I was reading in Peter a while back and came across this section:
II Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith VIRTUE; and to virtue KNOWLEDGE;
1:6 And to knowledge TEMPERANCE; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to patience GODLINESS;
1:7 And to godliness BROTHERLY KINDNESS; and to brotherly kindness CHARITY.
1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Obviously, these are good things to have - and things that we, as Christians, are responsible for doing - sooo....my question is: What are these "seven cardinal responsibilities"?
I also understand that they are not necessarily in a chronological order (i.e. I don't have to have virtue before I can get knowledge, etc.)
I don't need dictionary definitions, I can get those in any good version of Webster's. What I want are definition of these in terms of how to DO them -- what is it about VIRTUE whereby I can say "yes, I have added virtue to my faith."? What is it about GODLINESS that is definitive whereby I can say "yes, I am without a doubt godly."? How does CHARITY work itself out in my life? Get the point? How do these work out in your life...DO they work out in your life? If so, why and how? If not, why not?
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Putting Others On The Right Path
"Charity shall cover a multitude of sins" (I Peter 4:8)
To return Christians who have erred from the way of salvation is just as important as saving the souls of those who have not yet tasted of the heavenly gift. Fortunately, we should not be apprehensive about approaching these people, since (hopefully) they have been in the church, and we have a chance to acquaint ourselves with them.
How then shall charity cover sins? Should it simply gloss over them as if they were nonexistent? God forbid. James speaks of it in his epistle, chapter 5, verse 20: "He which converteth a soul from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" -- that is, many sins shall not be committed because of the corrective influence. Jesus even gives us protocol for dealing with people who persist in iniquity: first talk to him (or her), then bring others to talk to him, if he won't listen, then tell the church, and if worst comes to worst, "let him be to thee as an heathen" (Matthew 18:15-17).
We must at all times show in our conduct the righteousness and holiness that is in our hearts ("be holy for I am holy"), because of what our Lord Jesus has done for us - that others might see our good works and glorify God.
Sin is the very antithesis of God's character. Therefore, as His representatives, we should always strive to keep one another out of sin, and in the way of righteousness.
To return Christians who have erred from the way of salvation is just as important as saving the souls of those who have not yet tasted of the heavenly gift. Fortunately, we should not be apprehensive about approaching these people, since (hopefully) they have been in the church, and we have a chance to acquaint ourselves with them.
How then shall charity cover sins? Should it simply gloss over them as if they were nonexistent? God forbid. James speaks of it in his epistle, chapter 5, verse 20: "He which converteth a soul from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" -- that is, many sins shall not be committed because of the corrective influence. Jesus even gives us protocol for dealing with people who persist in iniquity: first talk to him (or her), then bring others to talk to him, if he won't listen, then tell the church, and if worst comes to worst, "let him be to thee as an heathen" (Matthew 18:15-17).
We must at all times show in our conduct the righteousness and holiness that is in our hearts ("be holy for I am holy"), because of what our Lord Jesus has done for us - that others might see our good works and glorify God.
Sin is the very antithesis of God's character. Therefore, as His representatives, we should always strive to keep one another out of sin, and in the way of righteousness.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Modesty (From a Woman's Perspective)
I was discussing the topic of modesty with some of my friends a while ago, and then just recently it resurfaced, and I believe that their perspective is valuable, so I have attempted to refine the ideas expressed (instant messenger conversations are kind of hard to work with) – and here they are.
Andrew: Andrew Powers (me)
Sarah: Sarah Ganzhorn
Hannah: Hannah Ganzhorn
Nalani: Nalani Brisco
Alicia: Alicia Powers
Sarah: Have you ever noticed that articles talking about modesty are normally focused on women being modest and most of the time don't even mention the fact that men also should be modest?
Andrew: Sometimes it bothers me...but I think it's probably because guys think about it more.
What were your thoughts on the "modesty for guys" topic?
Sarah: Men may be visually oriented... but girls also are – maybe not to such an extent but it is still there, and it still causes problems.
Andrew: So what ways should men be modest?
Sarah: I don't want to get on a soapbox or anything but I think that men can be modest in pretty much all the same ways women should be. For example, men are always saying that when women wear really tight pants it causes them problems – well, men wearing rather tight pants cause women to have problems as well.
Nalani: A guy can be immodest by being vulgar (either in his self-representation or his speech [like if he swears a lot or makes a lot of sexual innuendos (being pervy!)])....ummm....hmmm....being arrogant and proud to a fault...
Hannah: In speech, behavior, and appearance…specifically, immodesty in speech and behavior pretty much equals flirting, which can include ridiculously outrageous compliments, being smart or witty with the sole intent of attracting, showing off strength, etc.
Modesty of dress is not using one's body to attract, modest clothing would not be too loose (as in descending pants), too tight (as in bicycling tights), or too skimpy.
Alicia: I think the modesty for guys probably comes in character. Arrogant and proud or humble.
Andrew: To me it seems that a lot of times immodesty in a guy exhibits itself in different forms than girls (where clothing is the major issue)...with guys, immodesty can be not in the clothes so much as in, say, the muscular body, or the fast/loud car, etc.
