I just heard a talk on “respectable” sins. When we do things that are condoned or expected by society but that are contrary to God’s Law.
We’ve been talking about dressing modestly in church, for example. But society might be pushing certain styles (nothing new, by the way). Last Sunday we had a young acolyte, girl, maybe high school freshman (I’m too old to be able to judge ages that well, now), wearing those ultra short jeans shorts. Why? Probably never entered her mind–or her mother’s–about respect, humbleness, appropriateness. It’s the style.
My wife would say that the styles are driven by men perpetrating evil on women. But my observations and those of others I trust suggest that women mostly dress to fit in with and impress their peer group of other women. It’s society.
Heck, we’ve had a male worship leader who appears with tattered jeans and bare foot to lead worship. I’m the last one to suggest suit and tie–but I wonder what society he’s trying to fit in with.
That’s all mild to other things we do. In the guise of “caring” about others and rather than just praying for a brother or sister, we’ve got to learn more about the illness or life situation. We’ve got to ask more about it, talk about it with others. Where does caring end and gossiping begin? Tough to know.
Paul knew. In several places he talks about not going your own way if it might hurt someone else.
It’s worth stopping occasionally to reflect on what we’re saying or doing or how we’re dressing or how we’re acting–is it society or is it God’s Law?
Faith Venture 
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