Am I disrespecting my local church group if I do not practice some of their extra-biblical guidelines?
Examples: - Wearing jewelry or make-up if they hold that it is immodest - Socially drinking if they have a general policy of temperance - Not following the general dress-code
Ephesians 4:1 - 6
NKJV - 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. 2 With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.
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Asked August 18 2015
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nasley somerville
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Philip Davies
Supporter
You might just as legitimately ask, Is your local church disrespecting the Bible when it puts obedience to cultural rules on the same level as Christian teaching? Jesus did not have any kind words for those who tied heavy loads onto people’s shoulders but wouldn't lift a finger to help carry them. Matt 23:4 There are too many man-made laws in the church and we would do well not to add anything to the Bible. Regards Phil
JD Abshire
Supporter
If the guidelines are implied or part of the church's constitution and you are operating to the contrary then yes, you are showing disrespect to your church group.
Lena Wms
Supporter
My Dear Sister in Christ, As faithful followers of Jesus Christ many of us have asked ourselves these same questions. Only a very personal relationship with Jesus Christ can reveal to you the answers you seek. You see, Jesus is our Heavenly Bridegroom, and like a natural relationship we should desire to please Him in all things and in all ways. Only Jesus can reveal to you what is pleasing in your life to Him. However, the Apostle Paul did write to us about some of these items in saying that many things were legal for him, but was not good for him to do. In layperson terms, I can eat a five pound steak but it is not good for me to do this. Just because I can doesn't mean I should. 1Cor 6:12 There are some that will totally disagree with me, that you can wear whatever you choose, drink whatever you desire, go wherever you wish. Yet, the Bible states that God is a Father, and most Fathers wish to know where their children are, what they are doing and where they are going in the natural. Jesus said if we act this way, how much more is our Heavenly Father going to act when we ask for bread? Matt 7:9-11 So yes, I believe that Jesus as a Heavenly Bridegroom will instruct you in how you should behave, what to wear, even what to eat and drink (He did with the Apostles) All we must do is ASK. It all begins with a very personal relationship with Jesus. This is the type of relationship that will last all eternity. Be Blessed Lena
Vincent Mercado
Supporter
I think you are disrespecting the local church group by not following the guidelines, whether biblical or not. Guidelines are set for a reason, and to not follow the guidelines are signs of a rebellious spirit. Think of it as a parent setting rules for the household; the rules are set for everyone's compliance. The rules are there for good reason; these have been given thought and not dumbly there. Ask your pastor why these guidelines are set in the first place. He might give you a convincing answer.
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