Is frat life good for Man of God?

[Intense1920]

*Puts Senusret in a headlock*

[the411]

Originally posted by ramrod
It's funny that a question asking people to comment on being greek and a Christian has basically spawned an argument. Great example for this young brother. I feel the conversation between the two Deltas should have been held privately. Who has a conversation with their brother or sister about private family issues in public? I certainly don't. It really makes others question the strength of a family that does. Discretion is key and it seems that very little was used in this case. I know I'll be hated on but who cares.

Friend, you are absolutely right, and no one has cause to hate on you for it.

My first post was done publicly because I know there are many browsers who have the same question frat2b has about greekdom and Christianity. I would not be the Woman of God that I am if I didn't respond with something that might help someone with the same confusion. As Christians we are to witness for and advertise Christ whenever possible. After a year of not posting on GC, for some reason, I felt compelled to come back to check on a couple of friends. I believe the pull came when it did so that I could be in place when frat2b started this thread. God's timing and works are just awesome and marvelous like that!

BUT--where I went wrong was in publicly engaging in an argument about my choice to be inactive. For that, I apologize to you, to ladygreek, and to all the GC on-lookers. You're right, we should have taken it to PM. I try not to make it a habit to initiate discussions with people via PM because some people may deem it an invasion of their privacy. That being said, 3 times I invited the woman of God to talk privately, but she opted not to and I still do respect her decision. In retrospect, I should have initiated private communication anyway.

You, through your post, have reiterated a lesson that God's been teaching me for a while--to monitor and control my spiritual zealousness! Sometimes, I get SO excited about my testimony and all that He's done for me, that--when faced with controversy and criticism--I sometimes forget that the battle is not mine but His. That's exactly what happened here. I should have let my testimony stand alone in the public forum and responded to questions or rebuttals privately, or perhaps not at all. The more I walk in my calling and purpose, the more passionate I am about my testimony and ministry, but as recently as yesterday a man of God ministered to me about the importance of finding the appropriate middle ground. I tend to be either piping hot or ice cold with my emotions, but God wants me to find balance and appropriateness. My participation in this thread is an example of how I tend to boil over with excitment (I'm a lot like Paul)! I can feel Abba popping my thigh for taking things too far. Thank you for your convicting post.

When it's all said and done, our testimonies are necessary to lift up the name of God. The Word says, "If My name be lifted up I will draw all men unto Me." So, despite the arguing and the drama, if-- through anything I've shared in this thread--at least ONE Christian is challenged to move to another level in their walk... if ONE Christian acknowledges any unGodly behaviors, thoughts or activities and repents for it... if ONE person questions his/her salvation and his/her heart is pricked to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)--Ahhh! Heavens open! Bells chime! Angels sing! --then nothing I've said has been in vain. The goal is salvation. As Christians everything we say and do must be about souls, not selves.

[msn4med1975]

Originally posted by frat2b
This conversation is great, and that's why I'd love to here what other frats have to say on the matter.

I think this subject is probably a debateable issue in any Fraternity/Sorority, especially those that are said to be founded on Christian Principles. So who I really want to talk to are saved folks no matter what BGLO.

But trust me....It's either going to be Que Psi Phi or Nothing for me!

No Doubt!

thanks for all you folk's insight, im glad to see others understand where I'm coming from and some dealing with the issue currently.

I'm gonna have to agree with what was stated here prior and on the Kappa forum. If you LET BGLO life to deter you from God it will. However, as I've stated to the411 via PM life is about balance and if you don't have your house in order it's doubtful any relationship you try to have with God, no matter what else is going on with you, will be fruitful. Some people feel that being a D9 member is mutually exclusive from being a good Christian. They are entitled to that opinion but from my perspective and that of the women that I know in D9 organizations our sorority is a bond but the only one in control of our lives is God. I have heard the arguments to the contrary and their explanations as to why they believe it to be so. Now hear me when I say if you want to attribute your walk away from God to an organization that's fine but I know at least I was brought closer to God through the women that initiated us. We may not be par for the course in that respect but God works through us if we allow him and I'm where He wants me to be apparently, living the right way, in order to affect and infuence others to do the same thing.

[msn4med1975]

Originally posted by ramrod
It's funny that a question asking people to comment on being greek and a Christian has basically spawned an argument. Great example for this young brother. I feel the conversation between the two Deltas should have been held privately. Who has a conversation with their brother or sister about private family issues in public? I certainly don't. It really makes others question the strength of a family that does. Discretion is key and it seems that very little was used in this case. I know I'll be hated on but who cares.

