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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Opus 2016-317: Immortal Quotes: “A Different Drummer”, part 1 of 2, The Beat

One of the phrases that I find coming to mind frequently is “march to a different drummer”.  I find it applies to many choices I make and priorities I set.  I feel it should apply to believers and the church.  I decided I should look up the full quote and learn who I am quoting.  It comes from Thoreau.
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.  Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”  — Henry David Thoreau, Walden
For Christians that drummer is God and too often no one is listening.  This is expressed by the apostle Paul.
(Romans 12:2 KJV)  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.
I have always enjoyed J.B. Phillips paraphrase of this.  He says,
“Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.”
One of the great tragedies of history is that Christians keep getting squeezed.  Often they seem to seek the squeezing.  We are like hot Jello poured into our culture instead of fire-hardened vessels from the Potter’s hands.  As such we become worthless.  Worthless to God and ignored by our world.

What are some areas where we allow ourselves to be molded to the standards of the world?

To be continued...

homo unius libri

3 comments:

  1. I love this quote. Year ago,I made many poster size prints of it to use in one art project

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is too bad that many people who think they are being different are really just conforming to another subgroup.

      Grace and peace.

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.