Articles
Feeling Out Of Place [2]
As was noted in the previous article, Christians feel out of place in the world in which we live, but that really is how we should feel. We should feel 'out of place' in this world because we have been commanded to “not be conformed to this world, but…transformed by the renewing of [our] mind” (Rom. 12:2). When we do that, we will feel out of place in this world. But what, exactly, are some of the ways we don't conform to the world? Let's be specific, so we don't fool ourselves into thinking we haven't conformed when we actually have.
Entertainment. According to the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA], about 55% of all movie releases are rated R; a study from another group showed that in the years 1950-2006, about 85% of all movies, regardless of rating, had sexual content. Revenue reports for the movie industry tell us Americans spent over $11 billion on movies in 2016, so this has not deterred many from endorsing such efforts. Are Christians supporting the production of movies with what is most often unrighteous portrayals of sexual behavior? Probably. But should they?
The picture is not any better with the music industry. A 2011 study of the Billboard Top 100 songs found 219 sexual references within the songs. A 2005 study found 2/3 of videos on BET contained sexual content, and just over 1/4 of those on MTV. Add to this a 2006 Pediatrics magazine survey that found that those who listen to songs with sexually-explicit lyrics tend to be involved in sexual activity two years earlier than those who do not. Of course, it is not just the songs alone that are responsible for the sexual activity, but one would be foolish to think they play no part in encouraging it.
Consider some of the following thoughts from God's word when you are tempted to financially support such efforts. First, the wise writer reminds us, “Fools mock at sin” (Prov. 14:9). How much of what is produced by the movie industry does just that? How many songs treat sinful sexual activity as the norm? How many times do even comedians poke fun at the idea of sin? Should we financially support those who mock the idea of sin, the seriousness of sin, and the consequences of sin?
Second, God's word warns, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isa. 5:20, 21). Again, is this not what the movie and entertainment industry does? Remember, it was the entertainment industry and its members who mocked and ridiculed God's word and its believers a few years ago when California had a proposal on the ballot to recognize marriage only between one man and one woman.
It is extremely difficult to find entertainment that does not follow the worldly idea of what should entertain us, but it makes no sense whatsoever to financially support those who oppose the very ideas and beliefs we hold, and who ridicule us who hold to a higher moral standard than "do whatever feels good." Will we feel 'out of place' by not watching what 'everyone else' watches, or when we don't listen to the songs 'everyone else' is listening to? Sure. But that is what comes with not conforming to the world.
Sexuality. It is becoming increasingly clear that our modern society [especially in the US] is pushing towards complete sexual freedom, where there is no stigma attached to what was once deviant sexual behavior, and no limits on which sexual activity is legal and acceptable. Many expect everyone to identify themselves by their sexual preference, and accept whatever someone else chooses to do or, now, who or what they choose to be.
God's people should not be conformed to the world in this, either. I do not identify myself as a heterosexual because that is not my primary focus in life; in fact, when someone asks me, 'What are you?' I reply, 'I am a Christian!' Doesn't that just make sense? I know it will differentiate you from 'everyone else' and what 'everyone else' is doing or what 'everyone else' accepts, but that is exactly the way it should be. I will not conform my thinking to the worldly standard, lest I start living like they live, too. [Thoughts will eventually become actions.]
God's word is clear on the matter of sexuality. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). Paul also reminds us, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9, 10). Si Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" fame got in trouble recently for simply quoting that passage because he 'was equating homosexuality' with other sins. [He was simply reading what God's word has said for about 2000 years.] The fact is, the only place where sexual activity is approved of God is within the marriage relationship; all else is not approved by God and is called sin. And since Paul wrote [by inspiration of the Holy Spirit] that these individuals once practiced these things, but no longer, one cannot honestly say someone cannot change.
God's word admonishes us, His people, to “abstain from sexual immorality” because “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thess. 4:3-7). God's word teaches us that we should be “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” and “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11, 12). When you purposefully choose to abstain from involvement in any kind of sexual activity outside of marriage, you will stand out, you will be noticed, and you will probably be ridiculed and pressured to give in. You will feel out of place. But please remember that if you have chosen to follow Christ, you must not conform to the worldly standard regarding sexuality. God, your Creator, knows better than any man about the problems and consequences of sexual behavior. God's way is sexual purity, not sexual indulgence.
Vengeance or Forgiveness? With all the evil and inequity in the world, it is likely we will be on the receiving end of some unjust or outright evil behavior. What we choose to do afterwards — how we choose to respond — will differentiate us from the world, also. The world says, 'Get even,' but God's word teaches us, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). As much as we may want to strike out or strike back against those who have wronged us, we understand and accept that is not our place, but God's. Is that hard to do sometimes? Absolutely!
Here is where that “fruit of the Spirit…self control” (Gal. 5:22, 23) will be manifested. Though we may be tempted to retaliate, if we truly “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16), we will put away that temptation and respond with love and have a forgiving attitude should forgiveness be sought. Will we be ridiculed for not retaliating? Will we feel 'out of place' when so many others do seek vengeance? Yes, we will. But such is the price we must pay when we choose to not be conformed to this world. —— Steven Harper