Sarah: Mmm, yes that’s true, also, girls' immodesty is not limited to clothes – she can dress modestly and not behave modestly.
Andrew: Right. So what is modesty, then?
Nalani: Well, there's modesty as being humble, and then there's physical modesty--wearing clothes that aren't terribly revealing
Sarah: The definition for modest would be the opposite of immodest, and my opinion of immodest would be intentionally attracting the attention of the opposite gender in a way that would cause them to lust, etc.
Basically, anything that is immodest for a girl, the male version of it is also immodest. So, just like girls being immodest because they are wearing really tight pants, it is the same with guys wearing really tight pants.
Hannah: Immodesty is dressing or behaving in a way that encourages impure thoughts or actions….modesty is dressing and behaving in a way that is above reproach.
Andrew: Ok....so immodest actions for a girl can be flirting, acting provocatively (body postures, shoe choice, etc.), etc......so what do guys do (or wear, or say) etc., that fits into the "immodest" category?
Nalani: It kind of depends on what you think of as indecent. I'm not too fond of the way baggy pants some guys wear... and lots of older folks don't appreciate all of the holes in pants (or other clothing) that reveal all that skin. And unless it's swimwear, I would say no really short shorts either, and no rips/holes in the clothing that could potentially expose their privates…
Hannah: I think guys are as guilty as flirting of girls.... they do a lot of showing off... so far as what they wear... pants can easily be to big, or too tight ( as in bicycling shorts) and I really would rather they keep their shirts on.
Sarah: You want specifics? Well, guys can also have provocative body postures, guys can also flirt...I guess you could say the big guy thing is to show off to get all the girls attention, you know, to show that he is the strongest or whatever
I would say that guys' shirts should meet their pants at all times – same as for girls.
The saggy pants business is so bad, and tight shirts aren't that great either.
Andrew: So then, does immodesty have something to do with "showing off"....and if so, what is it that guys do to "show off" that "intentionally attracts the attention of the opposite gender in a way that would cause them to lust"?
Sarah: I think showing off is a good example of immodest behavior, well, girls are attracted to strong men, so I guess when a guy goes out of his way to seem strong in front of a girl then that would be immodest behavior indeed.
Hannah: In my experience, it's mostly body, brains, and personality… I don't really notice the showing off of stuff... except maybe having a 'hot' car, but so far as intentionally attracting, a lot of guys will be gentlemanly just as a chance to show off how strong they are or whatever, I've heard a lot of girls oohing and ahhing over how buff some guy is.
They’ll pay me outrageous compliments, or try to be really smart because they think I am. Usually that's accompanied by asking me out.
It's not so much what they do but what they say.
Andrew: So would you say that a lot of the "immodest" actions are efforts on the guy's part to make you prefer him over others --- so really anything that flows from that motivation is truly "immodest"?
Hannah: Yes... I guess you could say that... there are exceptions though…
Such as… you can't really call a guy who wants his wife to like him better than other guys immodest
So I would say it's only immodest if the guy hasn't the right .
___________________
I could probably write a wordy conclusion to this “interview”…but Hannah’s paraphrase of Paul is perfectly apt; she says it is really about how “guys should concern themselves not only with keeping their own thoughts pure but also the thoughts of their sisters in Christ.”
I completely agree. This is the true attitude of charity – not using our liberty as a cloak for selfishness (I Peter 2:16), not destroying others through our actions (Romans 14:13-15), and taking heed that our liberty does not become a stumblingblock to those that are weak (I Cor. 8:9). “Let every one of us please his [sister] for [her] good to edification” (Romans 15:2)…. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (I Cor. 10:24).
Andrew: Andrew Powers (me)
Sarah: Sarah Ganzhorn
Hannah: Hannah Ganzhorn
Nalani: Nalani Brisco
Alicia: Alicia Powers
Sarah: Have you ever noticed that articles talking about modesty are normally focused on women being modest and most of the time don't even mention the fact that men also should be modest?
Andrew: Sometimes it bothers me...but I think it's probably because guys think about it more.
What were your thoughts on the "modesty for guys" topic?
Sarah: Men may be visually oriented... but girls also are – maybe not to such an extent but it is still there, and it still causes problems.
Andrew: So what ways should men be modest?
Sarah: I don't want to get on a soapbox or anything but I think that men can be modest in pretty much all the same ways women should be. For example, men are always saying that when women wear really tight pants it causes them problems – well, men wearing rather tight pants cause women to have problems as well.
Nalani: A guy can be immodest by being vulgar (either in his self-representation or his speech [like if he swears a lot or makes a lot of sexual innuendos (being pervy!)])....ummm....hmmm....being arrogant and proud to a fault...
Hannah: In speech, behavior, and appearance…specifically, immodesty in speech and behavior pretty much equals flirting, which can include ridiculously outrageous compliments, being smart or witty with the sole intent of attracting, showing off strength, etc.
Modesty of dress is not using one's body to attract, modest clothing would not be too loose (as in descending pants), too tight (as in bicycling tights), or too skimpy.
Alicia: I think the modesty for guys probably comes in character. Arrogant and proud or humble.
