| Author | Message | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 372 Registered: 6-2005 |
A group of us ladies, formers, went to a women's retreat this weekend-- we had an awesome time! Some adventist friends came to the retreat as well. I was nervous beforehand, and asked for prayer, so that I would not be self-consious in speech or worship and praise, around the SDA's. I was not. I simply could not minimize what Jesus means to me, so thanks for those who prayed. It occured to me that I spent the first half of my life exaggerating my level of spiritual commitiment and love for God. I do not wish to spend the 2nd half of my life downplaying my spiritual fervor, love for God, around those who are uncomfortable. I looked up hypocrite on dictionary.com: ... a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements. Guilty óSynonyms deceiver, dissembler, pretender, pharisee. ouch! Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) noun a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives. Ouch again. (me when I was still trying to stay an adventist, and no longer held to the adventist beliefs) Anyone relate? | ||
| Injured Registered user Username: Injured Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2007 |
I believe hypocrisy is opposite to spirituality because spirituality is wholeness. hypocrites are divided in two and serve to two gods. People die because they don't have the wholeness. I also believe if I'l be straight before God and people and even make a mistake God will put me on right way or correct me | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 511 Registered: 6-2006  |
Lori, you said "It occured to me that I spent the first half of my life exaggerating my level of spiritual commitiment and love for God." WOW! That really stood out to me. I see where many in my Adventist family tend to "exaggerate their levels of spiritual commitment" but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't guilty of doing that myself, even though I'm a "never-been". I'm sure many of us wretches are guilty of that at times in our lives. This is a great thread! Hi Injured! Welcome. Your comments are very insightful. You're right, hypocrites are divided in two and serve two gods. I've never thought about it in those terms. Please share your story with us when you're ready. I look forward to reading more from you!  Leigh Anne | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 556 Registered: 4-2006  |
Hi there Injured! Welcome! Hope you will enjoy posting here and that you will benefit very much from it. Can't wait to hear more from and about you. In Jesus, Martin | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5637 Registered: 12-2003  |
Welcome, Injured. We'd love to hear your story. Your screen name suggest you have an interesting story! I believe you're right about God correcting us when we are honest before Him. If we are willing to know and internalize truth, He will lead us to Himself. I would make one comment about spirituality, however. There are different "kinds" of spirituality, and they all claim to offer wholeness. Only in Christ does one find wholeness. I like your phrase about serving two gods, though! Lori, what an insightful comment about exaggerating one's level of spiritual commitment. Wowósometimes I think I've even privately exaggerated my commitment just to myself. Sometimes I think "spirituality" is an assumed identity that people wear like a new dress (well, or a new suit...). Colleen | ||
| Snowboardingmom Registered user Username: Snowboardingmom Post Number: 258 Registered: 11-2005 |
Lori - Yes, I can definitely relate. More in the aspect of "fooling myself" just for sanity sake. If I could say it enough to myself, then maybe I could convince myself that my spiritual commitment was deep. And if I could convince myself, then maybe I could actually live without the fear of not making it to heaven. The problem was, that like a pharisee, the only way I could measure my level of spiritual commitment was to compare myself with others. Since I've truly come to know Jesus, I now have a deep assurance that is very real, and I no longer need to judge my status according to other people or even what my mind tells me is the right level of spirituality. I don't have to think about the right "churchy" words to say to convince myself, or worry about feelings I SHOULD be having, but can't really fully experience. Being hidden in Christ, and being changed day to day by His Spirit, gives me a real experience. For the first time, I no longer have to exaggerate or fabricate in my head what God means to me. I KNOW what He means to me! Welcome Injured! Grace | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 648 Registered: 9-2006  |
Hi Injured, I sat thinking about that screen name a moment and I concluded that we all qualify so you must be among friends here!! Look forward to hearing more from you. River | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3530 Registered: 3-2004  |
Hi Injured, Welcome to FAF. When you are ready, please share your journey with Christ with us. The level of spiritual commitment -WOW. That hit home with me at this time. When I have more time I will tell you about it. All I want to say right now is that we have an awesome God. Diana | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 894 Registered: 8-2004  |
Hi Injured, I agree with River. Welcome to the forum!! And Lori, I can so identify with what you shared about overstatements 'before'. What God gives us is so much better and more than what we manufacture ourselves! That was a great weekend. I look forward to getting together again someday soon. And possibly with other former Adventists around here who are currently hiding in the woodwork! Blessings, Mary |
