I am having a tough time trying not to commit Idolatry

[Milos]

I have undergone a lot of bullying at school, and one day I decided to wear the Christian Cross necklace as of hope to stop it. It has worked and the people who have bullied me feel terrible for their actions some have came and apologized and no longer bullied me.

I do not use the cross in worship, I use it as a deterrence against hatred since from my experience people will not bully someone wearing. I know that it has no power, except from the bullies perspective. I thought this whole time I wasn't committing any sins, but a Church member reached out to me and told me that I was. He understands my situation but still tells me not to wear it anymore even though it brings good results. Also if I am going to possibly face more hatred and bullying, he still advises me not to wear it.

I was shown this verse John 15:18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." I was also told that this bullying and hatred is being used by satan to draw me away from God.

But how do I gain the strength to endure this? I really am not mentally prepared for all this bullying I am facing and it has really effected me in a negative way. This is the previous thread I made about my bullying situation
I'm not sure how to react in this situation

Lastly a note about my denomination, I used to be a part of Eastern Orthodox but later on as I grew I have switched to non-denominational.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I have undergone a lot of bullying at school, and one day I decided to wear the Christian Cross necklace as of hope to stop it. It has worked and the people who have bullied me feel terrible for their actions some have came and apologized and no longer bullied me.

I do not use the cross in worship, I use it as a deterrence against hatred since from my experience people will not bully someone wearing. I know that it has no power, except from the bullies perspective. I thought this whole time I wasn't committing any sins, but a Church member reached out to me and told me that I was. He understands my situation but still tells me not to wear it anymore even though it brings good results. Also if I am going to possibly face more hatred and bullying, he still advises me not to wear it.

I was shown this verse John 15:18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." I was also told that this bullying and hatred is being used by satan to draw me away from God.

But how do I gain the strength to endure this? I really am not mentally prepared for all this bullying I am facing and it has really effected me in a negative way. This is the previous thread I made about my bullying situation
I'm not sure how to react in this situation

Lastly a note about my denomination, I used to be a part of Eastern Orthodox but later on as I grew I have switched to non-denominational.

Hi; if a believer wants to wear a cross, then this is his or her decision. (There are cross pendants, cross earrings, cross tattoos, etc.)

But a stronger witness is seen in the person reflecting the truth of the cross in his or her life, as a witness. John's First Epistle, chapter 1, speaks about the believer 'walking in the light': this speaks more strongly than a cross pendant, earring or tattoo.

 

[God bless Joshua]

I guess its alright to wear a cross necklace but we should know it cannot protect us from anything,and doesnt bring Salvation.
only our faith in the Lord Jesus can bring salvation and its not easy, we must pray for those who persecute us.

Matt 5:43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.… 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

 

[faroukfarouk]

@Milos, so among the various cross motifs that you could wear, I guess you prefer the necklace pendant to either a cross earring or cross tattoo?

 

[faroukfarouk]

@Christie insb Thanks for the 'like'; so do you have any cross pendants, earrings, etc?

 

[Milos]

I have a necklace with the the cross.

 

[Bro. Daniel]

Try reading Ezekiel 14 and ask the Holy Spirit to give you any revelation, wisdom, clarity, knowledge and discernment on the matter.

Blessings,

 

[faroukfarouk]

I have a necklace with the the cross.

Sounds like this is what you prefer. If you don't have an ear pierced, you probably wouldn't have a cross stud. Necklace cross pendants are often bigger than cross earrings, right?

 

[Goatee]

It's lovely to wear the cross or crucifix. It's a constant reminder of the suffering endured for us.

We make the sign of the cross when we pray. There is nothing idolatry about wearing the symbol of Christ's suffering.

 

[Serving Zion]

I have undergone a lot of bullying at school, and one day I decided to wear the Christian Cross necklace as of hope to stop it. It has worked and the people who have bullied me feel terrible for their actions some have came and apologized and no longer bullied me.

I do not use the cross in worship, I use it as a deterrence against hatred since from my experience people will not bully someone wearing. I know that it has no power, except from the bullies perspective. I thought this whole time I wasn't committing any sins, but a Church member reached out to me and told me that I was. He understands my situation but still tells me not to wear it anymore even though it brings good results. Also if I am going to possibly face more hatred and bullying, he still advises me not to wear it.

I was shown this verse John 15:18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." I was also told that this bullying and hatred is being used by satan to draw me away from God.

But how do I gain the strength to endure this? I really am not mentally prepared for all this bullying I am facing and it has really effected me in a negative way. This is the previous thread I made about my bullying situation
I'm not sure how to react in this situation

Lastly a note about my denomination, I used to be a part of Eastern Orthodox but later on as I grew I have switched to non-denominational.

I understand your objections. I, too, do not like to flaunt symbols, especially as they are of the nature to increase contentions (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). I would expect probably your bullies have already got the message and if they were to ask why you have stopped wearing it, The Holy Spirit could have an opportunity to speak through you (Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 3:17).

I suggest you could be justified by 1 Corinthians 9:22 until you perceive that they are ready to accept you for who you are, but I would not like to see it oppress you to become someone who you are uncomfortable to be (Proverbs 25:26, 1 Corinthians 7:23).

