There are several places that I could list of which I'd rather not visit. Off the top of my head, some of the more noticeable of these would probably be prisons, a sewerage system or the site of an earthquake, for example. A little closer to home, how about a hospital? Your local bar? A nightclub? An old people's home?
In life, there are many experiences that make us uncomfortable, uneasy and even a little bit fearful. Often, we'd rather just avoid these situations. It's in our nature to either 'fight' or 'flee' from situations that present a threat to us in some way. To take it one step further, any experience that requires a little more effort, energy or trust than we'd be happy to give, we all too often tend to throw our hats in and walk away. It's too hard. I can't do it. I don't want to do it. I don't have to do it. I don't have the time or energy to do it. There's too much going on anyway.
As a Christian, (and also because of my Psychology interests) I find myself constantly reflecting on my behaviour; my words, my actions, and whether the two line up. I'm not responsible for anyone else's behaviour, but I do know that if I seek to become more like Jesus in his character, I need to continually think about this stuff. It has become my aim in life to "get uncomfortable" with where I am currently at, and to constantly (though often slowly) move forward into who God would have me be. This means stepping into situations that I may find uncomfortable, to shed a bit of God's light.
I have recently had my eyes opened with regard to the experiences of the broken, isolated and lonely. I have seen the consequences of broken promises, and feel a responsibility to listen and act on the voice of Jesus in these situations. Just by simply taking a minute to stop, I'm sure that we could bring to mind several people we know who would love some company, some new clothes, a meal, a visit, a conversation or a shoulder to cry on. And if you can't think of any people like that in your life, then I urge you, get out of your comfort zone. The gospel is the GOOD news, is it not? Let's get out of our comfort zones and show it.
Do you call yourself a Christian? Great. Then show it. Matt 7:16 - "You will know them by their fruits." It is very simple.
Romans 15:1-2 - "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up."
Phil 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.
Mark 12:29-31 - "'The most important commandment,' answered Jesus, 'is this:.. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as you love yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'"
This one hits the nail on the head...
Matt 25:37-40 - "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
Wake up! There are other people out there in desperate need of a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, a Saviour! Let us not become so self-centred that we forget that there are so many ways that we could make better use of our time and energy. I write this blog only to spur you on as well.
Here is one thing I have noted about people living in isolation. Stick to your promises, or don't make them in the first place. We're blinded if we think we can make promises to people, forget about them and then hope that the person we made them to has also forgotten. This is never the case. At least be realistic about the promises that you make. We are representing Christ, and as much as we make mistakes and aren't perfect, we "are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Cor 2:14). We have a responsibility. He has given to us the message of reconciliation. The real, perfect Saviour: Jesus. The world needs the love and mercy of Jesus.
I implore you, find the need and meet it in Jesus name. At this time, I remember the words of Jesus himself, and his task on earth:
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour."
It is my prayer that this might be my task as well, and that my life would point to Jesus. Not just through my words, but that my actions would speak louder than any promise I ever make to anyone.
Sarah
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Deceived.
I was probably one of the last girls my age to hear about '50 Shades of Grey': a new erotica written by E. L. James. I'm aware that many of my friends have read or are currently reading this book along with the two others in its series. Though there is much to be said about the themes in the novel (abuse, to name one) and the interesting relationship that is had between 21 year old Anastasia and 27 year old Christian Grey (whom many of my friends claim to be 'captivated' by), this blog post is not about these things. I have not read the book, but I've heard enough about it to know that it's finally time for me to say something.
I'm talking to Christian girls. Women of God. I have no idea if you've read this book or not, but that's hardly the point. In this post, I want to address the fact that all too often, as Christian women, we are very quick to ask our fellow brothers in Christ to work on their addictions to porn in its various forms. However, if only we were as quick to 'look at the plank in your own eye' (Matt 7:3-5) we would discover that porn is just as accessible and dangerous for us as it is for them.
It may come in different forms, but it still exists. We may not walk in to a petrol station and see it, we may not spend the night surfing the internet for it, but we will surely watch movies, tv shows, read books and refrain from identifying anything that WE need to work on. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a chick flick, I'm simply asking, are you willing to put in just as much effort as your male Christian mates would at eradicating opportunities to get sucked in to sin?
Don't forget that in the story of the Fall (Genesis 3), although Adam didn't speak up to keep his wife from sinning, Eve was selfish, and was deceived by the snake. I hear about some great sermons these days directed at guys, and how they need to be better men and stand up so that their wives don't fall into sin while they stay silent, as Adam did. But here's a different message, girls. Regardless of what Adam did or did not do, Eve chose to sin against God. She chose to take matters into her own hands.