Andrew: To me it seems that a lot of times immodesty in a guy exhibits itself in different forms than girls (where clothing is the major issue)...with guys, immodesty can be not in the clothes so much as in, say, the muscular body, or the fast/loud car, etc.
Sarah: Mmm, yes that’s true, also, girls' immodesty is not limited to clothes – she can dress modestly and not behave modestly.
Andrew: Right. So what is modesty, then?
Nalani: Well, there's modesty as being humble, and then there's physical modesty--wearing clothes that aren't terribly revealing
Sarah: The definition for modest would be the opposite of immodest, and my opinion of immodest would be intentionally attracting the attention of the opposite gender in a way that would cause them to lust, etc.
Basically, anything that is immodest for a girl, the male version of it is also immodest. So, just like girls being immodest because they are wearing really tight pants, it is the same with guys wearing really tight pants.
Hannah: Immodesty is dressing or behaving in a way that encourages impure thoughts or actions….modesty is dressing and behaving in a way that is above reproach.
Andrew: Ok....so immodest actions for a girl can be flirting, acting provocatively (body postures, shoe choice, etc.), etc......so what do guys do (or wear, or say) etc., that fits into the "immodest" category?
Nalani: It kind of depends on what you think of as indecent. I'm not too fond of the way baggy pants some guys wear... and lots of older folks don't appreciate all of the holes in pants (or other clothing) that reveal all that skin. And unless it's swimwear, I would say no really short shorts either, and no rips/holes in the clothing that could potentially expose their privates…
Hannah: I think guys are as guilty as flirting of girls.... they do a lot of showing off... so far as what they wear... pants can easily be to big, or too tight ( as in bicycling shorts) and I really would rather they keep their shirts on.
Sarah: You want specifics? Well, guys can also have provocative body postures, guys can also flirt...I guess you could say the big guy thing is to show off to get all the girls attention, you know, to show that he is the strongest or whatever
I would say that guys' shirts should meet their pants at all times – same as for girls.
The saggy pants business is so bad, and tight shirts aren't that great either.
Andrew: So then, does immodesty have something to do with "showing off"....and if so, what is it that guys do to "show off" that "intentionally attracts the attention of the opposite gender in a way that would cause them to lust"?
Sarah: I think showing off is a good example of immodest behavior, well, girls are attracted to strong men, so I guess when a guy goes out of his way to seem strong in front of a girl then that would be immodest behavior indeed.
Hannah: In my experience, it's mostly body, brains, and personality… I don't really notice the showing off of stuff... except maybe having a 'hot' car, but so far as intentionally attracting, a lot of guys will be gentlemanly just as a chance to show off how strong they are or whatever, I've heard a lot of girls oohing and ahhing over how buff some guy is.
They’ll pay me outrageous compliments, or try to be really smart because they think I am. Usually that's accompanied by asking me out.
It's not so much what they do but what they say.
Andrew: So would you say that a lot of the "immodest" actions are efforts on the guy's part to make you prefer him over others --- so really anything that flows from that motivation is truly "immodest"?
Hannah: Yes... I guess you could say that... there are exceptions though…
Such as… you can't really call a guy who wants his wife to like him better than other guys immodest
So I would say it's only immodest if the guy hasn't the right .
___________________
I could probably write a wordy conclusion to this “interview”…but Hannah’s paraphrase of Paul is perfectly apt; she says it is really about how “guys should concern themselves not only with keeping their own thoughts pure but also the thoughts of their sisters in Christ.”
I completely agree. This is the true attitude of charity – not using our liberty as a cloak for selfishness (I Peter 2:16), not destroying others through our actions (Romans 14:13-15), and taking heed that our liberty does not become a stumblingblock to those that are weak (I Cor. 8:9). “Let every one of us please his [sister] for [her] good to edification” (Romans 15:2)…. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (I Cor. 10:24).
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Modesty (From a Man's Perspective)
Modest clothing is clothing that does not draw my eye (and thus my mind) to places (or thoughts) that stimulate lustful or envious desires. Immodest clothes are worn with the knowledge that they are a stumblingblock to those who look thereon.
Now, modest clothing does not preclude lust altogether -- I may choose to lust after a girl who is dressed in a burqa -- but the key is where the thought process begins; is it provoked by the article of clothing worn (or not worn, as the case may be)? This is immodesty. But if it begins as a choice by my own mind to lust, immodesty is not the issue of concern.
This principle of modesty does not apply to clothing only; body posture, word choice, and voice inflection can (and should) all be governed by the same principle.
The driving force behind true modesty is charity -- A desire to put the needs of others before one's self interest.
Now, modest clothing does not preclude lust altogether -- I may choose to lust after a girl who is dressed in a burqa -- but the key is where the thought process begins; is it provoked by the article of clothing worn (or not worn, as the case may be)? This is immodesty. But if it begins as a choice by my own mind to lust, immodesty is not the issue of concern.
This principle of modesty does not apply to clothing only; body posture, word choice, and voice inflection can (and should) all be governed by the same principle.
The driving force behind true modesty is charity -- A desire to put the needs of others before one's self interest.
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