What's on your mind?

[peaceful-forest]

Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

 

[bèlla]

I work in healthcare. STDs are very common. It starts young. I fear the parents pass on their attitudes to their children. Praise God salvation isn't based on parents

That’s unfortunate. Healthcare can take a toll on employees mentally. You’re pretty upbeat in spite of your work and that’s a blessing.

I wish people would find other things to talk about & argue about too then abortion or having big families. I've just become numb to it all

I stopped participating in those conversations a long time ago and I don’t think large families are feasible for most. You need to start young ideally and have a lot of resources. I see it often in homesteading circles but they’re an anomaly and the majority of them homeschool and have a parent at home. My daughter wants the same and i support it. But it’s not for everyone.

 

[High Fidelity]

Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

It wouldn’t make a difference, since they see themselves as Christians too.

Kinda like a skunk can’t smell their own stench, the fool is ignorant of his foolishness.

 

[bèlla]

Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

Our actions bear witness to the truth. It isn’t necessary to adopt a new label. We’ll naturally gravitate to things and people that enrich our spirit and draw us closer to the Lord. And when light departs the camouflage is obvious and onlookers notice a difference. Allow the outworking to have its way and all will be revealed.

I’ve been unfollowing a lot of christians on social media as of late and others who lack the qualities I’m prioritizing during this period. And the primary catalyst is greed. The popular term is tone deaf and I’m bothered by the lack of balance I see in promotions or sensitivity to rising costs. When you prioritize your welfare at another’s expense you’re entering murky waters. It doesn’t sit right with me.

The other thing I’m examining is their response to social struggles. Oftentimes people begin with the bible but as time progresses they have a different opinion. They don’t stand up for the little guy. You don’t have to champion every cause but when there’s no recognition of the marginalized I’m concerned. When I see problems addressed and the solution doesn’t account for variances in circumstances (like the person I posted the other day) it feels unloving.

But I‘ve found a few who warm the heart and leave the viewer feeling encouraged or inspired in a positive way and that’s refreshing. I value a level of transparency too. I don’t need to know your business. But I think when you view your influence as an opportunity to minister to others you’re more forthcoming and less enticed to wear a mask. You don’t win souls like that.

Be encouraged. There’s others like you. Pray for godly companions and divine appointments. And do the same online. Ask the Lord to send edifying content. The gems I’ve found showed up on my feed. I didn’t look for them.

 

[LoveDivine]

It wouldn’t make a difference, since they see themselves as Christians too.

Kinda like a skunk can’t smell their own stench, the fool is ignorant of his foolishness.

I agree. Unfortunately, this has been the struggle since the church began. Think about how much hardship the false converts brought upon the apostles and the sincere followers. There will always be tares mixed in. All we can do is focus on our own relationship with God and try to reach others.

 

[DragonFox91]

I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination, people saw Christian was just too broad a term. We don't really identify ourselves by a denomination as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.

 

[LoveDivine]

I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination. We don't really do that as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.

I like to tell others that I'm a Christian. It's simple and I think it actually helps to draw attention away from the issues of the church. A denomination will never be perfect, but Christ is. By saying to others we are a Christian, we are saying that we follow Christ. We should bear his name. There is nothing wrong with belonging to a specific denomination, but I think it's always best to tell someone who doesn't believe that you are a Christian. Then if they inquire more you can share more information about the type of church you attend and the details of your particular denomination. I'm not ashamed to be considered a Christian, because it has nothing to do with others who claim that title. It has everything to do with the person we follow. Even though many professing Christians have brought a reproach to the gospel, it doesn't undo what Christ taught. When we share the gospel we don't need to focus too much on the church; we should direct people to read the words of Christ.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

I am totally worn out.

 

[bèlla]

I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination, people saw Christian was just too broad a term. We don't really identify ourselves by a denomination as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.

