Seven Basic
Stages of Life
 
 

Skill Stage
(To Be Instilled During the Ages Twelve to Twenty Years)
 
 

Focuses on Self-Control
 
 

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DEFERENCE
vs
Rudeness
 
 
 
 

What is
Deference?
.
Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the
tastes of those God has called me to serve.
 
 
 
 

Deference

It's related to the motivational gift of Mercy






Scripture Text:


"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."  -  (Rom 14:21)





Some of the Attributes: 

1. 
   
   
2. 
   
3. 
   		 Controlling my privileges and preferences in order not to offend those God has called me to serve (Putting their wishes and opinions before mine).  (A.C.E.)
Limit my freedom in order to offend the personal tastes of those God has called me to serve.
Not allowing in moderation what others then excuse in excess.

 
 

Questions to ask yourself: 

1. 
 
2. 
 
3. 
   
4. 
 
5. 
   
   
6. 
 		 What activities do you engage in that many Christians believe are wrong?
Do you use words or expressions that are offensive to others?
Are your parents and/or spouse completely happy with your style of clothes and hair?
Have you taken the time and effort to ask your authorities about their preferences and tastes?
Do you justify activities, such as smoking, drinking, theater-going, dancing, on the basis that other Christians do it?
Do you stand up when women or older people come into the room?

 
 

Projects and Bible Study Questrions to help instill this quality:
  

1. 
   
   
2. 
3. 
   
4. 		 Read Romans 14.  This discussed the matter of deference from two positions.  How should we view the actions of others?  How should we conduct ourselves?
Can we always please everyone?  Where do we draw the line?
In Matthew 22:21 there is an example of how Jesus taught deference.  How was it?
How did Paul demonstrate deference?

 
 

 Go Back To Character Qualities Index
 
 
 

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