Also, my timing probably was insensitive. It is something heavy on my heart right now, so I acted in haste. Sorry about that. Anyway, I really am the sort of person who doesn't mind a rebuke. Sometimes it hits close to home and stings, but when I reflect on it, it's usually because it's true. I really do want to be changing all the time, moving more and more into who God made me to be. For the record, I am totally eclectic, and I think that variety is the spice of life. It does take all kinds, and I think we do need to celebrate our differances. I think that's why DH and I have such a great relationship. Ava Rose, your name tag stuff perfectly summed up my intent. Peace, Trish
When I first read your post I pictured you as one of those judgmental Christian women who most people really cannot stand. And I rolled my eyes. But now that you stuck around and continue to speak to us.... regardless of your point of view... I respect you so much more! (Not sure if it matters) But, I now understand you better. I will repeat what I said earlier.... WELCOME!
Goodness. It took me forever to read all 7 pages. I would have to say as a newcomer to this site - it has blessed me over and over in the past few weeks. People here are REAL. They are christian, they are non-christian, and we share the human experience together. I am so grateful, can't tell you how grateful, to find a place where I can share, glean wisdom, learn new practical daily things, let off steam from daily stress, and just be me in this crazy experience we call life. I am grateful that everyone is so passionate in their opinions and beliefs. This adds spice and learning opportunities for others. You are ALL a blessing!! I have had the chance to get to know Katie and Tbog a little bit more and they simply are the BEST! As far as the language and frankness of certain conversations?.....well...we live in the world but not of it. We are exposed to things around us at times whether we like it or not - doesn't mean you begin doing it yourself if you feel convicted not to. kwim? = know what I mean? ha ha ha :lol: If nothing else, you have given everyone food for thought which allows us to think about things we may not have thought of otherwise. Having said all that, I'm glad you're here. Welcome.
