Anybody else have this dilemma ??

nutmeg88 · May 29, 2010

I don’t fit into the good Christian girl stereotype, never have, and yet I know, I’m going strong with God. Just want to see if there is anyone out there who refuses to fit in to the stereotypes dealt down to us by religious ‘elders’ ..
For example, I smoke, have some tattoos, like sex and have no problem talking about it although yes believe its meant for marriage. I like to drink, but yes I know getting drunk is unwise and its a state I tend to avoid. Also I sware a little bit lol, I know bad megan !! But the way I figure is that Jesus called people Fools and back in the day that was kinda like swearing. The thing I love about Jesus is that he was never this pansy core man that he's portrayed to be, he was intense, extreme and the greatest rebel of his time. He was hardcore lol.
Now I'm perfectly ok with all of this, I believe that God has created me this way for a very good reason but I just wanted to see if there are other people out there who arnt your typical christian boy or girl..

Sharp · May 29, 2010

Have a look at this video.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cncEhCvrVgQ[/video]

inconditus · May 29, 2010

well ill strat by saying that i myself am far from perfect in any aspect but the cussing i feel personally is a lack of knowledge of speach i try not to cuss mainly because there are better ways to voice ones thoughts i used to cuss but am trying not to anymore because of the fact that there are better ways to express yourself the sex i have no experience with because i myself am a virgin so i cant exactly have an input into that though i hold sex as sacred and i hold that for someone i can truly and honestly trust which so far hasnt been any girl as of yet but oh well God has a plan for that im sure the drinking i dont feel is wrong as long as you dont allow yourself to make unnecessary decissions while drunk or tipsy as some would say i drink on occassion personally myself though i know im under 21 i just use it to help me get past my insomnia and to help me quiet down the buzzing in my head which kinda goes hand in hand with the insomnia really but oh well the smoking i try to avoid mainly because i want to avoid having the problem of if i do end up falling in love i would rather not have to drop a habbit thats going to be difficult to drop because that can cause undue stress and possable withdrawals so i tend to avoid that though ill admit im addicted to coffee and if someone doesnt like that well that sucks cuz mochas taste good =] i think i covered the things i read if not then im only human and i missed a few things all of these are just my opinion on things though and ill apologize now for my lengthly typing i tend to do that when i get going about things in some form of written format talking in person i usually avoid or just get right to the point so i can go back to silence because i dont like the sound of my own voice

zeroturbulence · May 29, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

Yes, I will never be a sterotypical christian and I am feeling more and more like I dont fit in. Up until 5 years ago I lived a secular life. I tried to get into christian music but most of it just doesnt do it for me, with the exception of Darlene Zsech's music whom I had the pleasure of seeing perform live. Maybe its because I've been a drummer for more than 20 years and grew up playing rock n roll and have been in a few bands. I will always have an appreciation for secular things like automotive technology, the stock market, secular movies, medical science concerning fitness and nutrition, airplanes and aviation, etc...

I had a strong conversion, I read scripture everyday, I've seen the Lord working in my life in amazing ways, but I dont think my personal tastes will ever change (hey that rhymed!), and if it alienates me from a lot of christians then I guess I have to live with that fact.

sportygirl · May 29, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

Me and all my friends dont fit into a typical christian stereotype and were all fine with that. I mean i have friends that smoke (not drugs though) and some that drink, and some that have tattoos. THe sex part I cant agree wtih that, I mean yes we say thats what she said jokes and get that kind of humor, but we dont talk about how we like sex. cause most of us are waiting for marriage. And the swearing IDK I do it, but idk if its right.

zeroturbulence · May 29, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

Oh I want to add that I will never judge you or anyone else because they have tatoos or drink or whatever. We are all imperfect and God knows exactly how and why we are who we are and as far as Im concerned, those things are between that person and God, and not for me to judge.

lightbliss · May 29, 2010

Christians are called to be holy, to set the standard, we're not to be like everyone else.

And it's not a "stereotype," it's what God/Christ expects of us, to live according to His Word not our wants. Those who don't follow God's/Christ's Word, aren't Christians, they're just "believers."

You have to ask, if you didn't tell someone that you are a Christian, would they just know you are or would they think you were the farthest person from Christ? A luke-warm "Christian"?

1 Thessalonians 4:7
For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Matthew · May 29, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

Without addressing specific points I'll say I agree that you're on the right track, one thing to take note of is people trying too hard to be perfect as christians, it strikes me that some people have forgotten that down here perfection is always beyond us so the threads on here talking about tattoos and smoking with lines and lines of scripture presented to show that it's all wrong really are a waste of time.

