**Let
me clarify here that I will not say one way or another that seeing movies like
this or reading books of this nature is right or wrong.**
I will say that I do have mixed emotions and views
on this topic. I’ve read a few articles
and seen these posts and one word comes to mind every time I’m broached with
this topic… condemnation. Even from the
several that started out their posts with “I’m not condemning anyone, however…” To me, that’s a big, red flag that tells me
there could be condemnation afoot.
I’ll be transparent enough to say that I’ve seen Magic Mike and I’ve read fictional
erotica (gasp!).
I have a strong belief that one person’s
convictions may not be another’s and that it is not my place to tell you what
you should or shouldn’t feel convicted of.
The Holy Spirit is the authority on that and He’s much more
knowledgeable of your heart than I. I’m
also of the profound belief that not everything you do is my business. Sometimes we just take on more responsibility
for others’ actions than is necessary.
I will admit this, I did not feel convicted about
seeing Magic Mike or reading any
fictional erotica. This is not my conviction where it might be someone else’s. However,
I’m also not encouraging that others run out and buy the series and go see the
movie. I’m just being transparent here
because I know there are other believers out there that can relate to me.
I know that many Christians have posted that we
are letting pornography (sin) and lust (sin) into our lives by allowing such
books and movies to be viewed, however, let’s take into considerations 3
questions:
When
we offer our Godly advice and warnings to other believers, are we pushing our own
convictions onto them and therefore causing them to feel condemned?
Are
we offering yet another opportunity for the world see judgment and legalism
rather than love and grace?
Can
we not pray for our brothers and sisters to hear from the Holy Spirit for
themselves?
I can guarantee that the Holy Spirit is much more capable
of speaking to their hearts and minds than we can. See, when we allow the Holy Spirit to do His
job, He will speak to us in a loving and accepting way, which will only deepen
intimacy with the Father. He jumps at
the opportunity to encourage that!
I remember when Harry Potter hit the scene and
there was a huge controversy in our church (as well as many others) as to
whether or not it was promoting witchcraft (also sin) to our children. The Word says that not one sin is greater
than another. I just don’t see how this is
any different.
I know in my own walk there have been times that
I’ve pushed my convictions on others with such gusto that it produced
condemnation when my intentions were really good. I just wanted to keep others from falling
into the same pitfalls and suffering the same consequences that I had. It was for their own good to learn from my
mistakes where they could, right? The
truth is our priority should always be to point others to the Father
first. We should always advise others to
seek the Holy Spirit and His wisdom above our own. If they still want our opinion after doing
that, then by all means, after seeking the Holy Spirit first ourselves, give
your opinion. Too often, I’ve found
myself speaking first and then asking the Holy Spirit for His ‘permission’. I guess I tend to be backwards in that
way. I bet no one else has ever done
that…
We must always go back to God’s Word. I believe that seeking the Holy Spirit
sincerely and diligently goes hand in hand with God’s Word. Let me encourage Christians to do this before
we post, comment, or advise others on these particular comments. Then again, shouldn’t we be doing this on
all advisement?
Christians who are intimate with the Father should
automatically seek the Holy Spirit sincerely before participating in such
activities like the books they read or the movies they see.
This is my plea: Believers, please seek wisdom and
discernment before posting your advisement to other believers to be sure that
you are really not condemning them, but aiding them in seeking the Holy Spirit for
themselves.
Giving Godly counsel, not our own opinions, is
imperative so let’s be sure that we are encouraging each other to seek the
Father’s heart for us. That is what will
make all the difference in our behaviors and actions.
Here's my scriptures...
Here's my scriptures...
And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.
Romans 8:1 (NLT)
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Proverbs
18:21 (NLT)
21
The
tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Matthew 5:28 (NLT)
28 But
I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.
1
Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NLT)
3 God’s
will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his
own body[a] and live in holiness and honor—
5 not in lustful passion like
the pagans who do not know God and his ways.
1 Corinthians
6:18 (NLT)
18 Run
from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For
sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
