Is it wrong to.....

[PrinceJeff]

Watch TV shows like Jay Leno, Ricki Lake, etc.?

Watch movies with any amount of swearing or sexuality or otherwise offensive content?

Listen to secular music like N'Sync, Britney Spears (heh the coincidence of the order), etc?

It is a personal struggle in my relationship with Jesus Christ to do all I can for him. Sometimes I find myself laughing heartily at Jay Leno's "headlines" while being disgusted at pro wrestling and other programs that turn women into sex objects. And with music it's just as hard a struggle. Can I condemn the way Britney Spears has turned into today's highest paid stripper while I used to listen to Van Halen, known in the past for songs like "Hot For Teacher" and the like?

There is so much trash in today's entertainment and media and I know we can't cut ourselves from society, but God says to "be in the world but not of it." At what point does one find balance here? How do you have that deep, personal commitment to a clean life in Christ but still living happily? *sigh* Sometimes I amaze myself at how I am beating myself up over such things. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\"> Any thoughts?



Jeff
Isaiah 40:30-31

[Josephus]

Your satisfaction for what God is doing in your life should always be more than the satisfaction of what other things give you. If you are following God's plan for your life, then everything you do becomes a satisfaction to you in His Righteousness and the balance is struck.

For example, I happen to be resting at home taking care of my baby sister - enjoying the knowledge God is with me, and then flip the channel to hear Leno sharing funny headlines. Some of them are in bad taste, but I understand that God is with me and I decide that after headlines, I'll get on the internet and come check out what's happening here, or make preps for bowling with friends tomorrow night. :)

The balance is struck when you've got God on the throne of your heart, and not yourself. :)

[Aquafina1]

Nice post Josephus,

God convicts people different and I watch/do something with that in the back of myt mind. If God ever convicts me of it than it will be gone tomorrow.

Daniel enjoyed many things of the world, but he was also one of the greatest men who ever lived. He enjoyed polotics and became a huge leader. There is nothing wrong with it as long as you do it in moderation.

Example: A rated X film should never even be a factor when thinking about right and wrong.

Josephus said it best though.

[LouisBooth]

Personally i think watching talk shows are particpating in gossip, since that's what they are about, other peoples problems and who did this and what, etc..that's gossip. One the what should you do thing. Its as God convicts you. I listen to secular music, but not another type which I label ungodly music (big difference between the 2). I would tell you this. If you think it is causing someone to stumble, don't do it. Period, no questions asked.

[ZoneChaos]

Nothing should be put before God. And nothing should hinder your walk with God. And you should let the Holy Spirit guide you and convict you in that.

[LouisBooth]

That's true zone, but 99.9% of christians I know are sometimes to hard headed to admit that the spirit is saying stop what your doing, through other people and circumstances, that is why I said what I did.

[PrinceJeff]

I asked because like sometimes I am feeling fine with secular music (some) and shows like Jay Leno or whatever. Then after every church service I go to I feel like a calling is on my heart to go all-christian in everything. But by the time I get home, I am back to where I was. It is an up and down thing. I mean if I try giving everything up and fail, am I sinning or what? I guess if it is God's will He will provide the means right? I know I have to pray about this too.

[ZoneChaos]

There are two people involved in how you run your life.. God, and You. God will help you. but it take both of you to get the "means" by which to accomplish it. God will give you strength, but you must have the desire.

[Aquafina1]

Sometimes the way I feel is misleading. I would honor God with all I knew but I still felt like I was not doing a good job at being a Christian. I asked the pastor and he said something I will never forget. "You are feeding off your emotions."

I think thats key right there. My emotions mislead me all the time. There are many days I dont feel as if I am a Christian. So my advice is take your music and put it next to the filter the bible gives us. If the Bible says its wrong and god convicts you than give it up.

First comes Fact, than comes Faith, and lastly comes Feeling.

