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Today is part 2 of “Rules for God’s Daughters”, a 6-post series based on a “copy and share” Facebook post I read recently. You can read all about that, and see the full list in “Rules for God’s Daughters: Part 1“. Today I’m looking at #6-10 of the list (there are 31 items total!). To recap: This list really resonates with me as the mom of a young daughter – but it also set off some warning bells. The Bible says to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), because one of the devil’s greatest weapons is subtle lies: things that look good or feel good but are just a little twisted from God’s truth.
So, I’ve copied out the original points below and then compared them to God’s Word. Honestly, a lot of them are really good advice! I found nothing unBiblical about them. Others, though, are a little off from God’s standards for us as daughters (and sons!) of God. Remember – I don’t know who originally wrote this post, and this is in no way meant to condemn her (or him). Especially considering that I have no idea if she is a believer: from a worldly perspective, these are strong, moral pieces of advice and wisdom! As believers however, we are called to a higher wisdom.
So I challenge you again: “question everything” and hold it all up to the Bible – our only source of absolute Truth. Here are points 6-10!
6. If you’re going to curse, be clever. If you’re going to curse in public, know your audience.
God’s verison: Don’t curse.
I have to giggle a little at this one. I totally get what the author is saying! Nevertheless, our speech should be seasoned with grace – with no foul thing escaping our lips. This includes the obvious (swear words, dirty jokes, slurs, ugly words). But it goes even deeper: gossip, complaining, slander, disparaging remarks about your spouse or kids…. Wow. Pretty convicted right now! I could do a whole post on our speech. Really, a whole book! Here’s a good one someone brilliant already wrote: Keep it Shut by Karen Ehman (love everything she’s written).
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
~ Ephesians 4:29
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
~ James 3:10
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving
~ Ephesians 5:4
7. Seek out the people and places that resonate with your soul.
God’s version: Seek God, and he will lead you to people and places that resonate with your soul.
When you look first to God, your desires become his desires – your heart becomes a “heart after his own heart.” You no longer seek out things to make you happy – you seek out what he has for you.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
~Matthew 6:33
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
~Psalm 37:4-5
8. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
This is right on! Not only is this good, sound life advice (yes you can jump off the bridge…) but it’s Biblical advice, too! In Christ we have freedom. Not freedom to sin, but freedom within God’s boundaries. We also have the freedom to choose not to do something our conscience allows, but which may cause a fellow believer to stumble.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
~ I Corinthians 10:23-24, 31
9. 5-second rule. It’s just dirt. There are worse things in a fast food cheeseburger.
While the Bible does have guidelines on hygiene and health, especially in the Old Testament, it never says not to eat food off the floor. So this may not be unBiblical, it just made me cringe. Sometimes what’s on a restaurant floor is not just dirt….
10. Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.
Good advice – but we cannot be whole apart from God. Love God, find joy and be whole.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
~Psalm 37:4-5
I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live.
~Ecclesiastes 3:12.
Another five down! Join me next week for more. (I did not reach my goal of posting more often this week – in fact, this post was due yesterday! But you know, life. I do plan to start posting 2-3 times a week soon – you can visit on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – or subscribe and watch for your weekly email on Friday!)
What do you think? Leave a comment below! (Remember, be kind. It’s okay to disagree, but do it with grace. Ugly or malicious comments will not be posted.)