Title: cliques Post by: peachykeen on October 07, 2003, 05:15:47 PM what do you guys think about cliques (exclusive groups of friends)??? I mean, even as christians we can be clicky sometimes (like at church or school or work), even by being on this website we kind of exclude all non-christians or lukewarm christians, don't we? just wondering.....
Title: Re:cliques Post by: nChrist on October 07, 2003, 06:20:20 PM Oklahoma Howdy to peachykeen,
I think there may be much more involved with your question than you realize. My thoughts were in a different direction when I saw this. Earthly friendships and relationships are usually built over a period of time with trust and probably mutual interests. A Christian's fellowship with Jesus is built over a period of time by the believer studying His Holy Word, seeking the will of God, and yielding to what God wants for us in our lives. If the believer continues in this pursuit, the fellowship with Jesus becomes stronger and stronger. The Christian is built up and strengthened in his or her faith and benefits more and more with a closer fellowship with Jesus Christ. Earthly relationships and friendships have some comparisons, but mankind always fails sooner or later. Jesus never fails. Earthly friendships between brothers and sisters in Christ are easier and quicker to develop because of a common trust in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. However, it should be obvious that we will never trust a person like we do Jesus. In Christ, Tom Title: Re:cliques Post by: Sapphire W34P0N on October 07, 2003, 07:21:15 PM Cliques aren't wrong until we exclude everyone else from them. It's when we become so closed to everyone else that it begins to hurt us.
Title: Re:cliques Post by: Tibby on October 07, 2003, 08:30:10 PM Clique’s are normally groups of like-mind people. People with the same interest. Sports groups can be cliques. The football player, the baseball players, the soccer players, they hang out with the rest of the team. This is important, they need to know and understand each other, and trust each other, so we can play as a team. At church, a core group can be important. The pastor need a group of people he knows will not flake when the going gets tough. He needs a group of people, who are part of the flock, but who he can count on.
But this can turn bad very fast. Those Football stars and JUST hang out with football stars, ignoring their none athletic friends, their parents, their girlfriend, their school work, and even College. Next thing these guys know, they are 35, overweight, and working at Taco Bell, taking orders from a 10th grader who think he owns the world because he is the head chief spicy gordita maker. That core group in the church, it can become less of a group and more of a mafia, and run the church like Little Italy. To bad there are no offers the creator of the Heavens and Earth can’t refuse. ;) ;D Clique’s can be good, your little core group of friends. Jesus had his boys, the 12 Disciples. Sure, he had more then 12 disciples. Countless people followed him, some of which we might have never even read about. But we talk most about the 12. Why? Because it was his clique, the guys who could count on him and who he could count on. Title: Re:cliques Post by: Heidi on October 07, 2003, 08:42:13 PM I think it depends on the motive of the people in the clique. If the motive is for exclusivity, then it only re-enforces ignorance. But if the motive is to hang out with like-minded people, then it can always be open to other people joining.
Title: Re:cliques Post by: peachykeen on October 09, 2003, 09:36:31 PM You guys all make awesome points. I expecially love Tibby's Taco Bell example-lol. I agree with what you guys are saying, but I also realize that its really easy to exclude someone without realizing it. I think the word itself has been worked up to where it sounds bad when we call our friends a "clique." thanks for the insight!
Title: Re:cliques Post by: Tamara on October 13, 2003, 07:54:59 AM A clique isn't nice. I have seen this too often and they make me feel most uncomfortable. It's as though everyone goes off in their own little groups and you are left on your own wondering what it's all about. They remind me of " The Exclusive Brethren" you can't get near them! To me, they can be downright ignorant. They certainly don't display the Fruit of Love! That's why I find it right to include everyone where I am, with nobody left out. And, if I see someone on their own...that's the one I will head for every time.
Tamara. Title: Re:cliques Post by: Sapphire W34P0N on October 13, 2003, 11:59:01 AM That's kind of a stereotype, because not all cliques are the way you say they are. Unfortunately, too many times cliques DO become closed to everyone else, and that can definitely be unhealthy. If you have a close group of Christian friends, though, it can certaintly help to build you up in the Spirit.
