CODE OF CONDUCT:
Purpose of Code of Conduct
Just as in our daily Christian walks, we expect the members of The Lions of Judah to follow the same code of conduct they would in their normal life. This code of conduct is simply an attempt to be more Christ-like in our actions, words, and thoughts. We are understanding that because of diversity, many people will have different personal codes of conduct, but none the less we feel it is necessary to lay out guidelines as to what we expect of our members in this kinship. This is not to become Pharisaic or legalistic in any way, but rather to promote unity and oneness in our community so that we can all be on the same page. Our aim is to have a code of conduct that encourages Christ-like behavior, following our two greatest commandments of love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
The Code
- SPEECH -
In regards to our speech, the verse we will be adhering to will be Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (NASB). In this verse unwholesome is referring to something rotten, foul, our putrid, such as spoiled meat. Any form of foul language or talk is completely uncalled for in Christian character. We expect the members of this community to:
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The Christian's speech should be good talk, talk that involves instruction, encouragement, uplifting, and tailored to certain moments.
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Do not use filthy language such as swearing. Vulgar and offensive language has no place in the Christian life. We will not permit this talk on the forums or in the game in any instance, this dishonors the Lord.
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Do not make any racial or gender slurs.
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Do no make references, innuendos, orientations, participations, insinuations, or slurs about anything sexual.
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Do not reminisce, talk-about, mention, or brag about any illegal behavior. There may be individuals in the game that feel led to take such information and give it to the proper authorities. Remember, we may have social workers, counselors, and the “like” in our community that are mandated reporters and must report such poor actions. Use discretion.
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There is to be no religious slurs of any kind to someone(s) of a different religion. This will only burn bridges for witnessing/evangelizing opportunities. We need to be loving to people of other religions just as we are to ourselves.
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Do not gossip, plan and simple. In reference to this, please be sure to read our section below on “Problem Solving.”
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There is no tolerance for drama, please take it to personal chat (whispers/tells) and do not make it public in any way.
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Because we have been given grace, so also should we live and speak grace.
- BEHAVIOR -
As Christians, we are expected to be excellent in our behavior, showing maturity and self-control. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
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SHOW THE FRUITS
Show the fruits of spirit, salvation, and sanctification. These come from such passages as Galatians5:16-26 and Colossians 3:12-17 that include the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiving, self-control, etc. -
ASKING FOR HELP
Asking for help is a bigger topic than it could seem. When necessary, it is appropriate to ask for help in the game. It is the privilege and honor of a higher level person(s) or any other individual(s) in the game to help another person. However, this does not mean that people are at anybody else's beckoning call, to come when they want. Any call for help is at the discretion of the person(s) being asked for their assistance. -
HELP THE WEAK
Continuing off of the last point, it is important to remember to help the weak. Just as Christ served us, so also should we serve one another, and what we do for the least of us, we do for Christ. At no point should you be arrogant or proud, feeling that what you are doing is much more important than what anyone else does. There will be instances where matters of more importance will arise, but not all the time. -
Within the discussion of the kinship/guild/supergroup chat, refrain from off-topic discussions that are irrelevant to the kinship/guild/supergroup, though some are allowable. Please take this type of chat elsewhere.
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Do not spam within the kinship/guild/supergroup chat, such as repeating something over and over again, or try to solicit something within the kinship/guild/supergroup chat.
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Do not flirt in the kinship/guild/supergroup chat, take this chat elsewhere and remember to be pure in your speech.
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Do not be a brat or jerk in any form of chat. What this means is do not try and play mind games, try to be someone else, putting people down, being provocative/taunting, intra-guild vices, etc. This is looked down upon as immature and un-Christian.
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If somebody ignores you in game chat, do not jump to the conclusion immediately that they don't like you or are trying to get you angry. They may be in the middle of something important (saving theirs or another persons life, A.F.K., etc.). If it really bugs you, encounter them in a Christian manner (See Problem Solving below).
- PROBLEM SOLVING -
Because of the nature of how people interact with each other in social and non-social environments, and because of how diverse we are, problems are bound to arise. We believe that the most appropriate way to handle problems is by using the scriptural method structured out for us by our Lord in Matthew 18:15-18. This does not mean that we are calling ourselves a church or denomination, but instead are just trying to follow the method of “problem solving” given to us in scripture. The following are guidelines as to how to approach a problem.
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If somebody offends you, first and foremost, pray and meditate. Pray that God will give you discernment to the situation and try to think wisely about what has happened before making a decision. First, do this with yourself, and if you need advice, seek wisdom from a trustworthy brother or sister in Christ. Do not include the individuals who have offended you by name or whatever reference that would give away their identity.
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If for some reason no resolution has been met between the parties, the next step is too involve another party(s) that is disconnected from the situation. This means that you gather one or two other people, describe to them the situation in the audience of the other person who is the offender or offended, and ask for their wisdom and advice. Be sure to pick trustworthy fellow believers in Christ who will not show favorites to one party or another.
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If for some reason the previous step also shows no resolution, the final step is to take this problem before the kinship/guild/supergroup leadership. Just the same as before, you will describe the situation to the leadership and the leadership will offer their advice and wisdom to the respective parties. If the parties do not reach a resolution by this step, then it may be necessary for disciplinary actions to take course such as rank demotions, temporary bans, or permanent removal from kinship/guild/supergroup. This step will only be followed through with a serious problem between members of the kinship/guild/supergroup.
- VIOLATION -
Any form of a violation or infringement of the The Lions of Judah Code of Conduct will result in warnings and possible disciplinary measures (IE – temporary or permanent removal). All violations will be addressed privately or publicly depending on the seriousness of the violation.
- QUESTIONS -
If you have any questions, or concerns about the Code of Conduct, please contact the guild leaders in game, or post on the forums. Thank you!