Here's the comment I would try to make. It sounds like others made it
well. Sometimes the way you choose to dress is an expression of who you are
-- and who you are can be used powerfully for the Lord. A more rugged,
skater, snowboarder type ("X-person" for short) will be more effective in
building friendships with others with other X-people. And friendships are
an effective way to influence people for the Lord. Obviously non-Christians
don't love Jesus, so we can't build friendships with them based on that
commonality. So we need to have more surface things in common with them if
we are to get into their lives and influence them. Sometimes our dress
communicates "I'm like you." In Jim's case, as an X-person who dresses like
one, naturally, he'd be a perfect fit for building friendship with kids
interested in skating. I think his dress could only help him in that
endeavor, and those of us who might be inclined to think he looks trashy to
the point we would criticize him, may have our priorities in the wrong
order. If that's who he is, and his do-rag and skater garb is an expression
of who he is, God can use his self-expression for His glory, which is much
more important than "good taste."
With that said, those of us who are not X-people can reach others who have
things in common with us. For example, I have an easy time talking to
students who care a great deal about their grades and athletes who have
their minds set on excelling on the baseball field and basketball court. I
dress like nerd at times, and like an athlete at times. That's who I am.
And those are the sorts of people who gravitate towards me. For all I know,
people may have a problem with my dress. And if they do, all I can say is
it is an expression of who I am -- and God can use me "Just as I am."
At least that's my take.
Bobby
On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:04 AM, Rob L. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> In discussing James 4:12 last week I was trying to make a point that
> if we don't obey a law because we think it is silly we are judging
> that law. I initially used some driving laws to make my point (a
> speed limit set to low e.g.) but turned to biblical laws. First let
> me say that I don't think any of God's laws are silly and believe He
> has a reason for whatever directives He has set - I was trying to stir
> up some conversation about why we dismiss some scripture and obey
> other parts - i.e. are we guilty of judging the law.... I threw out a
> comment about a friend of all of ours wearing a "do-rag" in church and
> how as an old-school type church person I didn't particularly care for
> it; but I acknowledged it seemed like a silly thing to make an issue
> of even though I know there is some scriptural support for my
> opinion. WELL!! let me tell you, this opened a can of worms about
> reaching out to people, and not judging, and freedom in Christ, and
> all manner of objection and I ended up talking myself into a corner.
> If you don't know I'm referring to Jim Joyce, and I have related to
> Jim that he was the object of our discussion and it was as a learning
> point rather than a protest or complaint. I don't want to come across
> as gossiping behind Jim's back or anything. The objections were
> specifically that Jim is reaching out to skaters in the community as
> part as his ministry to youth and if dressing like them helps them
> feel more comfortable in a church environment and ultimately brings
> young people to Christ then who am I to get all "pharisee" on him.
> It troubled me enough to come back to the issue yesterday and actually
> we spent the whole class discussing this linked article -
> http://www.ctlibrary.com/le/1998/spring/8l2054.html
> It kind of reminded me of the whole "dancing" issue so I thought you
> guys might find it interesting. In reading it I would encourage you
> to see the baseball caps as a metaphor for whatever postmodern
> behavior you think is relevant. Some scripture we referenced included
> 1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 11. I have more to add regarding my
> own opinions but as always I'd like to see you'alls thoughts before I
> inject my own bias (anymore than I already have...)
>
> Rob
> >
>
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