Title: Re:cliques Post by: ollie on October 13, 2003, 05:40:02 PM Oklahoma Howdy to peachykeen, I think there may be much more involved with your question than you realize. My thoughts were in a different direction when I saw this. Earthly friendships and relationships are usually built over a period of time with trust and probably mutual interests. A Christian's fellowship with Jesus is built over a period of time by the believer studying His Holy Word, seeking the will of God, and yielding to what God wants for us in our lives. If the believer continues in this pursuit, the fellowship with Jesus becomes stronger and stronger. The Christian is built up and strengthened in his or her faith and benefits more and more with a closer fellowship with Jesus Christ. Earthly relationships and friendships have some comparisons, but mankind always fails sooner or later. Jesus never fails. Earthly friendships between brothers and sisters in Christ are easier and quicker to develop because of a common trust in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. However, it should be obvious that we will never trust a person like we do Jesus. In Christ, Tom Thank you for this very uplifting wisdom. Your reply is very good. God's love is in it. Title: Re:cliques Post by: ollie on October 13, 2003, 05:43:55 PM what do you guys think about cliques (exclusive groups of friends)??? I mean, even as christians we can be clicky sometimes (like at church or school or work), even by being on this website we kind of exclude all non-christians or lukewarm christians, don't we? just wondering..... Clicks are a worldy thing and one of the many things of the world that one as a Christian should be called away from by the Gospel of Jesus Christ Title: cliques Post by: Ambassador4Christ on October 13, 2003, 05:48:25 PM I am in Benny Hinns clique ;D
Title: Re:cliques Post by: ollie on October 13, 2003, 05:50:51 PM I am in Benny Hinns clique ;D :'(Title: Re:cliques Post by: Sapphire W34P0N on October 13, 2003, 06:57:11 PM Clicks are a worldy thing and one of the many things of the world that one as a Christian should be called away from by the Gospel of Jesus Christ
How are we "called away from" cliques? Title: Re:cliques Post by: Tamara on October 13, 2003, 09:00:34 PM Father calls you away if you are in harmony with Him. He knows what is best for us, and often, cliques can do more damage to your soul than good. Cliques are an exclusive group of friends who exclude others on purpose. Is this right in the eyes of Father?
Love...Tamara. Title: Re:cliques Post by: Tibby on October 14, 2003, 05:05:24 PM Oh, I don’t know. Seem to me Christianity is a clique. If you are not with us, you are against us, if you aren’t saved, you are going to Hell.
Cliques are groups of friends. You sound kind of like a lone wolf, to me. Have you had any bad experiences with cliques? Any that would put a bad taste on your mouth for them? Title: Re:cliques Post by: ollie on October 14, 2003, 06:43:56 PM Clicks are a worldy thing and one of the many things of the world that one as a Christian should be called away from by the Gospel of Jesus Christ BY the gospel of Jesus Christ and not just "cliques" but all things that are not of God, but of the world.How are we "called away from" cliques? 'Cliques" can become a kind of being a respector of persons. Most cliques I have experienced usually abuse the intent of themselves by hurting innocent people. This is their being directed by the ways of the world and not the ways of God. James 2:1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Main Entry: clique Pronunciation: 'klEk, 'klik Function: noun Etymology: French Date: 1711 : a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes - cliqu·ey also cliquy /'klE-kE, 'kli-/ adjective - cliqu·ish /'kli-kish/ adjective - cliqu·ish·ly adverb - cliqu·ish·ness noun Merriam Webster Online Dicyionary Title: Re:cliques Post by: Tamara on October 14, 2003, 11:59:24 PM No Tibby, I have never had any bad experiences with cliques. And I am a loner...but not a lone wolf!! LOL. I just don't like to see any person mistreated in any way, manner or form if they believe in Jesus Christ, their Saviour and in God, Our Father in heaven.
You see, I believe that if a person is a true christian, that person should have the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. And, the chief Fruit is LOVE. And, I have the gift of Discernment. If people won't listen to the TRUE message of Jesus, then I wipe the dust off my feet and walk away. If they don't display the FRUITS of the Holy Spirit, I also wipe my feet well and truly - and walk away. And I never look back. I dedicated my life to my Father in Heaven. And, HE directs my path in life. HE directs me to the ones I should reach out to. HE directs my prayers. HE searches my heart. Yes, indeed I am a loner! Because I choose to be with my God. The world is too contaminated for me today. Indeed, christians can be cliques. And it is these cliques I prefer to stay away from. Title: Re:cliques Post by: ollie on October 15, 2003, 02:04:10 PM Oh, I don’t know. Seem to me Christianity is a clique. If you are not with us, you are against us, if you aren’t saved, you are going to Hell. Cliques are groups of friends. You sound kind of like a lone wolf, to me. Have you had any bad experiences with cliques? Any that would put a bad taste on your mouth for them? Can anything that is there for whosoever and all and isn't exclusive be a clique? No one is excluded from Christ. If one is excluded from Christ it is because he/she has excluded themselves. Christianity is open to all. The cliques of the world are exclusive to particular things and if one is not into the inclusive of the clique, one is not welcome and the clique can be very abusive and look down their noses at the excluded. Psuedo-Christians can tend to be clickish and are worldy in these very things that God says not to be. By their fruits you shall know them. Title: Re:cliques Post by: Tamara on October 16, 2003, 09:38:11 PM Exactly!! By their Fruits you shall know them! And, I am not a christian. Don't lump me into that category!! I am a Follower Of Christ. Christians rarely show the Fruits of the Spirit. Followers of Christ do.