 

[discipler7]

Other things that happened was being called a future school shooter, or terrorist because I am partially middle eastern. I have no control over my ethnicity or racial build up either.

.
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I thought this whole time I wasn't committing any sins, but a Church member reached out to me and told me that I was. He understands my situation but still tells me not to wear it anymore even though it brings good results. Also if I am going to possibly face more hatred and bullying, he still advises me not to wear it.

I was shown this verse John 15:18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." I was also told that this bullying and hatred is being used by satan to draw me away from God.

JOHN.5:18 = 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.
.

JOHN.8: =
The Truth Shall Make You Free
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _

The Jews and the world hated Jesus Christ for a reason. The ruler of this world is Satan and they like to commit sins and reject God/Jesus, eg New Age philosophy and liberalism being taught in most US colleges.

Your US college-mates hated and bullied you because they mistakenly thought that you were associated with Middle-Eastern Muslim terrorists, eg ISIS. Publicly revealing the truth about yourself to others will set you free, eg by wearing a Cross necklace.

 

[Petros2015]

I thought this whole time I wasn't committing any sins, but a Church member reached out to me and told me that I was.

That's utterly ridiculous. Wear it as long as you are being true to Christ. It's not a magic amulet or anything like that but it is a reminder to ourselves and a witness to others. If seeing it convicts bullies of the evil of their actions, good. Keep in mind you might face other persecution BECAUSE you are wearing it. Just be true to it while you do.

 

[Albion]

Milos, wearing a cross is not idolatry. Something is idolatry only if whatever the object happens to be is worshipped. You aren't doing that. The cross pendant is only an emblem of your allegiance.

And while it may be true that the world will hate us, that doesn't mean that we Christians have an obligation to invite that hatred unnecessarily!

 

[~Anastasia~]

There is nothing idolatrous about wearing a cross necklace (assuming you aren't worshipping it and I have never met anyone who does). We are not told that wearing jewelry is inherently sinful or forbidden. Like anything else, it's a principle. We shouldn't use jewelry (or anything else) to draw a lot of attention to ourselves, and there can be other bad uses of it. But making yourself known as a Christian isn't wrong. It could be wrong if you were not a Christian and you only used it to prevent being bullied, but that's still not idolatry - in that case it would be using Christ for your own means. But if you are a Christian, you aren't doing that.

We are often persecuted for being Christians. You just happened to find yourself in the opposite situation, where being a Christian prevents you being persecuted. That's a reflection of the people around you, not you yourself, so there is no sin in it for you to let yourself be known as a Christian.

With that said, Petros gave a good answer.

That's utterly ridiculous. Wear it as long as you are being true to Christ. It's not a magic amulet or anything like that but it is a reminder to ourselves and a witness to others. If seeing it convicts bullies of the evil of their actions, good. Keep in mind you mind face other persecution BECAUSE you are wearing it. Just be true to it while you do.

God be with you.

 

[Tolworth John]

I decided to wear the Christian Cross necklace as of hope to stop it. It has worked and the people who have bullied me feel terrible for their actions some have came and apologized and no longer bullied me.

That shows just how shallow they are if your appearance justified their awefull treatment of you and your wearing a cross is reason to treat you deciently.
They are ignorant people, unfortunetly with people as shallow and empty headed as these they could easily decide that you support the wrong football team, eat the wrong food and pick on you for that.

Do keep a diary of any incidents and report them to the school.

 

[Phil 1:21]

Oh my heavens...wear your cross, proclaim the Good News.

 

[Ahermit]

Recently been accused of idolatry because I like to do Christian art as a means for me to glorify Christ and God. The accusers were members of a Christian forum other than this one. They reminded me of Nazi book and painting burners. I am so tired of having to defend myself from such fearful self-righteous Christians, so I left that forum.

 

[Bro. Daniel]

Recently been accused of idolatry because I like to do Christian art as a means for me to glorify Christ and God. The accusers were members of a Christian forum other than this one. They reminded me of Nazi book and painting burners. I am so tired of having to defend myself from such fearful self-righteous Christians, so I left that forum.

Wow, that's not idolatry. God loves artistry from His children especially when they provide a prophetic message or teaching. May the Lord continue to bless you richly a billion fold to glorify Him in this way in Yahushua's name.

 

[tz620q]

Recently been accused of idolatry because I like to do Christian art as a means for me to glorify Christ and God. The accusers were members of a Christian forum other than this one. They reminded me of Nazi book and painting burners. I am so tired of having to defend myself from such fearful self-righteous Christians, so I left that forum.

They need an emoji on here to mean "dusting off one's sandals". Good for you and I bet you are reaching and teaching many by your art.

 

[Blade]

You know.. you dont answer to man. You only answer to Him. Its not something that will or could cause someone to fall away from Christ. I KNOW how some see this. But..thats between them and GOD not you and them.

Again.. its wise to ask..yet.. ask your FATHER.. HE ALWAYS hears you and WILL ALWAYS answer..if we listen. And.. when you ask.. He WILL give you a peace about it..so you KNOW what to do.. I promise. in JESUS name