There are a lot of things I prefer…
I prefer:
- Sinatra over Buble’, Mellencamp over Chesney
- old cars over new ones, casual over formal
- antiques over modern, Hillsong over Skillet
- Teaching over preaching, Mac over PC
- NIV over KJV, A camera over a gun
- the list could go on…
Preference are a part of life… we all have them. Some are based on the way we were raised and some we simply came with. There is absolutely nothing wrong with preferences…so long as we don’t allow our preferences to divide us or keep us from obeying God.
Preferences can become a source of pride and arrogance if we are not careful. They can also keep us from the thigs that are MOST important.
- I prefer my pastor wear jeans when he preaches but I cannot let a suit and tie get in the way of hearing the message.
- I prefer to sleep-in on Sunday mornings but need the fellowship and encouragement that LIFE Groups/Worship offer
- I prefer a big chior and orchestra but cannot slander the guys who lead worship with a guitar and drums (and maybe a tat or two)
- I prefer being “accepted and liked” by EVERYONE but living for Jesus makes that impossible.
- etc…
Jesus had preferences too…
Mark 14:32 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,a Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
But his preferences did not get in the way of obeying and honoring God. Neither should ours.
I N T E N T I O N A L Marriage 
Aaron McKee
February 25, 2011 at 7:33 am
Great words Hixon. Too many Christians allow their personal preferences to shape and control their lives. May we all seek to live lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Todd
February 25, 2011 at 9:13 am
Yes, I can readily accept this especially about your social life vs. living for Jesus. Living for God will likely cause one to question things more than one naturally would. It can cause distance between you and others. I don’t think it necessarily means the others are wrong, it just means your walk has a history and future that is different from theirs. You just happen to be crossing paths at a present point in time. The thing is to encourage the other where ever they are, but don’t lose sight of walking in faith yourself. Don’t be judgmental either just because they are not on the same path as you. It can get lonely at times.
Hixon Frank
February 25, 2011 at 10:14 am
Well said… I love the fact that my preferences are different that others (Spice of Life) But if, in my arrogance, I think that when someone “grows up” they will be like me in preferring “this” to “that” then I am the one with the pride problem. Thanks for the comment.