This past weekend I was able to purchase some new camera equipment, including this 70-200mm lens - I've had way too much fun using it!! As Mom and I were talking about the different settings used on an SLR, she pointed out how we, too, change our behavior, or "settings" depending on our surroundings. Paul did. He said in I Corinthians 9,
19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
A good speaker first takes time to study his or her audience. What do they have in common? Are they young? Old? Religious? Do they have children of their own? What are their professions? What analogies can I give that they will relate to easily?
Changing our "settings" doesn't just apply to what we say, though. I have many friends that have convictions I may not personally share, but often when I am around those people, I choose to put upon myself those more conservative standards to avoid being a stumbling block. We should evaluate our priorities and ask ourselves what's most important. Why let things like music, clothing, jewelry or hair styles get in the way of a friendship that will bear more lasting fruit? It is important to mention here, however, that there is a big difference between hypocrisy and deference. Hypocrisy may be defined as claiming or pretending to have moral standards or beliefs to which one own's behavior does not conform. Deference, however, is a way of showing respect.
Next time you change your shutter speed or aperture, remember our own responsibility as Christians to be flexible to our surroundings.
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offense toward God, and toward men.
Labels: CHARACTER, FRIENDS
Changing our "settings" doesn't just apply to what we say, though. I have many friends that have convictions I may not personally share, but often when I am around those people, I choose to put upon myself those more conservative standards to avoid being a stumbling block. We should evaluate our priorities and ask ourselves what's most important. Why let things like music, clothing, jewelry or hair styles get in the way of a friendship that will bear more lasting fruit? It is important to mention here, however, that there is a big difference between hypocrisy and deference. Hypocrisy may be defined as claiming or pretending to have moral standards or beliefs to which one own's behavior does not conform. Deference, however, is a way of showing respect. 