[PrinceJeff]

See that's the thing. I have the desire without a doubt. And I feel like the power is there from the Lord, but when I go to do something, I lose it. *sigh*

I've only been saved for a year now, but you would think I would have grown 100000-fold by now.

[LouisBooth]

hmm, sounds like 1. you are forgetting that love is not just something you do when you feel like it. You being married (I think) this should speak volumes to you. Second, you have changed 100000000000000fold. You are no longer bound by sin. You have repented and turned to God. That is the most dramatic change someone can ever make. Second, just think about it, an oak doesn't become an oak in a short time ;) Keep training in the word and let God lead you and you will become a strong spiritual warrior, just remember where you strenght comes from :) "for I know the plans for you declairs the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you , plans to give you hope and a future." Just put on the armor of God everyday and start training. :)

[PrinceJeff]

Thank you Louis and all for your encouragement! BTW, I will be married to PrincessTracy on May 25, 2002. :)

I will as you say, put on the full armor of God. Pray that I am able to find God's perfect will for my life! I love the Lord and desire nothing more than to serve Him. Whatever it takes.

[LouisBooth]

rocking, I'm happy for ya. Remember to ground your marrage in Christ, for he is the top priority, but you will have your needs met through keeping him first. Funny how that's always the case. I would encourage you to find a mature christian that you trust and ask him to disciple you, for if you have no teacher, how can you learn? The HS is the true teacher, but hey, you need to be 1. accountable to someone 2. talked to a seasoned vetran in the war, he can give you some tips and what to watch out for, he's probalby been there and 3. As written in ecc. woe to the man that falls and has no one to pick him up..it basically says that it is good to have a "partner" in life (not your wife but a close male friend). The full armor of God is in the last few chapters of eps. Great study!!!

[InHisName]

>>Watch TV shows like Jay Leno, Ricki Lake, etc.?

>>Watch movies with any amount of swearing or sexuality or otherwise offensive content?

>>Listen to secular music like N'Sync, Britney Spears (heh the coincidence of the order), etc?

InHisName:These are simple answers. You already know the answer...a message on a board can't make you do something..only conviction in your heart. Posting here confirms you already know and are convicted. When we turn from sin/self and turn to Christ it makes it easier.

>>It is a personal struggle in my relationship with Jesus Christ to do all I can for him. Sometimes I find myself laughing heartily at Jay Leno's "headlines" while being disgusted at pro wrestling and other programs that turn women into sex objects. And with music it's just as hard a struggle. Can I condemn the way Britney Spears has turned into today's highest paid stripper while I used to listen to Van Halen, known in the past for songs like "Hot For Teacher" and the like?

>>There is so much trash in today's entertainment and media and I know we can't cut ourselves from society, but God says to "be in the world but not of it." At what point does one find balance here? How do you have that deep, personal commitment to a clean life in Christ but still living happily? *sigh* Sometimes I amaze myself at how I am beating myself up over such things. Any thoughts?

Listen tio Christian music and attend some sort of music retreat. It will change your view and give you new desires.

[filosofer]

BTW, I will be married to PrincessTracy on May 25, 2002.

Congratulations! God's blessings on your marriage. BTW, I like the date - that's my birthday! Let's just say that I well into my second half century! :)

[PrinceJeff]

InHisName,

Do you know of some good music retreats around this time of year? I have tried an all-christian secular music fast but could not complete it. :(

[E-beth]

I would not give up ALL secular music...there is good and bad aspects of every type of media. I trust God that He will show me what is right and wrong, and when I watch VH1 and somebody comes on that gives me the stirring of the Spirit (as with our dear Ms Brittany), I turn it over...

I believe also in knowing the enemy. I really don't like it when someone preaches against the evils of music groups they know nothing about. I can know who they are and what they are about without liking them or supporting them in any way.

As far as music is concerned, there has been a recent increase in "closet" Christian bands who sing songs on the secular front while being very moral and openly saying they are singing love songs to God. Two that come to mind off the top of my head are Lifehouse and Creed. I LOVE that! Get people listenin', then give them the Word.

