I've been wanting to blog about this topic for some time but wasn't sure how it would go over. I even wrote out first most of what I wanted to say so that I was careful in my presentation. I'm sure I will take some flack for what I'm about to post but I just want to give people something to consider.
A few years ago when the movie Soul Surfer came out, everyone kept telling me what a great movie it was and how it was helping to further the cause of Christ. I rented it when it came out on DVD. Now, first of all let me say I liked the part about being a survivor and overcoming. I can relate! It was inspiring as far as that goes. However, the almost complete nudity in the movie left me questioning my faith. Seriously, I was a mess for quite some time afterward. The teeny, tiny, floss like bikinis worn in the movie meant my husband and son couldn't watch. They tried and had to leave the room in order to protect their minds. Yes, the family in the movie attends church services (which the girls showed up late for and were dressed straight from surfing!) and their is a missions trip involved also, but I just couldn't get past all the inappropriate dress. After all, they could have worn the surfing body suits or something instead of displaying all that flesh. Other "Christian" movies have not compromised for ticket sales!
What had my mind messed up was how Christianity was being furthered under circumstances going against the commands of the Bible. I finally, after much Bible study and praying and soul searching came to the conclusion that Paul talks about in Philippians chapter 1. Whether Christ is preached in sincerity or in jest, (paraphrased) at least Christ is preached. Truthfully, this was the only way I could settle my mind and stop questioning what I believed to be true from God's Word.
Still, I think movies and shows that on one hand speak of Jesus, God and faith but on the other hand display Christians doing unchristian things, waters down Christianity. It gives the idea that you can be a Christian and still act in ways that go against God's Word and it's all ok and a barrel of laughs. God may forgive sin but never wants us to be complacent or nonchalant about it!!!
Let me here name another show--Duck Dynasty. While I know I have doctrinal issues different from the Robertson family, I love the personal testimonies and stances that they take that I have heard watching interviews outside of the show. While I do think there is much humor to the show, it drives me crazy how they pray at the end of each show yet during the show they are engaging in illegal activities such as poaching or trespassing and in my opinion the ladies are not as modestly dressed as they could be. All this is in fun. (BTW, if you think this was real life and not rehearsed or any reality show is unrehearsed you are naive!) Did you know that A&E wanted to do the show at first to make fun of the family?! Little did they know that many people in this country do still care about family and God and prayer. The country certainly allowed A&E to get rich using this family. Even when they threatened to kick people off or tried to tone down the God talk, people boycotted and stopped A&E from doing so.
Because they are famous and acting in these ways, I believe it has gone a long way to adding to the nonchalant Christianity we see today. There is no blush left. There is no striving to live a life pleasing to God. It is the attitude of "I am saved and going to heaven so how I live daily doesn't matter". So many people are on Facebook quoting scripture on one post and dropping curse words or sexual innuendos on the next! Many are sharing pictures and posts about getting drunk and think they are right with God just because they are saved. Now, I know that when we ask forgiveness for our sins that we are forgiven. However, I can't help but wonder how many actually are sorry and ask God to forgive them after they got drunk! or do they just go on in their everyday life never giving it another thought that they have offended a holy God?
You may be thinking that I am taking things way too seriously. Well, let me just say that Christians acting in unchristian ways is why my father in law will not get saved!! Too many Christians, or Baptists he knows have cheated him in a sales contract or he's watched them sleeping around outside of marriage or covering up someone else's sin. He has no need of what we try to offer from God's Word. He is just fine. So, my question to you is...Who are you preventing from accepting Jesus as their Savior? Maybe your nonchalant attitude is sending someone who is watching you straight to hell! Sobering thought, huh?! BTW, I have fallen short of always conducting myself in a Christian manner and will stand before God someday for the stumblingblock I have been to others. So there are three fingers pointing at myself as my one is pointing at you. I am convicted when I mess up in this fashion and try to be aware of my conduct.
I just think that if you are claiming the name Christian --- THEN ACT LIKE THE CHILD OF THE KING YOU BELONG TO!!! Sure, all of us will stumble and even fall (I recently blogged about this but it's a heart issue!) but there is a difference in that and one of total disregard for God's Word. Having the attitude that you are saved and on your way to heaven but can live your life any old way you want to and think God is pleased makes you an immature Christian who may be causing someone else to never accept the gift of Salvation.
Everyone thinks that Jesus brought in the age of grace and He did. However, Jesus didn't do away with the moral law only the ceremonial law. He actually raised the bar....thou shalt not commit adultery became, whosoever looks on a woman with lust has committed adultery in his heart already and thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy became love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you. Pretty high standards!
I know this was long but I hope it makes someone out there reading think about their actions. Also, if you look around and see the things that I see, find peace in God's Word. Study it, and use it to respectfully rebuke and train.
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