Quote:
Originally Posted by Theophilus
unconventional,
I didn't word that correctly. I by no means meant for you to "imitate" a more conventional life style, but rather for you to change your life style to something more conventional.
The differance is that changing ones lifestyle comes from the heart and is reflected in ones actions.
Where as faking it is mearly pretence of a changed heart and a deception, acting like one has changed.
A fine line to be sure but a most important one when it comes to fellowshiping and having relationships with followers of Christ Jesus.
Sincerely
His
Cliff.
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Cliff,
Thank you for your clarification, but it still presents the same problem: I am who I am for a reason. I chose the screen name "Unconventional" from the idea that I am different from most fundamentalist Christians.
Yes, I am a fundamentalist in terms of doctrine. I was raised to believe in Southern Baptist theology, but it never made sense to me that rock music, playing cards, dancing, or any of that was unholy, because I never read any of that in Scripture. The verses that they used to try to convince me of that were twisted out of context and frankly didn't hold any water. I'm a fundamentalist who listens to rock music, and on the little things (i.e., methods of baptism), I'd rather focus on more important issues (like winning souls to Christ and changing their behavior as Christ leads them).
That is why I call myself Unconventional. I was never closer to God than when I left denominations behind and asked the Lord to crush the foundations I had been raised on. I did that so that He might rebuild them as He wished, instead of allowing a man or an organization to shape and build an unnecessary foundation.
In terms of confidence, I've been asking the Lord to make me more like Joshua: strong and courageous. I've asked Him to take away those things that make me feel insecure, and to heal the scars I've avoided healing until now. I have also been taking a more aggressive approach to dealing with people. If I believe that I'm right, I used to nod my head in agreement with someone I disagreed with, just to avoid an argument. Now I am more open to disagreeing with someone, and dealing with their aggravation and shock when they realize that someone isn't going to bend over backwards to make them comfortable.
I've also stood up to my father more. I was a very submissive child, because I was afraid of my father. As a child, if I said something he didn't want to hear, he'd tell me to be quiet. I would do so, whether I thought I was right or not. Now, if I believe that I'm right and he tells me to be quiet, I respectfully but firmly tell him that I am no longer in his house, and though I respect him as a person, I have a right to be heard.
Thirdly, I've taken it upon myself to change some of the music I listen to. I used to listen to a lot of "emo" music that complains about how life is completely horrible. I cleaned all that junk out of my music files, and have started listening to songs about asserting oneself in the world more forcefully. It feels good when I can hold my head up high and actually quietly disagree with someone, and even when I can (as my roommate puts it), "pull the BS flag" on someone when they try to lie to me. Before, I was simply accepting of that.
I've also noticed that others have started to take notice of my sudden surge of confidence, and they asked me where I got it. I told them it was because God gave me a new perspective on life, and being a throw rug isn't written into Scripture. Granted, there's validity to picking your battles, but when it's time to fight, I don't just bring a shield to the battle.