Pyromaniacs: Sister... show mercy! <i>(Annual repost #2)</i>
Incredible advice and wisdom. It is difficult to defend against what Dan supports, but if you can do it,
I really want to hear from you. Just ... read the article!
Do not be afraid to stand apart from others if others are following the world's ways. Following God often means not following what's popular or what the majority wants. Peter speaks to this in 1 Peter 4:4
When you stand apart, but in God's will, you will appear beautiful to those around you. Maybe not always welcome, but beautiful in the aura of obedience to God.
Think about it.
It is interesting, really, to notice that people who call themselves Christians often are the ones must unable to cope with the reality of suffering by others in their congregations. You know, the ones who always respond with that beautiful smile as they say, "fine" when asked how they are doing.
But what about the people in church who are suffering? To whom can they turn? Shouldn't church be the first place you would turn when you experience a crisis, or need to talk about how you want to cheat on your spouse, or how to process the awful news you just heard?
Instead, how many of us turn to gossip, judgment before its appropriate, backbiting and just mean selfish behavior instead of helping someone stuck in sin?
My friend Anne Jackson has put up an interesting post asking what things people wish they could say in church... take a look - you may see yourself in the list.
