Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
Samantha describes Anabaptists valuing “external expressions of obedience” (well-kept homes, yards, cleanliness) but says they’re not meant “to hide what’s going on inside”; where have you seen externals used as a cover (either in Anabaptist settings or elsewhere), and what practices would help a church keep externals tethered to honesty and repentance?
Another way to ask: Where have you seen “good-looking” outward behavior used to hide inner problems? What could a church do to keep outward obedience tied to honesty, repentance, and real change?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, externals become a cover when people use a tidy appearance to project spirituality while avoiding honesty about sin and struggle. Practices that help are open communication, humility, and real community accountability where people “talk about things.”
- She says Anabaptists value “external expressions of obedience… orderliness and cleanliness… well-kept homes… yards.”
- But she clarifies: “we don’t do those to hide the inside… We don’t try to look good on the outside to hide what’s going on inside.”
- She ties health to community transparency: “That’s why we live in community and we talk about things most of the time.”
- She admits honesty is hard: “it can be hard to admit our problems.”
- Her counsel to individuals making changes: “walk in humility” and practice “open communication… ‘this is why I’m doing this.’”