(Sheepeople Speak Up)
Please Don't Tell Me How to Live My Faith
I will determine how much, when and if I can tithe considering my family and personal needs...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will participate in assembling together as my finances and need for quiet time in my live calls for...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will attend the Festivals as able and not feel I have to spend 10% of my income as if it were merely play money in 8 short days...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will "turn in" excess and unspent tithe if I wish to but also may need to buy groceries...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will learn from your sermons if they contain real information from which I can benefit and grow, but won't tell you it was wonderful when it was boring...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will look at my watch as often as I want without retribution, during your two hour sermons... Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will notice your sermons are over even if you are not finished...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I'll attend extra Church activities IF I have time and am not exhausted from my other responsibilities or concerns...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will agree with you about how you see any particular portion of scripture applies to me, us or them if I really agree...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will screw up my nose and forehead as I feel I should during any bold statements you make during your sermons...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will laugh when you didn't intend me to and be serious when you think I should be laughing as I feel fits the occasion...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I will leave services when they are over as soon as I wish or even stay after as long as I wish talking with friends...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I'll include or not include you as Pastor in my life as I am comfortable and trusting of you and your perspectives and views...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I'll study and research whatever Biblical topics I choose to even if is not spot on with your view of the view of the organization...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I'll come to any conclusions outside of the demand to "all speak the same thing," injunctions from those over me...Don't tell me how to live my faith
I'll feel free to say, "that's your/their opinion" whenever I feel mine differs and my real life may be effected by such opinions...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I'll not push back if you don't push me/us/my family into all or nothing situations or positions...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
I promise not to tell you how to live your faith if you promise not to tell me/us how to live or express ours...or else.
I promise not to think of you as a "false minister or hireling" if you don't refer to me as a "dumb sheep" Don't label me or tell me how to live my faith
I promise if you say such things as "And brethren, I am an Apostle," "I am that prophet," "I am the Watcher," "I am in charge," "I am God's minister," "I am one of the Two Witnesses," "My wife is the other witness because God works in families," "Send it in..." God told me," "Jesus caused..." "When God tells us to go to the place of safety," or that "Singles should bring a watermelon to the potluck," I will react according to that niggly little feeling in my stomach as appropriate...Don't tell me how to live my faith.
Amen
