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Working, socialising with unbelievers

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Deborah-Leigh:
Lacey 23

--- Quote ---Pride fuels judgmental attitudes.
--- End quote ---

That is so true. As I begin to see the lawlessness in the world and the total hardness of those who care only for themselves, it rigorously tests me to understand that I live among a perverse and corrupt generation as in the days of Noah. This does challenge me to judge if I am being proud minded, holier than thou but then I think no....the disgust, despair, frustration and pain I feel shows me what is going on inside of ME. Then I see ME and the only thing I know then is without Jesus Christ I am wretched as the corruption that turns my stomach, snarls up my feelings and spits me out.

It is truly by Grace then that I can see I need to go to Jesus and prove to HIM that the fuel of my disdain for evil that snares me to resistance, is PRIDE!....Then by Grace I see that I fail, am weak and liable to temptations and He cauaes me to repent.

What a finale to the generation that will see the return of Christ....It will only get darker in this world until He returns.  There is so much wisdom in the teachings of Gods Sovereignty and that all is happening exactly as it should.

Peace be to you

Arcturus :)

YellowStone:
Hi Lacy,

That is the most precious post that I have read in a long time :)

You wrote: "Arrogance is perhaps the most socially acceptable form of sin in the church today. " and I could not agree more. Arrogance is fueled by ignorance and ignorance by leaning on ones own understanding in stead of trusting in God and no other.

You spoke of a "very spiritual' woman an how her words denied her. Well I know a very spiritual person who can no longer abide by the hypocracy of the church. Yet I see her as spiritullay complete as any I know. Perhaps not in words, but in fruits of the spirit.

I have said this before, but what better example of the Spirit and it's fruits can be found than the bond shared and cultivated between friends.

Great post. :)

Love,
Darren

indianabob:
11/7/2007
Dear Nancy,

You have my sincere sympathy regarding the feelings you experience.  It is good to be appreciated by the customers that you serve and to go home at the end of the day fulfilled and content that you have earned your wages.  If you do feel a little uncomfortable with the swearing and even a little guilty for remaining in that job, perhaps you could begin to search for a similar job with a different set of customers and staff.  You may not find a good alternative immediately, but God is patient and if you pray and meditate on your sincere desire for a positive change in your employment, new opportunities may come your way.

Regarding judgment of other people, it is good to define terms very carefully.  We make judgments every day concerning our diet, the clothing we wear and the people we trust with our children.  Judgment is not wrong.  In fact not making wise judgment and leaving our children in the care of irresponsible people can be a sin.  Visiting a 'supper club' with friends and then allowing yourself to ride home with a drunk driver, can be a sin.  We all have obligations to ourselves and to our family to live carefully and maintain our ability to protect our family.  What kind of parent allows their child to suffer just because a friend wants us to live dangerously?  This is just an example and not about me or you.

Regarding the people that you mix with.  It is not all about happiness, but if it was then perhaps we could find other friends to share our happiness in a safe and responsible manner.  I do recall that it is hard to make new friends when a person moves to a new home or to a new job.  That is why we need to really make friends with our Lord Jesus; he is one we can always trust no matter what choices we may make along the way. Social friends can leave us and disappoint us, but God is dependable.

You are correct in my opinion that every conversation doen't have to be spiritual, even between friends.  We can be very patient with friends who do not understand where the spirit of God is leading us.  The most important consideration is that we are not required to change our friends or even our relatives.  God alone can change people and it is often a mistake to even try to correct friends unless they demand our help. 

Most times when a friend asks about our beliefs it is just human curiousity, nothing more.  Even when they are very nice to us and listen to our explanation of our journey with God, it usually is just being friendly and not a true interest in changing their beliefs or their private lifestyle.  Our task in serving God is to live as an example among our friends and co-workers.  They will see the difference after a few months and some will stop swearing around us while others will not change any of their habits.  This is normal, our job is NOT to change people.  However, we can make righteous judgments and decide that we don't want to continue doing the things we have always done.  We can examine ourselves, our habits and judge that we should change or improve for the better.

Finally, deciding to live God's way and to obey God in our daily lives, is not easy.  It can be quite simple, but not easy.  If it was easy, anyone could do it.  But we know that obeying God requires added strength from God's spirit, it requires drawing close to God so that we can talk with Him and receive counsel from Him through Bible reading, meditation and the quiet voice in our mind that leads us to want to obey.  God's calling is a gift and most people do not receive that calling at this time in their lives.  Why is that?  In my understanding it is because God knows what is best for each individual and how each individual will respond to His calling, but even more than that is it because God is in charge and His will shall be done whether we are ready or not.

My advice would be to just relax and let God work with you as He sees fit.  Don't worry that God is calling you and you do not yet understand.  Giving you understanding is God's responsibility and He will work patiently with you in a manner that is best for you and for His work in the earth at this time.

If I have missed any of your questions please write again.

Thank you for sharing your needs with us, it helps us to grow in grace and fellowship.

Warm regards, indianabob

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