|
January - February 1999 The Sabbath Sentinel
Yellow Pencils -R- Us!
June Narber Harrison
As a body of believers, we in the Sabbath community come
in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds.
However, we often end up expecting everyone in our
circle of faith to act alike, think alike, and most of
all, to LOOK alike.
God Created variety in Our World
Our creator made an incredibly diverse world. Tens of
thousands of varieties of mammals, birds, amphibians,
reptiles, birds, ocean creatures, and insects (not to
mention the other subdivisions of creatures) roam the
earth. With so much variety in nature, is it any wonder
that God made diversity among humans, the only living
creature made in the image of God himself? Often in the
church, we find ourselves judging someone if they look
different, act different, or come from a background that
we may not personally understand.
AC Students Called "Yellow Pencils"
We used to joke at Ambassador College and call ourselves
"yellow pencils," as we had to dress conservatively, men
had similar hair cuts, no women wore makeup (in those
days), and so forth. Was all of that really necessary in
order to be true followers of Jesus Christ? I don't
think it was. Today, we live in a multi-cultural
society. Perhaps in the not so distant future, God is
going to start calling more and more people into His
truth. Among these, will be people that we see few of in
the "church" today.
Are We Judged On Dress and Looks, Rather Than On Character?
Consider for a moment, how the church would change if
more young people, all of a sudden, came into it? What
would happen if several high ranking "corporate types"
walked through our doors? What if a supermodel came to
church? What would happen if anyone "different" from the
working class came into our midst? Would they be
treated well? Consider for a moment how people in YOUR
area have been treated. If a person has their hair a
little too long, or a little too short, are they
immediately singled out as a gossip topic and labeled as
not being "Christian"?
In my observations, the two most judged areas in the
Churches of God, include women (in all regards:
clothing, makeup, their "appointed" role via career,
family), and the possession of money and/or the college
educated. For example, if a woman wears a little
brighter makeup than you are used to, do you think
"daughter of Jezebel?" In one church I am familiar with,
the ministers will not allow women to come to services
unless they have dresses or skirts on, no slacks are
allowed.
Should We Base Character on Our Own Dress Codes?
The reason is that slacks are considered a man's
clothing garment. Let's evaluate this example. Clothing
styles are a culturally defined phenomenon. In ancient
Israel, males wore robes. Technically speaking then,
skirts were originally a man's "garment." We cannot add
additional laws to God's word, in order to legislate how
a person is to dress. If we do, we are no better that
the Pharisees!
Modesty is always the main objective. If someone is
dressing with half of their body exposed (the parts that
generate sexual excitement), some one of the same gender
should take this person aside in private and talk to
them.
Are Gems and Jewelry to be Left Buried in the Earth, or Worn?
Another common subject is the use of jewelry. Anyone can
make the Bible say anything they want it to say, if they
take a couple of verses out of context. God created
gorgeous gems and rocks in a variety of colors and
textures. Gems are most beautiful when cut so they can
reflect the light. They show some of God's most
incredible artistic work in the Creation. If we are not
supposed to wear them, what are we supposed to do with
them? Would God have us leave them buried deep in the
Earth?
If so, why did he create them to be so gorgeous when
cut? If a supposed rule of God does not measure up to
common sense, we need to make sure that we have the rule
right.
I do not believe it is a sin to wear jewelry; only if
such things become an icon to us; and that is by far in
the minority of cases. There is little difference in
decorating our own "selves" verses decorating our homes.
For example, I could dress in pastel pink from head to
toe (including pink gem jewelry) or have every square
inch of my house done in pink: what is the difference?
It is a matter of beauty and personal creativity, and of
personal expression of the individual. There is nothing
sinful in any of this. Some examples might show a person
has little cultural taste or flair for color or a sense
of matching, but it does not constitute SIN, the
breaking of one of God's spiritual laws.
Must You be Poor to be Rich In Character With God
Consider the subject of money. Many people translate the
scriptures to read, "Money is the root of all evil". I
hear brethren saying that God only calls poor people
now, the weak of the earth, because they are the only
ones He wants. Excuse me? Are these people not adding
additional words to a scripture to twist it to fit their
personal rendition? Such an idea would make a poor
person feel really good about themselves, but God is not
a respecter of persons.
There are examples in the Old and New Covenants of very
rich people and very poor people, all of whom worshipped
God in fear and trembling, and who will be part of the
first resurrection.
Open Hostility Toward the Educated Brethren
Another area that always has mystified me is the open
hostility in the church toward those who are
educated. It appears as though this generation of God's
church as reversed the discriminations found in
society. If this is truly the case, we are NOT using
God's Holy Spirit properly, or at all in these
cases. Just because some one has a selfish view point
they hold in order to exalt themselves and personal
"life circumstance", does not make their situation the
godly ideal. We should respect and appreciate all
individuals, regardless of education or background. The
more experience and education individuals have, the
better equipped they will be to serve in the future.
Keeping Material Things and Personal Opinions in Balance
Makeup, clothing, jewelry, money-all of these things
must be individually balanced in the Christian's daily
walk with God. The brotherhood of believers is comprised
of the rich and the poor, male and female, the brilliant
and the ignorant, and many shades of color. We must not
judge those that are different from us in worldly
possessions, physical attire, or professionally. We
should only be concerned when the subject at hand is a
matter of sin, the breaking of one of God's Ten
Commandments.
The last time I checked, there were still only Ten
Commandments. Some times I have wondered if there was
not an Eleventh Commandment that said, "Thou women shall
submit in all things", and a Twelfth Commandment that
said, "Thou must be poor, blind, and ignorant in order
to follow me"; but as we all know, this is not the case.
Learn to Love Each Other's Uniqueness and Individuality
Yellow pencils have their purpose. They are instruments
to be written with. However, God's creation is an
incredibly diverse and complex thing. We should not
attempt to destroy the individuality and the uniqueness
of each other by trying to mold each other into our "own
image". Instead, we should learn from each other,
improving on our strengths, and casting our weaknesses
aside.
Develop Yourself Into the Best You Can Be!
We should be industrious, developing our talents in fear
before God. So what if a talent comes wrapped in a human
package we might not expect? Most of all, we should
appreciate the talent, intelligence, and gifts of
others. Maybe we judge others out of jealousy,
especially if they have more money than we do; or they
are obviously more talented or even physically
attractive. So what? Learn to develop yourself into the
best you can be!
Becoming a Mature Christian Is a Lifelong Process
I can assure you that right now, you are NOT the best
that you can be. Becoming mature and perfected in
spiritual character is a lifelong process! Perhaps we
judge others based on physical things because only by
chopping someone else down below our level, can we keep
our self esteem high. If any of this ring true in regard
to your own behavior or attitudes, it is time to break
the yellow pencil mentality and learn that individuality
and diversity are among the greatest gifts we have
received as a human being made in the image of God.
Apply God's Way of Life
We must develop God's character and apply HIS way of
life to our own individual and unique lives. This way,
every sector of society can be penetrated by the light
of God's way of life. There is such great beauty in each
of us. Open up your eyes a little more and see the
beauty around you. (By the way, pencils now come
in a variety of colors).
June Narber Harrison, a Director of the BSA, can be
reached at ejnarber@mindspring.com
TSS
January - February 1999 The Sabbath Sentinel
|