I’ve developed the ability to talk about the Lord and biblical principles without using any labels. Sometimes it’s necessary to meet a person where they are or find common denominators in shared interests. I’m less concerned about the word and more focused on the light. If the latter is lacking it doesn’t matter what I call myself. Have I made a difference today? Is someone bettered by my presence? Was I His hands and feet? Those are the questions that keep me accountable and draw others to Christ. Living the word is more important.

 

[bèlla]

It increasingly feels like we’re living in Sodom and Gomorrah and I’m growing tired of the proliferation of sex and debauchery in our culture. Barely there attire is having its moment before the congregation and men are speaking out. Gym attire is on the hot seat and many are complaining. Why is it necessary to be sexy while exercising with no concern for others? Most of the pieces are too sheer, too tight or leave nothing to the imagination.

But they didn’t stop there. A recent incident at Disney World brought additional ire. Women were scantily clad in bubble skirts that didn’t cover their bottom. It looks like a micro mini skirt in the front and when she walks away the back is exposed. How did we get here? What compels someone to dress like that in a setting with children and families? It’s indecent.

I wish that was it but it’s not. We have mesh dresses that look like fishing nets and under clothes are optional. We’re no longer wearing pants and opting for pantyhose in their place with a onesie top that looks like a swimsuit. And if this wasn’t shameful enough, Kim Kardashian introduced a nipple bra through her Skims line. We’re finding new lows.

Someone likened this behavior to streetwalker culture and it’s genuinely moving in that direction. I feel for the children and adults who have to stomach it. The church isn’t immune to the problem. Trends find their way into pews on Sunday morning and men have complained.

While society uncovers itself some are opting for modesty instead and I hope it continues. No one considers the consequences of overexposure and what one may invite by dressing that way. My heart goes out to the men and husbands who are trying to do the right thing and honor the Lord and their spouse amidst this dilemma. We should ask the Lord to convict the offenders and raise a new standard of holiness in its place. That is my prayer.

 

[peaceful-forest]

Sometimes I think about writing. It would be cool to have a substack (or something like that, or a blog) where I could write things and it's actually seen by people.

 

[LoveDivine]

Sometimes I think about writing. It would be cool to have a substack (or something like that, or a blog) where I could write things and it's actually seen by people.

What topics would you like to write about for a blog ?

 

[DragonFox91]

It increasingly feels like we’re living in Sodom and Gomorrah and I’m growing tired of the proliferation of sex and debauchery in our culture. Barely there attire is having its moment before the congregation and men are speaking out. Gym attire is on the hot seat and many are complaining. Why is it necessary to be sexy while exercising with no concern for others? Most of the pieces are too sheer, too tight or leave nothing to the imagination.

I'm surprised men are speaking out. Usually they're for it. Which is a big part of the problem. "If I tell what women to wear, my girlfriend will break up with me & I like women dressing like that anyways".

Actually, for a long time I refused to go to the gym b/c I knew the attire there is not good. Then I just started to realize that that attire is everywhere.

Someone likened this behavior to streetwalker culture and it’s genuinely moving in that direction. I feel for the children and adults who have to stomach it. The church isn’t immune to the problem. Trends find their way into pews on Sunday morning and men have complained.

Yeah, you see it at church. I'm thankful I go to a church that tends to attract the kind of person that sees that as a problem, but when I have opportunity to attend other churches, it's no different then the world what's being worn. I find that alarming. & it's like, I get it, it's not always meant for reasons like that, people just want to dress in a way that 'will give them confidence', but when you're a Christian, you're attitudes should be changing about what you're wearing. He's dressing you. When I was younger I would dress very plain & boring b/c I was uspet at everything & everyone. Then when I started to grow in the Lord I started to dress nicer. You can tell a lot about someone by how they dress, what is influencing them, how are they thinking, what's motivating them.

While society uncovers itself some are opting for modesty instead and I hope it continues. No one considers the consequences of overexposure and what one may invite by dressing that way. My heart goes out to the men and husbands who are trying to do the right thing and honor the Lord and their spouse amidst this dilemma. We should ask the Lord to convict the offenders and raise a new standard of holiness in its place. That is my prayer.

