I was struck by this verse a couple of days ago:
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor 3v6).
It just tied in with my thoughts around externals and being outwardly noticed as a Christian. Symbolism and unwritten rules or expectations can be dangerous. It may well be that a way of dress or some outward attire is the ‘norm’ within a certain church group, or a code of conduct which has just ‘always been done that way’, has continued and been expected of the next generation who cannot link it to any particular scripture and start to question it.
Rather than berate or point out negatives, it’s surely more beneficial to focus on the positive, which to me in blatantly clear … the life giving Spirit! In complete contrast to the letter … the law … the unspoken rules that demand much and may seek to force you into a mould of conformity, … the spirit brings life … liberty and freedom to express and exist in the wonderful uniqueness of being you! And yes that may mean you look and dress completely different to everyone else at your church; it may mean some of your choices are frowned upon by others as you seek to flourish in the freedom found through grace; the conservative boundaries around the preserved comfortable traditions may well be pushed and cause anxiety for some … but isn’t that the beauty of liberty in Christ and a very part of what God created? Diversity through creation and the freedom to flourish … so full of vibrant, colourful and exciting life. Differences bring harmony … if everyone were to sing and only use the same single note, where would be the life and joy of melody and symphony?
Let us be slow to judge and quick to celebrate our differences; to encourage one another to seek life … Spirit led life … if we do, then you can be sure we’ll all be on the same page, pursuing God’s truth, … each one of us unique, beautiful notes in the creators musical masterpiece. Live in harmony (and sing it too)!
Ingrid x
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