Walt said:
<snip>
I fully agree. Usually, it is the "other side" that mocks us as if we think our standards make us closer to God. I've heard that.
Walt said:
But I have also heard church leaders say, disparagingly of others: "<sniff> Well, they don't have OUR standards" -- as if "OUR" standards are the only right ones and the ones not following OUR camp are not worth notice.
Turn those around and see what is there. Never mind, I will do it for you:
"<sniff> Well, they don't have OUR standards" -- as if "OUR" standards are the only right ones and the ones not following OUR camp are not worth notice.
... mocks us as if we think our standards make us closer to God. [BTW it isn't
as if with many of them.]
The
mocking (more like disagreeing) is a reaction to the mindset you point out.
So if you don't like people judging and disagreeing with your "standards" quit trying to make your brothers and sisters in Christ adhere to them.
And before someone says "no one thinks that way" let me share this:
Gentleman's Code Of Conduct:
It is not too much for us to ask that you
dress like a Christian. These are not suggestions these will be strictly enforced.
Dress clothes are requested for the evening service which includes a collared shirt.
Pants are to be worn on the waist. (Belt preferred)
No sweat pants. Cut-offs or shorts allowed FOR SWIMMING ONLY
No shirts with questionable pictures or emblems or words.
No see-through or mesh-like material shirts.
No sleeveless shirts.
No mod or faddish style clothing.
No earrings or necklaces.
Hair must be off the ears and collar. No rat tails.
Shoes must maintain nice appearance.
Ladies Code Of Conduct:
It is not too much for us to ask that you
dress like a Christian. These are not suggestions these will be strictly enforced.
Dress clothes are requested for evening services: dresses or skirts.
Modest clothing is loose fitting clothing that covers all skin from the knee to the shoulders.
No sun dresses with narrow straps or low necklines or low backs.
Modest loose fitting tops, blouses, skirts and skirt-type culottes.
No shorts, miniskirts, or pants of any kind.
Skirts, dresses, and culottes must touch the floor when kneeling.
No slits above the knee.
Modest one-piece bathing suits.
No sleeveless tops.
No mod or faddish style clothing.
Does this not say that to dress otherwise is to dress
unlike a Christian? Like it or not, this makes adherence to the
stated standards a measure of one's spiritual condition.