You are also entitled to your opinion of what happened on this thread. But you can't let a few incidents sway your opinion of any organization, company or person because you may be doing yourself and that other thing a disservice. I'm not saying if you see someone constantly acting a fool to discount that but without knowing the full story watching any exchange between people may leave you with a bias. Could this have been handled differently? I'm sure it could have but doesn't mean it had to be. In this issue I don't think discretion was necessary because of the topic. frat2b was asking the opinion of people on both sides of the issue and that's what he got. I'm sure that's the type of discussion he'd see if he brought a group of 10 random people together in person. It's better that he know NOW that this is another issue that polarizes people and it will ultimately be his decision as to how he handles his relationship with God and fraternity life. But to touch back on what was posted on the Kappa response. If you are having these concerns now and don't feel that you could effectively balance God and Omega it may be a good time to turn away now so you don't end up renouncing something you work VERY hard to attain in the first place.

[preachdawg]

Sweety, it is obvious that my statement about some making a personal attack on THE411, was taken the right way from you. The reason being is at know time when you listed some of the woman ministers of your org, did "you" have a ready defense(1Peter 3:15) for her supposedly taking a scripture out of context. Again I don't know her but I was definetly offended by the response, of stating that you would know what these women who have obviously studied God's Word would have to say to this young lady about her statements, and the scriptures she chose to use to get an understanding about her personal relationship with God. And to all that read this, please track this thread and see were it went wrong. I gather if you have any ability to do deductive reasoning you would see that it went wrong when a member of one organization posted about her relationship with God, and how she has had to resolve her own personal conflicts with the being a Christian and being in a BGLO. After that someone [LadyGreek] decided to out her by telling the whole world that she was a member of DST. Problem being if you going to front her off at least have biblical bases for telling her she needs to officially get out of said org. If you have biblical basis to back up your claim that she took any one of the scriptures she used out of context, than please post it publically so we can all know that that there is no conflict with God's word and your org. Cuz right now it is looking like you have a very weak argument outside of your personal passion for DST. And I hope that your passion for Christ is on the same level as for your Organization. I agree with what has been said by others, no BGLO made anyone a sinner, Adam took care of that in the garden. But is your said org helping you on a consistent basis to get closer or further from God. Holla at the preacha Ya'll ! If somebody would say amen I'll stop preachin!!!! LOL

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by ladygreek
Of course I respect your opinion, but I suspect that our sorors Bishop Vashti MacKenzie, Dr. JoAnn Browning, Rev. Pauli Murray, Minister Gwendolyn Boyd, Rev Shirley Ceasar, and others will respectfully disagree with your application of this scripture.

Young man,
I just wanted to quote my own post so I could try to read into it what you did. Sorry, but I still don't. I use the words "I suspect," not I know; "...will respectfully disagree with your application," not they will say you took it out of context.

Also, I did not initiate the discussion about leaving the organization. The 411 did. The following are all her words not mine. I was merely offering her the information on how.

"I have chosen not to be an active member of my sorority in order that I may be an active member of the Body of Christ. I have much biblical basis for my decision, but the following sealed it for me:

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24) "

"I walked away for what I believe to be true."

"Nonetheless, greekdom is my past. Jesus is my present and my future, so greek life fits in only as a part of my testimony and witnessing. Don't worry--the org never has to worry about me changing my mind and wanting back in! LOL"


Anyone who has been on this board a minute or has read through previous threads to get a feel for the board before jumping right in would know that the 411 was a Delta. She was a moderator of the Delta forum for crying out loud. So what do I have to back up with biblical scripture?

Lastly, it is not my organization's responsibility to get me closer to God. That is my responsibility. But if anyone feels that belonging to an organization is taking them away from God, then I still stand by my opinion that they should leave the organization--formally and permanently. Delta, like the others, is based on Christian principles, but it is NOT a Christian organization, nor was it ever intended to be the vehicle for my spiritual growth.

[frat2b]

I believe I have an understanding of the situation based on the reponses. It seems as if This situation could be compared to a saying I've heard in church,"you can be in the world but not of everything in the world".

So your saying you can be in the frat, but not of all of the frat activities. Am I correct. The thought then is how will you be viewed by others let's say outside of your area on a road trip if you don't want to go and indulge in activities that everyone else is doing, can one expect to be respected or disrespected. (called Kat etc...)

I'd like to hear how some of you have dealt with these situations that have undoubtedly come up.

Frat2b
I'm sure we are helping a lot of people with this conversation.

[delph998]

Wow, I can't believe this thread has escalated to this. I believe that being a part of Delta has been a great experience. I am a preacher's daughter, and I've never felt bound by the organization. We were founded on Christian princinples, and we always incorporate Christ in our chapter meetings, regional conferences, and national conventions. When I was pursuing membership in Delta, I learned even more how to rely and trust in Him because it wasn't about me (and I'm sure many of you experienced the same thing.). Yes, the scripture says that you can't serve two masters, and I make sure that Delta isn't a master of mine. I am very active in my church, and take my personal relationship with Christ very seriously. But I do respect your decision to detach yourself from Delta.

