"Versus" verses! (or, CONTRAST's for Christians)

[JERRY C]

CONTRAST'S




simple, pithy, one-liners that illustrate contrasting ideas that are foundational.  simple?! maybe.

maybe you can add to this collection of "Contrast's" to ponder? 

put the quote; and, then maybe a paragraph explaining.

here are two about contrasting ways to live ones life --

1.  LD vs. LW -- "lead dog" vs. "lone wolf"

I told Jonathan (6 yr.old, and oldest, grandson) that he was selected to be the "lead dog" for a reason -- to guide the dog team wherever the musher directs, the oldest leading the younger.  God puts us in positions to lead others to Him.  By contrast, the "lone wolf" just howls into an empty sky.  We are designed to be pack animals, working together.  Even wild wolves are amazing team players.

2.  "heart of gold" vs. "pot of gold"

I sat in the company truck, eating lunch, listening to rock music.  Neil Young was crooning about "searching for a heart of gold" and my twisted mind contorted to the UofA theft of the Irish "pot of gold"!  and, then spun into the comment about King David, before centering on the SOTM warning about not being able to "love God and money".  I later shared my mental meanderings with a co-worker, and he added "heart of gold" leads to the "street of gold"!  and, I then "yes, and the "pot of gold" is "fools' gold"?!

well, there are two "Contrasts" or, "Versus Verses".  care to add your tidbits?

[JERRY C]

another one.

3. "NO Rules" vs. "No!" Rules

today at lunch at our local Chinese buffet, in walks a buxom 20-something wearing a t-shirt that might fit her little sister. 
in bold letters it proclaimed "NO RULES" (with the "rules" part somewhat hidden in the shadows beneath the outcropping). 
I blushed and chuckled and then spun into analyzing the purport of the logo.
likely, she meant "anything goes" based on the non-verbal (not to be judgmental!) 
but it came to mind what Scripture says, "the grace of God teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness..." 

"Does "NO!" rule in your vocabulary?", I asked myself! 

Then I thought of the libertine Nicolaitans
... ascetics
... Paul's "... all things are lawful ..." 

-- but these are definitely two contrasting ways to live ones life?!

[k-pappy]

Interesting food for thought.  Thanks for sharing!

[Debbie_55]

Yes, indeed an interesting topic thank you for challenging my mind in it's meaning and this is what I came up with.

Our English language consumes so many different meanings for the contrast of what one single word can mean, but has a different meaning to another. It's no wonder the English language is the hardest to learn as we use many slang words also for the meaning of one word.

[JERRY C]

 

(OK, guys, another one!  seems like everyone just wants to argue about baptism, the rapture, and the Pope?!  so, I will just talk to myself. ha.)


4.  "circle the wagons" vs. "circle of friends"

we live in an age of FB, twitter, yada yada yada.  my wife is across the room on the phone with her sister (on speaker phone, so I can hear) and I am on a web forum?! 

but, I love to make friends, talk, visit, ... enlarge my circle of friends!  So, I sent a FB friend a note -- "love to see you two (old college buddies who married) at this summer Bible camp ..." 

to this she replied, "love to see you guys, but we have our religious differences ..."  (now, the camp is a little "progressive", but only on the right end of the continuum, ignoring the rest of the spectrum! long story, but same denomination, just center and left)  you know, I was hurt, but should have seen it coming, I guess. 

I was enlarging my "circle of friends" -- she was "circling the wagons" to keep out the savages!

at work, I fellowship with a variety of believers.  my wife and I assemble with a community church that does not align with all my weird ideas.  but, Jesus whispers to me that he smiles at all of us, IMHO


anybody want to add to the list?!

[JERRY C]

   interesting monologue?!

5.  "thermometer" vs. "thermostat"

(today at our MMM meeting, Tommy, from Reliability Crew, presented this contrast!  "aha," I said; so here it is!
here are my notes:)

indicator -- facilitator?
both sense temp -- one is connected to power souce
reads -- reacts
Rom.12:2 conform vs. transform
Jas.2 hear AND do
victim or victor

thermometers -
disconnected from power source
only reflect/mirror
self-absorbed
dress and talk like others
why?  to fit in; to avoid persecution (Mt.5:11-12); easier (Lk.19 deny self/take up cross)
Tim Tebow!
will be persecuted if standing up


thermostats -
senses
not self-contained
connected to power source
12v --> 240v !!
level-headed
small range of change vs. 0 degrees to 100
change - temp in room, the climate to positive/spiritual, the subject, the direction

it was a great lunch time devo with some millwrights!