Baptists/obeying all authority

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Expert: - 4/30/2010


Question
So in my walk with THE LORD I have always experienced what I think of as a very O.C.D. like experience with things.  I have truly grown in my faith and have been drastically transformed by the Power Of our LORD'S grace, but yet still I always wonder why other Christians do not get hung up on the things I do.

For instance I always drive just under the speed limit, and even press the crosswalk button and wait the white walk light comes on before i cross (even if a car isn't in sight).  All this is to avoid breaking the laws of the land (Romans 13), since they are not in conflict with the will of GOD.
  These are just a small sample of the many things I get hung up on in order to avoid sinning against what is presented in scripture.  At times it drives me CRAZY because there is so may rules to follow to not break the law.  Not to mention being a faithful employee and following every rule put in place by them so I can serve them as I would Christ.  If you think about it we can really get bogged down.
  Many Christians can drive 5-10 over the speed limit or jaywalk or not come to a complete stop at a stop sign.  And with a clean conscience saying "well since its not enforced..."  

Feeling stressed.  Am i Just taking it too far?

Answer
They do not have a clean conscience.  They have just justified their actions or call it not majoring on the minor.  We have come to an age that as long as you are saved, nothing else is really important or it is a gray area and we are under grace so don't get legalistic though they have redefined legalism from it's Scriptural interpretation because their interpretation suits their whims.

You are doing the right thing.  You are better than most of us but don't get the big head for you are only doing what you are supposed to do.  Just because everyone else is lax, lazy or lying to themselves is no reason for you to go off track.

Don't be stressed.  Just do what is right and forget other people.  You are not perfect so if you screw up some place in some thing don't go bonkers. Just confess and press on.  

You are not taking it too far, the rest of us are not taking it far enough or seriously enough. My hat is off to you!  

May the Lord give you peace, not stress, as you seek to walk in such a way to please Him and not offend men!!  Shalom!

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Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

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