More on standards...

How do you convey your personal standard to others? Those that see no problem with their standard, and can at least somewhat back it up with some scripture....

The Bible is pretty clear that causing strife among Christians is wrong, its something that God hates. If God hates it, is it a sin? I would certainly think so. OK, so we have that its a sin to cause strife between "brethren".

The problem comes when its time to deal with someone who has a standard that really doesn't seem to be in compliance with scripture.

I see too much of Christians slamming their convictions on other Christians in a very Un-Christlike way, a way that is far from loving, far from what Christ would do, far from Biblical.

But, on the flip side, the Bible also says "be not conformed to this world, but be yea transformed by the renewing of your mind...." Romans 12:2
We definitely should be separate from the ways the world does things. In every way that's not pleasing in His sight. These area's include but are not limited to areas of dress, speech,
personal conduct, music, entertainment.

I'm writing this from a guys perspective, cause that's what I'm familiar with.

Should we dress in the same styles as everyone else? probably not. Is everything that comes and goes in the clothing aspect of life, worldly and wrong? No. I would definitely see it as wrong to dress in a style that looks like you are miserable or hate life. Emo, goth, etc

As a Christian guy, I should dress in a way that causes those little old ladies to come up to the table when we are at a restaurant, and say "what a wonderful looking group of young people" , not causing them to look at me and think "he looks rebellious".

I shouldn't have 2 different ways of speaking, I should use the same rating level no matter who I'm around. I have met many teenage guys that cuss and talk "trash" around each other, to try and seem "cool" to fit in, but then around their parents they have to clean it up, so they don't get in trouble. A Christian guys language should be such that he wouldn't hesitate to say it if he was aware that his parents were watching, much less, God.

When I wonder "would it be OK to do__________?" First and foremost, a Christian guy knows for the most part what is right and whats not right(aka: WRONG) "would I click on that, if I was aware God was standing behind me, watching?"

There is so much scripture to back these things up, if you don't agree, say so, and I'll look up several verses on whatever it is

Music.... "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. "

"1 john 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty clear. In deciding if its something we should listen to we should consider some things.

Is this the "worlds" music? if so, the Bible doesn't get more clear, this is wrong. I was once told by a professing Christian "there's nothing wrong with Britney Spears(music)" No one could honestly argue that this isn't "the worlds" music. This is probably the simplest and most basic thing that's wrong with it.

My issue with "Christian Rock" is that "Rock" part at the end. I admit there is usually nothing WRONG with the words(usually kinda shallow, but nothing really bad about them).
If you do even a little research you will find that rock music is wrong. period, end of story.

How can you in good conscience stick "Christian" lyricks to it, and say that its just fine??

Really, it's done to attract a crowd. To get young people inside. To make money. You can't tell me that if Christian Rock, or CCM wasn't popular, that groups such as Casting Crowns would still be in it. If more conservative music was the "in" thing among Christians these so called "artists" would be producing conservative Christian music instead.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/arts/music/27sann.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1194500451-+aoHBE6JaBw+xknz4xSQYA

I hope I'm able to get these points across somewhat clearly, without being mean, or hateful.