Yeah, it seems like it just gets worse. The ones who are trying to do it right are in the minority. Good luck raising a daughter in this age. They learn it from others. Today in church we discussed raising kids & influences they will face.
It's an interesting topic for me. Many Christian parents want to be very strict following the Bible's commands for parents. Many Christian parents are more lax. They think we can't live & we don't live in a bubble. I think Option 1 tends to forget that. But I think Option 2 is too lax.

I don't know, I try to not let it bother me b/c most of the time it's not Christians anyways, so like, they can't help themselves b/c they don't have the Holy Spirit.
& one reason it bothers me is b/c it's not limited to the pagans, & they're influencing us

 

[bèlla]

I'm surprised men are speaking out. Usually they're for it. Which is a big part of the problem. "If I tell what women to wear, my girlfriend will break up with me & I like women dressing like that anyways". Actually, for a long time I refused to go to the gym b/c I knew the attire there is not good. Then I just started to realize that that attire is everywhere.

I’m glad they’re speaking out. It’s unfortunate they realize the indecency has gone too far and women are clueless. Every since leggings became a trend it’s been a downhill spiral.

You can tell a lot about someone by how they dress, what is influencing them, how are they thinking, what's motivating them.

That wasn’t acceptable in the past. The older women in the church would take them aside and counsel them. Many women don’t get that at home and rely on the internet for fashion advice. I saw a reel with a woman getting dressed and she had on a slip. Few knew what it was. Moments like that are jarring. You know we’ve gone too far but when it hits you in the face it’s sad.

I think modesty is best for both. When a woman uncovers herself she invites the wrong attention. Some are doing it because of trends and others desire the male gaze. They want to be noticed but that isn’t the way you should go about it.

Yeah, it seems like it just gets worse. The ones who are trying to do it right are in the minority. Good luck raising a daughter in this age. They learn it from others. Today in church we discussed raising kids & influences they will face.

You need level-headed parents with common sense. If they haven’t found their way to God the other will keep them sound. There was a piece about a popular song today and the line dance many are doing. It seems harmless but it’s being played in church which was shocking but that isn’t worst part. Videos appeared on Tik-Tok of a little girl doing the same. They gave her a stage name and started booking her for events and she’s 3-4 years old.

The first one was tame but the rest were not. She’s mimicking the women around her and performing for adults. If that isn’t bad enough the parents created an account on OnlyFans where she’ll provide lessons. I haven’t confirmed the latter but we were so incensed by the notion that we entreated the Lord on her behalf. Warnings were given in the comments but they’re seduced by the money and I think we’ll see more of that.

It's an interesting topic for me. Many Christian parents want to be very strict following the Bible's commands for parents. Many Christian parents are more lax. They think we can't live & we don't live in a bubble. I think Option 1 tends to forget that. But I think Option 2 is too lax.

I think structure is a must and boundaries should be clear and enforced. You don’t have to lock them up but communication is required. Most parents go awry because they won’t tell the truth and hide their mistakes. Which gives an air of perfection and makes the child feel misunderstood. I wove our mishaps into lessons which became sources of humor later on. You’ll have a closer bond by doing so and they’ll confide in you as they mature.

I don't know, I try to not let it bother me b/c most of the time it's not Christians anyways, so like, they can't help themselves b/c they don't have the Holy Spirit. & one reason it bothers me is b/c it's not limited to the pagans, & they're influencing us

Christians do the same. You’d be surprised. Someone I follow on YouTube was convicted of her gym attire and she’s an author with a ministry. I doubt she went as far as some. But cleavage, short dresses and fitted clothing are pretty common. Nevertheless, there’s a place for things like that. It’s meant to be worn for your spouse and that’s the missing component. They don’t have a husband and they’re taking the foreplay outdoors when it belongs elsewhere.

 

[bèlla]

Sometimes I think about writing. It would be cool to have a substack (or something like that, or a blog) where I could write things and it's actually seen by people.

Maybe you should. What’s holding you back?