To be a Christian, there are so many requirements it seems. They come from other people. Not from God. I mean, we're told what music to listen to, what words to use, what movies to watch, what to write, to read... And if we stray from that, it's almost as if we get excommunicated. I mean, my God doesn't give me a list of what to do and what not to do. All He says is 'love the Lord your God' and 'love your neighbour as yourself'. Everything else will follow from those two.
There is a lot of stuff out there that would be harmful to some people. Maybe they aren't mature enough yet to be truly discerning. Or maybe they struggle with a particular area. (I.E., if you're struggling with interest in the occult and in witchcraft, reading fantasy books (and some horror) might make you yearn for that stuff... That's harmful. )
And those are all viable reasons to avoid certain kinds of things. But what about those of us who can cope? Is it anyone's place to decide what we can and cannot do? Well yes it is. It's God's place. And He has told us what to do. He's told us to love Him, and to love each other. But He's also told us that Jesus is the one to judge who is going to heaven or not. So to assume that somebody isn't a real Christian because they listen to Metallica is not only a logical fallacy, but also a blasphemy. Jesus is the judge. It's a blasphemy to assume you can do that too.
I think that as Christians we need to learn to be less afraid. We will avoid so much that is good because we are scared we might somehow get a little tainted.
Love God.
Love your neighbour.
And everything else will fall into place.
2 comments:
You're onto something.
Where's the line though, of it being loving others to not do the things that offend them? Especially if it's something they struggle with, like the example mentioned above?
They come from other people. Not from God. I mean, we're told what music to listen to
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
It clearly says God doesn't like disorder - Mettalica's music doesn't really fit that description, now does it? So saying "[requirements] come from other people" is a little inaccurate.
There is a lot of stuff out there that would be harmful to some people. Maybe they aren't mature enough yet to be truly discerning.
You can be affected by something even if you're the most discerning, strong person on the planet. For example, say I can discern things that no one else can. If I go to a party and take drugs, don't you think I'll be affected, even though I know/knew that that stuff is bad?
Also, check this out:
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
If a movie isn't noble, pure, lovely or admirable, that means we shouldn't watch it. If what we say/about to say isn't noble, pure, excellent or praiseworthy, we shouldn't say it either...
I think that as Christians we need to learn to be less afraid. We will avoid so much that is good because we are scared we might somehow get a little tainted.
As they say: better safe than sorry. I'd rather miss out on the so-called fun of this world, than enjoy it all, suffer from my warped philosophy, and then miss out on my eternal crown.
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