“The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor. The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” – Proverbs 14:8-12
People in the media, the entertainment industry
(actors and musicians), and the sports industry have become oracles for the
culture we live in. Making declarations of what truth is – what right is. It is
a relative truth based upon the thoughts and desires of people – rejecting the
notion that there was and is an absolute truth established by God at the point
of creation that is unwavering – immutable. The generations may choose to
ignore it – malign it – scoff at it – all in favor after following their sinful
hearts – but truth does not change.
I marvel at how our culture hangs on every word
of people who make acting like someone else their way of life. People who play
“pretend” for a living. They are gifted at hiding who they really are as they
act out characters that have been scripted.
We idolize singers and musicians, many of whom glorify the use of drugs
as an enviable lifestyle. Athletes who have made their mark on the wall of fame
because of their athletic prowess which has somehow given them credence in all
aspects of life. When, in fact, their
opinions about the affairs of men and women are no more significant than yours
or mine. Our culture has no discernment
to know what is real and what is not. What is right and what is not. What is
truth and what is not. The media has become nothing more than a seller of
elixirs that result in filling their coffers, doing nothing for the soul – all
in the name of looking out for the interests of the public. There seems a way
that is right to man – but its end leads to death. We worship these people, talking heads,
actors, singers and athletes, in our homes in front of our 50 in 4k UHD Smart
spiritual gateways or our smart phone mobile temples. We adore them – imitate
them – embrace their politics and morality. Oh you say “that is not me?” We
Christians are guilty of “drinking the cool aide” with right along side those
who do not profess the name of Jesus. We
sit for hours watching life being lived out that promotes all that we say is
contrary to the Word of God and justify it be calling it entertainment. People
are glued to their phones – where the next text message is more important than
the person you are meeting face to face.
I am guilty of those things – and like most addictions – it is not so
easy to let it go. Not realizing that the
thing that entertains us is like leaven in the loaf. That it is detrimental to our
spiritual nature as we entertain – satiate – our old nature. Using the excuse that it is “not so bad”. We
glorify death because it is just a story – or the bad guys deserved to
die. We overlook sex outside of marriage
portrayed in movies and on television as a necessary part of the plot. Like
frogs in the pot – the water is coming to a boil and we are smiling and content
all the while. May I suggest that there is another way for us. Another way to
live …. Something else that we should focus on?
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any
virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The
things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and
the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:8-9
Can your television – Facebook – or cell phone
give you that opportunity? Oh you say “Sometimes.” What percent of your time? Don’t answer that
…. Maybe it is time for a change …. I used to have a card on our television
that said “Guard Your Heart”. It is going back up as a reminder to be careful
about what I expose myself to. Seem radical? Our faith is radical – at least as
far as the world is concerned – but for Christians it is really our “new normal”.
“My son [and daughter], pay attention to what
I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them
within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s
whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do
flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from
your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before
you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all
your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
– Proverbs 4:20-27
Think about it – Pray about it - Believe it –
Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory
Alone
No comments:
Post a Comment