2007-10-16 12:38:47 · 27 answers · asked by Valerie C 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
SigGirl, How very beauty full !!!
2007-10-16 14:38:13 · update #1
gawd I agree, we trip ouselves up when we are too attached to being 'right' instead of being 'good' to others........I am in love with these answers! .....gawd I adore your avatar
2007-10-16 15:51:03 · update #2
Neophyte, You went straight to my heart with your awesome answer! Wow, thanks to all for such open, cool answerw!
2007-10-17 09:04:33 · update #3
docjp, arrogance IS born of fear, I agree. So is defensiveness.....thanks.....
2007-10-18 16:00:58 · update #4
I have always preferred peace over being right, it gives much more. What is there to defend, Truth is Truth & is not dependent on my belief or acceptance. We are like children here. A child may have a childs understanding of where babies come from, he may even fight with another child who believes differently, yet in the end both will come to know the Truth, & so it is with us. On this level, the ultimate Truth is not something we can comprehend in totality, yet we all see some aspect of it. Yet like children we fight amoung ourselves as to who is right & who is wrong thinking if I can convince you, then I am right. Maybe one day we will realize that it is all of them & none of them, & join together to put the peices of the puzzle together & see the Whole again. Thanks.
(((HUG)))
2007-10-17 03:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
2 possible reasons:
1. Because we expect instant gratification. We'd love to live right, but know that it takes a lot to get there, and we will never quite be "there". Who likes to fail? But fail we will, and fail we must.
2. Desire for the perfect situation. In other words, if I could be in a position to truly make a difference, and shine a light for God that would illuminate many, than I would jump at the chance. We daydream about doing the "big thing", never pausing to think that God is happy in our little ways and actions. Yes - we would love to inspire a nation, but overlook the fact that a kind word to an overworked clerk when we are angry and impatient, standing in a long line, is truly a holy act as well.
This reason hits home with me. I can't be Mother Teresa, but I can try to be nicer. A couple of Christmases ago, I was in a very long line at a store, and the clerk seemed to make every mistake she could possibly make, prices weren't accurate in the register, etc. And the tension was very heavy in the air. Everyone seemed ready to snap, and when I got up to her, I could feel myself opening my mouth to talk with a rude and cold tone.
It took all my effort, but I said something to indicate sympathy for her, and she burst into a smile - I think more in surprise because I know the look I can have when I am angry.
Even the person behind me chimed in. So I helped 2 people out - 3 if I count myself.
It was incredibly hard to do, and the whole opportunity almost passed by me. Such a small thing, but I think God would approve of the act.
While I can't comfort 1000s dying, but I can be nice to people who need a kind word. I just need to remember it when the chance presents itself!
2007-10-16 20:21:29 · answer #2 · answered by SigGirl 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Essentially because the primary role of one who is living the teachings of Christ is to live a life that no one would ever criticize or even take note of as being different. As soon as one "defends" ones beliefs, ones Ego is paramount and "in control" of ones reasoning. This is arrogance born of fear, and fear is alien to the teachings of Christ.
2007-10-16 19:51:12 · answer #3 · answered by docjp 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is actually a wonderful question, and I thank you for asking it. To me the greatest defense for faith is to live in that faith. If I just go around "telling people that they are sinners" and need a Savior without living my life as a saved believer- living into the truth that God can change me, how can I expect anyone to come to believe as I do. The greatest thing is when someone asks me about God, because of the love that I have for them,as opposed to hearing about God without any proof that He has changed me.
2007-10-16 19:45:06 · answer #4 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Things are not always as they seem.
Some people talk a big talk, but if you watch them, they are not walking the walk. I always do my best to walk uprightly for that very reason, so nobody can say that I am hypocritical. Even when I am in not so good of a mood when it is hardest to walk as the Lord would have me to. That is when praying helps. I have to ask Him to help me get through without confrontation for His honor and glory, not mine.
As it is said, "We are the only bible that some people read."
I would like to be known as "being" and "doing" His word. For mine is not to say, but to do.
2007-10-16 22:42:28 · answer #5 · answered by SLoWpoke 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is easier to defend one's beliefs against conflicting values because it is relatively easy to distinguish one's beliefs from those that aren't. However, life is complicated; it can quite difficult to ascertain the best means of applying one's beliefs to all the situations one encounters each and every day.
2007-10-17 11:00:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
classic "defense mechanisms" help to get people through. I've learned not to defend my beliefs anymore. I work hard to live them and they become easier and easier. Defending them is like arguing that the sky is the sky. I just won't do it.
2007-10-16 19:53:09 · answer #7 · answered by rain4him *Stranger In Most Towns 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most people believe what they do because someone told them they should.
They haven't had much time to think or evaluate these issues & ideas - but they've had a whole lot of practice being obediant sheep & acting how they think others want them to.
This is why it's much easier to get all butt-hurt when someone challenges your beliefs than to live by them.
2007-10-16 19:55:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because to say something is right is much easier and requires less commitment than actually following through and living your life that way.
2007-10-16 19:42:47 · answer #9 · answered by Chris 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think its easier to defend because we KNOW what took place for us, and what we should be doing and the promisies that are made to us. The thing is that its hard to walk w/ faith all the time. The humanistic side of us comes out more than we would like. Atleast I know thats how it is for me.
2007-10-16 19:42:51 · answer #10 · answered by kim 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