If we should be "all things to all people," shouldn't we try to find a very
neutral way of dressing? Or should we have a very diverse wardrobe we can
choose from on various occasions? Is there a distinctively Christian way of
dress? Should we wear Chrisitian t-shirts? Do they communicate the right
things to non-believers? Did Jesus advertise His message on his robe? If
our dress puts off some people, shouldn't we try to dress differently --
just in case it may make a difference in impacting someone for the Lord?
Bob
On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:31 AM, Robert Johnson <
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 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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