A Matter of Testimony

My topic today, still along the lines of our policies, may be a little different. My purpose is not to make anyone feel guilty, but just to share with you my thoughts on the matter, and how I have decided to handle it.

If you have read my policies, you may have read the following:

For male students, a parent is required to sit in on every lesson if the student is over 13 years of age. If the parent is not able to sit in, please speak to me and other arrangements will be made. This is not because I foresee any problems, but simply to maintain a Christ-honoring testimony.

Did this make you wonder? Do you think I’m weird? (Don’t answer that! :) “Why on earth did she include that?” you may be wondering.

Well, I would love to tell you why. For me, its a matter of my testimony.

For my teaching situation right now, I give lessons at my church. I also happen to be the pastor’s daughter. For these two reasons in particular, I want to make sure that my testimony before my family, church family, and student’s families is clear on this matter. To me it is just the safest thing for me to do.

I Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

So thats what I am going to do in this situation. For me, having a third person nearby helps me to abstain from all appearance of evil.

It may sound hard to do, but for me its quite easy, because I have plenty of siblings to help out. :) Sometimes my brother is outside shoveling, or my sister is emailing in the other room. Thats all it takes. No biggie.

As I said before, I don’t want this topic to make you feel guilty or like you are going against the Bible because you don’t do this. That is not the case. Everyone’s situation is different and unique, and that includes mine. Because of my situations right now, I feel this is the way the Lord would have me follow I Thessalonians 5:22. You may teach in your home or in a studio or in an office and there may be other students coming in and out or whatever. The important thing is that you do what God wants YOU to do in this situation. You are not required or expected to do what God wants me to do.

“Boy she’s legalistic,” you may be thinking (or saying out loud to whoever happens to be close enough to listen). Thats ok, I don’t mind. I am not concerned what you think about me, but that you do what God wants you to do.

If you have any questions for me about this, I would love to answer them. Just leave me a comment. Or if you would like to constructively give your thoughts about this matter, we would enjoy hearing those as well. :)

Above all, lets do God's will for us and our studios.