Tamara. Title: Re:cliques Post by: nChrist on October 16, 2003, 11:36:39 PM Exactly!! By their Fruits you shall know them! And, I am not a christian. Don't lump me into that category!! I am a Follower Of Christ. Christians rarely show the Fruits of the Spirit. Followers of Christ do. Tamara. Oklahoma Howdy to Tamara, Here's another interesting example of the tags and labels of mankind meaning different things to different people. Mankind has made a pretty big mess of tags, labels, denominations, and other issues that cause confusion. To me, "Christian" means follower of Christ and in Christ. The root and derivation of "Christian" is "Christ", but I can see how some people might have other definitions. I'm not sure the confusion could be solved with longer definitions. As an example, "What are you?": I love Jesus and Jesus loves me. I belong to Jesus. I serve a Risen Saviour. I am a child of God. I am saved. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour. I am a member of the Church which is the Body of Christ. I walk and live in and through the Holy Spirit. Some of these descriptions are fairly specific, but I guarantee that some would have various definitions and thoughts. Regardless, all of man's tags, labels, and denominations will be gone when we spend eternity together with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. In Christ, Tom Title: Re:cliques Post by: peachykeen on October 16, 2003, 11:51:25 PM What I also mean by cliques is that we tend to take another's opinion personally, and, without realizing it, have exluded them. Like the athiests that come to this site. I know they either come here for answers or to argue, but has anyone really tried to befriend them? Salvation is not an argument, its something you share with someone you love and want to spend the rest of eternity with their friendship.
Title: Re:cliques Post by: Forrest on October 17, 2003, 12:00:50 AM Exactly!! By their Fruits you shall know them! And, I am not a christian. Don't lump me into that category!! I am a Follower Of Christ. Christians rarely show the Fruits of the Spirit. Followers of Christ do. ACTS 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Tamara. 1PET 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. Title: Re:cliques Post by: nChrist on October 17, 2003, 10:39:20 AM What I also mean by cliques is that we tend to take another's opinion personally, and, without realizing it, have excluded them. Like the atheists that come to this site. I know they either come here for answers or to argue, but has anyone really tried to befriend them? Salvation is not an argument, its something you share with someone you love and want to spend the rest of eternity with their friendship. Oklahoma Howdy to Peachykeen, I understand what you are saying. Yes, many people here have spent considerable time and effort trying to help atheists and other people who could be considered anti-Christ. Some are somewhat open to discussion, but it becomes apparent that some come here to destroy Christian fellowship. Some are hunters, and Christians are the prey. You would not believe some of the messages that are deleted, hopefully quick enough that not many users see them. We've had several professed atheists with us for a lengthy period of time. They obey the forum rules and don't post obscene, profane, or disruptive messages. We've had all kinds of folks from Satan worshipers to nudists and everything in between come here with an agenda of destruction and persecution. Some Christians comment that they learn how to better witness here. That effort is reasonable with some and impossible with others. For some, they are simply the devil trying to destroy and capture or persecute Christians. In Christ, Tom Title: Re:cliques Post by: Sapphire W34P0N on October 17, 2003, 04:57:51 PM I understand what you are saying. Yes, many people here have spent considerable time and effort trying to help atheists and other people who could be considered anti-Christ.
This is just from what I have seen, but it always looks to me like the people here are preaching at the athiests, and not to them. Title: Re:cliques Post by: peachykeen on October 27, 2003, 03:12:10 PM I understand what you are saying. Yes, many people here have spent considerable time and effort trying to help atheists and other people who could be considered anti-Christ. This is just from what I have seen, but it always looks to me like the people here are preaching at the athiests, and not to them. I agree with both Black Eyed Peas and Sapphire W34PON- some athiests really do come to try to destroy Christians as well as this website. But too often in life we preach at peoples faces and not their hearts. I'm not saying exclusivley on this website, but in everyday life. Last year, in my speech class, my 3 closest friends (which I had never met before until that class) were all strongly anti-religious. However they were some of my best friends. When the class would get into a religous debate (it was a speech class, mind you) the christians would all get excited and start yelling and shouting and pointing at my friends who stood against Christ. They were so busy trying to scream over each other that their message became twisted and pointless. I helped them see more religious matters in a month than 10 christians (who did not know my friends) did in a semester. Basically, my point is we need to get to know people before we start preaching our guts out. Not everyone will be willing to be your friend, but those who are will always listen to what you're going to have to say. Instead of forming a religious squad against a non-christian one, become intimate. Really care for the people (which is why I wasn't too thrilled about that online debate that someone had posted a link to not too long ago). I know we get excited when we preach about Jesus, but we need to make sure we don't gang up on the people we're trying to help. Like I said, Salvation is not an argument, its something you share with someone you love. |