We cannot ever be beyond small failings and so it's not productive in any way to try and put a stop to them all.
It's all too easy to become a perfectionist when it comes to living as a true christian, to me a true christian is someone who is always trying, not always succeeding, although that doesn't seem a popular view.

nutmeg88 · May 29, 2010

Thanks for the replies, but to clear a few things up. I know that drinking, having tattoo's and smoking is NOT a sin. Anybody who thinks so needs to go back and read there bible properly. I use to try so hard to fit in to the 'good little Christian girl' type until I found that God created us differently for a reason. Just because I have tattoos or I am the way I am, it doesn’t make me any less 'holy' or 'righteous' than anybody else.

God doesn’t care so much about the outside anymore, its the heart that he's concerned with. And I'm not a virgin, wish I was, but at the start I never really had much choice in the matter and when something like that is taken away from you, it becomes easy to give it away. It wasn’t until God showed me how much he values every part of me including my body that I was able to find the strength to resist that sort of temptation, but I have no problem telling people that sex is great (well not all sex, some is terrible lol, but for the most part it is great, but its also something that shouldn’t be abused and used outside of marriage, it will just leave people feeling used and broken).

I firmly believe that if you are walking in a close relationship with God, he will put his finger on those things in your life that need to change. I know for a fact he actually likes my tattoos XD, doesn’t so much like the smoking but I am assured that it isn’t a sin. And as for the drinking, he drank wine when he was on earth, he just has a problem with the drunkenness. And that’s cool with me cause after a few years out in the work I know my limit very well, and stick to it. And just for the record one of my tattoos is a big cross on the underside of my arm, and I get asked about it A LOT, so yes it is very obvious to people that I am a Christian.

nutmeg88 · May 29, 2010

And you do know that Christian was actually a derogatory term use by the Romans to classify the early church as people who BELIEVED in Jesus Christ. So the whole, there's a difference between Christians and believers is crap. And if you truly believe in Jesus your life is going to be changed and you’re going to walk differently anyway, because you cannot truly believe in all he's done and in all he is, and still be the same. And anyone who truly believes would be classified as a Christian.

lightbliss · May 29, 2010

This is how I see it:
When someone is a "Believer," it doesn't mean they chose to follow God/Christ (Christian), it just means that they believe that He exists.

A lot of people are Believers, yet they live their lives however they wish. Like a few recording artists, they always acknowledge God, but if we look at their lifestyle, do we see them living for Christ? Not really.

An "Unbeliever" doesn't believe/is confused about whether God exists or not.

Someone who is "Saved," is a person who has received salvation from God and is a active follower of Christ

nutmeg88 · May 29, 2010

I never said I live how I want to live, I am accountable to God 100%. Just because I'm not like you, doesn’t make me any less of a Christian then you are.

Be afraid I sounded like you when I was 17 lol, and look at me now hehe. Although without the religious self righteousness I'm a lot better off, and a much more effective Christian..

And your Christian jargon makes no difference, you have to believe to be saved and then you'll be classified as a Christian, it’s pretty simple really.

Stand_Up_4_God · May 29, 2010

Nutmeg,I have tattoos myself, I have 4 as of now. You're right those things aren't a sin. Drinking isn't a sin, but being drunk is. There's a difference though and I wish others would understand that. I don't drink personally, but that's my choice. I don't smoke either, I use to for a short time, but then I was like blah forget this. Anyhow,I didn't fit in anyways before I got my tattoos, and now that I have them, it's really no different I suppose...in a way I guess it is, I actually have more respect it seems. See the church I attend and am a member of, oh man they use to preach against them, mind you the pastor has lots of them. Anyhow, after I got mine,and they're very visible, they have taken note that I still worship,love,serve, etc. God all the same. In fact I've grown so much in the Lord. They realize wow it doesn't effect you. I've had many of the elders come to me and hug me, saying they wish they knew what I do when they were my age, they see how God has used, spoken to, and changed me. It's amazing! However, I still don't have friends here. I have a few, as I met someone on this site that lives a few minutes from me. Then I have the man God put in my life, that's it. I'm a total outcast, but that's okay! God's word says what profiteth a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? I don't want to lose my soul, so I'm more than glad to give up the world, worldly people, and things like that. I'm proud to be a child of God. There's so much I could say on this, but I've ranted enough lol so I'll stop for now, but know this sister, you are not alone. I'll keep you in prayer, and God bless! Oh a tip: do NOT let others get to you, that's nothing more than the enemy attacking. The sex thing, I'm not in on that, I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, etc. what others do is their choice, and I'll just let the Lord deal with them as He sees fit.

