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I appreciate the responses to #51/52, and have seen and experienced some of the same. There seems to be a great desire, whether conscious or not, for the security that comes with some level of formality. Perhaps formality makes things predictable, and therefore less challenging and threatening. Formal programs and seating and ceremony can all work against the family kind of sharing that might provide an atmosphere for sharing our fears and needs more openly with each other. Also, negativity really is a big problem, both the problem of finding a good balance in teaching between teaching uplifting wholesome things while also teaching lessons that warn against sin and error, and the problem of negative attitudes about the things the church is doing or isn't doing. We are sternly warned against the destruction that bitterness causes (Eph. 4:31, Heb. 12:15). Christians are urged to speak consistently, saying what is good and comforting and encouraging and helpful. James 3:9-12 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (NIV)
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