A Balancing Act

I wonder about much. One hears complete opposites about things sometimes and this year I realized that I want absolutes. I want absolute truths. I've brought this up so much and the answer always is: Some things are absolute and others are not, of course with no detailed explanation of WHAT is relative and what is absolute. But perhaps I have my own list of "absolutes" but if my list of "absolute truth" and someone else's list of absolutes is different, doesn't that make it personal, relative truth?

Yeah. I'm great fun at parties. Invite me over sometime. ;-)

The other week I went running/wheezing/jogging with my friend Kris. She's good. I'm not, but she's encouraging and kind to me. We're on the track and realize that a woman had taken off her shirt and was just wearing her bra. It wasn't a sports bra. It wasn't a pretty bra. And she was a pretty large lady.

I was kinda put off by it. (I have already admitted that I'm judgmental in this blog of mine) I'd NEVER do something like that! (but that's a whole different post) I couldn't believe that she'd be on a public track in a park, where jr. high kids were running, as the park shared space with the school, be overweight and only in a regular, ugly bra? No no no! No matter what I looked like I'd never take off my shirt and run around in a bra. I will make an exception for sports bras, but you still won't see ME in one of them.

Later, as I was in conversation it was pointed out to me that who cares? It's a bra. Big deal. I protested that it did not look pretty; she did not look pretty in only her bra. (yes, me.... the "pretty" police.... I know; I make NO SENSE!) To that it was pointed out to me that even more so; it was probably hard for her to get up and go for a walk or run. She'd probably rather be at home, not out exercising yet here she was. She should be applauded and encouraged, not judged or chastised for taking off her shirt because she was hot. (and this was pointed out to me by a guy!)

Ouch. What a drastically different perspective!

Of course, I still have questions. Questions on modesty and stumbling blocks, questions on what is our role in that? The whole "we are free by grace" to do whatever we want and yet.... is that really true? Are we still held accountable? Is there any stipulation or caveat to our freedom? (I do have an opinion on this and some verses to quote)

The sobering part for me is if this freedom or is this law that Im upholding so important that Christ had to die on a cross for it? To purchase or release, am I truly fighting the right battles? Did He purchase my salvation so I could enjoy freedom and eat and drink or wear whatever I want? Or the law side: Am I going to fight over this? is it worth fighting over something like keeping the Sabbath holy while the "grace" camp insists we're not under the law and to enjoy the party and dance in this freedom?

Was this why Christ died? I grew up thinking that he died because he loved me and to atone for my sins. (a "me" thing) But Lately I've been realizing that though it's true.... He did die for me out of love, He really endured the cross to glorify the Father.

So the real question in the grace vs. law debate: Is this giving glory to Him or just creating division?

Soli Deo gloria!

WARNING!!!

Warnings. I think we see this word so much we are immune to it. It's supposed to remind us of danger, of an imminent possible consequence and yet since we see it all the time with little or no consequences, we ignore it. It's lost it's impact. It seems that legally people and companies have to communicate the bad things so we hear these warnings all the time: side effects, imprisonment, fines, health risks, etc.

I tend to be a rule follower but it's hard when there are so many rules; so many warnings. Which ones to heed? Which ones can I not listen to? How many of us have taken more advil than is stated on the bottle? And been just fine?

I think the lines have been a bit blurred and I don't think we realize what is wrong. Is it okay to put music to a slideshow without paying royalties? Is it okay to put music on your website without asking the artist's permission? Is it okay to put a clip on you tube that one altered the words to or added a slideshow or made a video with someone's song without permission? I'm sure there are warnings out there but "everyone does it" with little or no consequences. Plus, it's just exposure for the artist, right? I can think of lots of reasons to justify my actions and choices.

We live in a world of warnings, licensing agreements and a bunch of other stuff we don't even bother to read but agree to, and if we go by the actions of others then it seems that actually everything seems permissible. Everyone clicks on a photo to copy it without the owner's permission. Everyone copies music or puts music to their slideshows. If it's personal use it seemingly doesn't matter, but does it? Does it really matter?

So, what are the warnings you don't heed? Do you copy a CD? Do you use music for a personal slideshow? On your blog? Do you copy photos? Do you think it's okay to do so and that these warnings are designed for a different purpose? Does our actions hurt anyone else? I'd love to know your thoughts because I really wonder about all this stuff. Technically, there's a warning in the opening pages about copyright infringement and I do ponder why it would be wrong to quote a book, author or song. I'm hoping there's another law I'm not aware of that makes it permissible to do so! That is definitely one area I don't heed. What about you?

Achtung, baby!