Maddog · May 29, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

You're right. There's no point getting bogged down trying to fit into cliques by conforming to arbitrary cultural standards found within certain Christian circles. Avoid sin, love God and seek Him always, and you should do fine.

A friend once told me, the ideal balance is to be 'too Christian for the world, but too worldly for the Christians'. He meant that while we need to follow God, we also need to be effective and accessible to those who don't know Christ. For example, share a few drinks and smokes with your friends, whilst setting the good example of moderation.

nutmeg88 · May 30, 2010

It’s really great to hear what sort of response this post has gotten. And I really appreciate everybody taking the time to respond (even the ones who I don’t necessarily agree with

. Not that the post is closing ext I just wanted to throw some love out there lol *hugs you all*. And a special shout out to Maddog who seems to get where I'm comming from

lightbliss · May 30, 2010

This has been on my mind and it has took me some time (ha that rhymes, yes? no? maybe?), but I initially misunderstood your post.

I wasn't trying to make anyone feel bad, I had a different thought but it was coming from the same place. Sorry if I came off harsh

Romans 10:10
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

God Bless all and peace

JMans1187 · May 30, 2010

I am the perfect Christian!!!
I have tattoos and peircings, I am pregnant with my 3rd child and not married, I am a recovering drug addict, I swear here and there! I am a sinner!! But guess what?! God loved me then and he still loves me now! He took me as the sinner I was and still am! I walk the path of Christ, and yes people would know I am a christian, it's not about little sins we do that make us "luke warm christians" cause NEWS FLASH WE ALL SIN!!, it's about the things we do to show people that Jesus Paid It All!!

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Watch this video! At the end what does Christ do? He carries all our sins!!!
YouTube - Set me Free Drama:

sportygirl · May 30, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

Thanks for the replies, but to clear a few things up. I know that drinking, having tattoo's and smoking is NOT a sin. Anybody who thinks so needs to go back and read there bible properly. I use to try so hard to fit in to the 'good little Christian girl' type until I found that God created us differently for a reason. Just because I have tattoos or I am the way I am, it doesn’t make me any less 'holy' or 'righteous' than anybody else.

God doesn’t care so much about the outside anymore, its the heart that he's concerned with. And I'm not a virgin, wish I was, but at the start I never really had much choice in the matter and when something like that is taken away from you, it becomes easy to give it away. It wasn’t until God showed me how much he values every part of me including my body that I was able to find the strength to resist that sort of temptation, but I have no problem telling people that sex is great (well not all sex, some is terrible lol, but for the most part it is great, but its also something that shouldn’t be abused and used outside of marriage, it will just leave people feeling used and broken).

I firmly believe that if you are walking in a close relationship with God, he will put his finger on those things in your life that need to change. I know for a fact he actually likes my tattoos XD, doesn’t so much like the smoking but I am assured that it isn’t a sin. And as for the drinking, he drank wine when he was on earth, he just has a problem with the drunkenness. And that’s cool with me cause after a few years out in the work I know my limit very well, and stick to it. And just for the record one of my tattoos is a big cross on the underside of my arm, and I get asked about it A LOT, so yes it is very obvious to people that I am a Christian.

Thank you for adding that it shouldnt be abused outside of the relationship. THat was the only part I found fault with, and I guess I have seen people who in their christian walks find sex to be ok and not something mean to be saved for marriage.

kiwi_OT · May 30, 2010

nutmeg88 said:

Ahh yes, I was you a couple of years ago. Im changed somewhat but that is not because I conformed to the church female type.
For one thing there is absolutely nothing wrong with liking sex - just save it. I used to drink but nowadays Ive lessened that a bit cos Im too poor to afford it and I dont exercise enough to burn it off. With the swearing I would work on that if I were you. What comes out of the mouth tells you whats in the heart. I used to have a swearing problem but I started replacing the nasty ones with funny sayings like "Great beard of Zeus!" or "By the hammer of Thor!" lol. Watch some Will Ferrel movies and you get plenty of ideas lol. Then once youve replaced those words just work on saying them less often. These days swearing is a popularity thing, you do it cos everyone else is and cos its most often used with humor innappropriately. Do the people you hang out with swear alot?

I agree with you about the hardcoreness of Jesus. Most people think he was a pansy, but I think he was the perfect example of a loving caring man who loved children, yet grew up as a hard working carpenter who wasnt afraid to use strong language (not swearing though) and spend a night making a whip for beating up merchants the next day

Lyndies · Jun 2, 2010

I think that God knows the answers. The end. I mean, don't try to fit in with people's ideas of who you should be for God--listen to Him!

Anybody else have this dilemma ??

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