But God will put the nudge on ya when you get your jollies from something you shouldn't. That is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Be in tune to it and He will help ya.

(As a personal aside, my Christian stuggle is with the show South Park. It is an awful show I know, but thew times I saw it - when there was no sacreligious stuff- I liked it but knew it was wrong. So I just don't watch it anymore. God helped me out with the temptation by making it impossible for me to stay awake til 10:30 anymore anyway! :) )

I think it is awesome that you want to be your best for Him. Don't lose that!

[LouisBooth]

I would disagree about creed based on some of their interviews as would I with lifehouse. I think they fall under secular musicians not closet christian bands :)

[PrinceJeff]

Creed, especially singer Scott Stapp, must have left their "flip flop wearin', tobacco dippin', Budweiser drinking" days behind them if their latest cd is any indication. I pray for more artists out there to make changes as well.

Ever heard of a band called Dream Theater?

[E-beth]

I have heard of them but can't associate them to anything by name.

There is another song I heard on the radio the other day but I didn't hear the name of the group that did it. The DJ said" they are another Christian crossover band but that is still a good song." :rolleyes: Anyway, the song said something about following you anywhere you want me to go or something like that. I am intrigued and I wanna find out more about 'em.

I think we all expect more of Christians performing in the secular media. It is almost like everyone waits for them to prove their humanity. Christians aren't perfect but the world seems to expect us to be.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread or anything. I feel like it is on this big music tangent or something. Sorry Jeff.

[PrinceJeff]

No tangent seen by me. :) Have fun!

[LouisBooth]

"Christians aren't perfect but the world seems to expect us to be."

I agree, but when in their interviews they say the stuff they do...it shows me that they aren't christian LEADERS. That's the position they are in and they aren't living up to it.

[swimmase]

aquafina:
Sometimes the way I feel is misleading. I would honor God with all I knew but I still felt like I was not doing a good job at being a Christian. I asked the pastor and he said something I will never forget. "You are feeding off your emotions."

I think thats key right there. My emotions mislead me all the time.

i am very much bothered by the same problem, i think. how have you managed to get ahold of your emotions? mine run wild on me, keeping me captive to things like fear and worry. any advice anyone?

[LouisBooth]

worship God and read his word. Focus on him and you will find your emotions will follow. Remember sometimes you don't always "feel" like keeping a commitment..but you should anyway.

[mahebb]

1 Cor 6:12 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but I will not be brrought under the power of any."

1 Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify"

When Paul tells us 'all things are lawful', he means all things that are not specifically forbidden by God's Word are ok to do, but they do not enlighten or improve. The Greek word for edify is oikodomei which literally means 'to build a house'. Paul is saying that he can sit and watch Oprah all day eating Bon Bons freeley in Christ, but it does no good in building his spirit. He goes on to emphasise that we do not judge others who feel free in Christ to do things which we do not feel free to do. I went into more detail in my post Putting Potter In His Place.

Much Love in Christ,
Matthew A. Hebbert

[lisa03wilson]

Creed says openly on their website that they are not a "Christian band" they make the distinction in that Christian bands have an "agenda" to convert and they do not, but Scott Stapp (creed's lead singer) is a Christian, as far as I know, and since he writes most of the songs it really comes through in some points. I'm really happy cause I got ticikets to a sold out concert of theirs in a month or so.

Lifehouse I really like and have not been able to find a sepcific answer on their site. Jason Wade (lead singer) is a missionary's son and I have heard say he is a Christian. All of the band members thank God in the cd book, and one, I don't remember which, says something like "all this music comes from you and goes right back" They express alot of their feelings in their music though most people figure they are just talking about a girl or something which is sad.

Anyway, these are two of my favorite bands, and Creed was actually one of the things that got me to realize something was not right in my life and that resulted in me comming into a relationship with God.