Subject: Isn't this like church? |
Bible Note: My brother, I understand. I have been in the church a long time, and I understand. I once invited a brother to my house, and the first thing out of his mouth was to point out a crack in my ceiling. I once had a sister suggest a college I could go to. That was before she found out I was a professor at the university. And it was not after she had given me a chance to read or write, or even speak. That is the way it is. I understand, but I keep hoping we will learn. At the risk of sounding condescending I will even speak. Jesus sent out his disciples and he told them (Luke 10:8) “Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you”. I learned from that that it is not his will that we criticize the home that welcomes us. Eat what is set before you. I take that to mean that you accept the layout of the rooms, and the color of the carpet and even the meat that you don’t like best. Of course, if you are an architect or a home decorator, or a chef, and if your host asks your opinion, then you give your criticisms. I do not say this is good manners, I say we should do it because that’s what Jesus said. Eat quietly. What if the house or the meal is against your religion? Paul speaks. 1 Corinthians 10:25. “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake”. And now I hope I do not earn the fame or infamy of condescension, but I assumed that people knew these things. I happen to like my site a lot. It may shock you to know that I think it is the best on the Internet. But that’s the way it can be with a man’s home. He likes it because he knows where to find what he needs. Anyone entering it is at a loss and must make himself at home, learning bit by bit. Criticism I welcome because I want my visitors to feel welcome, but we must also be wise, and kind. I visit many sites I do not like. Some have things that I consider wrong. When I stay long, and feel at home, I may even offer a suggestion. For example, I would even donate an index to this site. But mostly I have learned to “take forth the precious from the vile” and move on. Since you loved me enough to offer some advice, can I in turn offer you some? Let us move on. Your apology is accepted an on this matter no more needs to be said. In a strange way I feel all this is related to the topic of practical sanctification, to which I hope we can return. |