[Love_Spell_6]

I actually do see what the 411 was saying about serving 2 masters...but again I think its all about balance. I know MANY people that let their fraternity/sorority consume them to the point where they are nothing without it. All they wear is nalia, all they want to talk about is greek life, the majority of places they go are greek functions.. And I think this says something about the type of person they were before they came into the org.. however this is an example I would give of serving the org as a master. GOD wants to be the center of our lives..he wants to be what we talk about..and he wants to be who we aim to please. Didnt you know our God is a jealous God?? If you're doing this for an organization...whether founded on Christian principles or not...I think you may need to really re-evaluate what the Lord expects from you.

But again its about balance...when I'm out doing Delta Academy work..working with underpriviledged youth...God gets all the glory for that...DST is the vehicle..but God gets the glory!

[delph998]

Originally posted by Love_Spell_6
I actually do see what the 411 was saying about serving 2 masters...but again I think its all about balance. I know MANY people that let their fraternity/sorority consume them to the point where they are nothing without it. All they wear is nalia, all they want to talk about is greek life, the majority of places they go are greek functions.. And I think this says something about the type of person they were before they came into the org.. however this is an example I would give of serving the org as a master. GOD wants to be the center of our lives..he wants to be what we talk about..and he wants to be who we aim to please. If you're doing this for an organization...whether founded on Christian principles or not...I think you may need to really re-evaluate what the Lord expects from you.

But again its about balance...when I'm out doing Delta Academy work..working with underpriviledged youth...God gets all the glory for that...DST is the vehicle..but God gets the glory!

Love Spell, I totally know what you're talking about. I've witnessed many people live, breath, sleep, eat, etc. their organization. But I can't blame the organization for that. My motto is: Make the organization, don't let the organization make you. And that's what happens a lot of times. I've had to put Delta on the back burner before, and it's not because I stopped loving the org., it was because I had to handle my business.

[msn4med1975]

Originally posted by delph998
Love Spell, I totally know what you're talking about. I've witnessed many people live, breath, sleep, eat, etc. their organization. But I can't blame the organization for that. My motto is: Make the organization, don't let the organization make you. And that's what happens a lot of times. I've had to put Delta on the back burner before, and it's not because I stopped loving the org., it was because I had to handle my business.

Thanks for saying that Soror, it's not the organization's fault IF someone chooses to put the organization first. I haven't been asked to do anything that places my faith in question. If I were to be asked that then it's on me to have enough sense to say n o to it.

Is frat life good for a Man of God?

Yes.

First and foremost you have to be a MAN. Not as far as physically but mentally. A man knows how to deal with temptations and different situations.

Secondly if you are 'of God' then let your heavenly blessings and talents shine forth so that others can be encouraged by your walk. Many people pay much more attention to what you do rather than what you say.

Thirdly, you HAVE to respect any person and where they are in their spiritual walk. Just like you'd want that same respect. Being a Man of God doesn't mean that you have to avoid so and so cuz he drinks or so and so cuz he curses, but you can serve as a positive contribution as long as you share your gifts. It's not about converting every person you come in contact with but doing like the old school song instructs.

This lil light of MINE!!!!

I'm gonna let it shine!!!! oooo OOHHH

This lil light of MINE!!!!

I'm gonna let it shine!!!!

This lil light of MINE!!!!

I'm gonna let it shine!!!!

Let it shine, let it shine!!!!

LET IT SHINNNNNE!!!!

(second verse)

Everywhere I go!!!!

I'm gonna let it shine!!!!

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by delph998
But I can't blame the organization for that. My motto is: Make the organization, don't let the organization make you. And that's what happens a lot of times. I've had to put Delta on the back burner before, and it's not because I stopped loving the org., it was because Ihad to handle my business.

Very true..thats why I stated this very thing in an earlier post..its about balance.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by delph998
Wow, I can't believe this thread has escalated to this. I believe that being a part of Delta has been a great experience. I am a preacher's daughter, and I've never felt bound by the organization. We were founded on Christian princinples, and we always incorporate Christ in our chapter meetings, regional conferences, and national conventions. When I was pursuing membership in Delta, I learned even more how to rely and trust in Him because it wasn't about me (and I'm sure many of you experienced the same thing.). Yes, the scripture says that you can't serve two masters, and I make sure that Delta isn't a master of mine. I am very active in my church, and take my personal relationship with Christ very seriously. But I do respect your decision to detach yourself from Delta.

Just a small clarification: we incorporate God, or the Father in our meetings. Our services at conference and convention are ecumenical. As I said we are not a Christian organization. Our members are Muslim, Jew, etc. and maybe even some athiest (sp) or agnostics.

[delph998]

Originally posted by ladygreek
Just a small clarification: we incorporate God, or the Father in our meetings. Our services at conference and convention are ecumenical. As I said we are not a Christian organization. Our members are Muslim, Jew, etc. and maybe even some athiest (sp) or agnostics.

Thanks LadyGreek!

Laidbackfella, you're a trip! Thanks for the song though!