Let me ask you today. When was the last time you checked your motives in watching a romantic movie? When was the last time you checked your motives in reading a romantic novel? When was the last time you passed off watching a specific tv show even if it's "just winding down" or "just for fun"?
Let's get specific. I'm talking about True Blood. I'm talking about the new movie coming out - 'Magic Mike' - about male strippers. I'm talking about 50 Shades of Grey. I'm talking about looking at pictures of actors or singers on the internet. I'm talking about Greys Anatomy. Ask yourself: "Why am I watching this?" "Does God want me to be watching this?"
Our actions have implications. Not just for us, but for the guys in our lives. How do you think they feel when we don't make the effort to stop looking every time a guy takes his shirt off in a movie or on tv? Let's not be stupid, this stuff is real. Just as we would feel inadequate, unworthy and unappreciated if we knew a guy we loved was looking at porn, what about when our more 'subtle' forms of eye candy make them feel like dirt? On top of their struggles with porn, we leave guys feeling inadequate. From conversations with male mates in my life, their number one struggle is with feeling adequate. They just want to be enough for us. They want to be man enough for us. How will they ever overcome feelings of inadequacy (I'm talking about practical things here, not in terms of inadequacy in sinning - we must always point them back to Christ with that) if we can't also step up to the plate and say no to sin in our lives.
First and foremost though, when we pass this stuff off as ok to watch, read, see or hear, we're sinning against God. Girls, I urge you, don't forget what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, that "I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything - but I will not be mastered by anything," "your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit" and "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies." That includes our eyes!
Romans 6:2 - "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase? By no means. We died to sin. How can we live in it any longer?"
2 Corinthians 3:18 - "We all, who with unveiled faced contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
If you know you struggle with this stuff, but can't seem to eradicate it from your life, here are some ideas.
If you're not a Christian and you're reading this, that's awesome. Many people might say to me, "you're just missing out on a whole lot of hotness by not watching this," or whatever. But I'd rather gauge out the sin in my life right now if it means eternity with Jesus in heaven. I'd also rather put my boyfriend before myself now so that when we're married, that translates into a healthy, Godly marriage together later on. I'd rather think of what builds him up than what builds me up.
Thanks be to God for his grace in everything. We're not perfect and yes, we will stumble. But I'm a fighter, and I hope you are too. Here's to getting back up and trying again.
Set the standard, and know why you've chosen it.
Sarah
I'm talking to Christian girls. Women of God. I have no idea if you've read this book or not, but that's hardly the point. In this post, I want to address the fact that all too often, as Christian women, we are very quick to ask our fellow brothers in Christ to work on their addictions to porn in its various forms. However, if only we were as quick to 'look at the plank in your own eye' (Matt 7:3-5) we would discover that porn is just as accessible and dangerous for us as it is for them.
It may come in different forms, but it still exists. We may not walk in to a petrol station and see it, we may not spend the night surfing the internet for it, but we will surely watch movies, tv shows, read books and refrain from identifying anything that WE need to work on. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a chick flick, I'm simply asking, are you willing to put in just as much effort as your male Christian mates would at eradicating opportunities to get sucked in to sin?
Don't forget that in the story of the Fall (Genesis 3), although Adam didn't speak up to keep his wife from sinning, Eve was selfish, and was deceived by the snake. I hear about some great sermons these days directed at guys, and how they need to be better men and stand up so that their wives don't fall into sin while they stay silent, as Adam did. But here's a different message, girls. Regardless of what Adam did or did not do, Eve chose to sin against God. She chose to take matters into her own hands.
Let me ask you today. When was the last time you checked your motives in watching a romantic movie? When was the last time you checked your motives in reading a romantic novel? When was the last time you passed off watching a specific tv show even if it's "just winding down" or "just for fun"?
Let's get specific. I'm talking about True Blood. I'm talking about the new movie coming out - 'Magic Mike' - about male strippers. I'm talking about 50 Shades of Grey. I'm talking about looking at pictures of actors or singers on the internet. I'm talking about Greys Anatomy. Ask yourself: "Why am I watching this?" "Does God want me to be watching this?"
Our actions have implications. Not just for us, but for the guys in our lives. How do you think they feel when we don't make the effort to stop looking every time a guy takes his shirt off in a movie or on tv? Let's not be stupid, this stuff is real. Just as we would feel inadequate, unworthy and unappreciated if we knew a guy we loved was looking at porn, what about when our more 'subtle' forms of eye candy make them feel like dirt? On top of their struggles with porn, we leave guys feeling inadequate. From conversations with male mates in my life, their number one struggle is with feeling adequate. They just want to be enough for us. They want to be man enough for us. How will they ever overcome feelings of inadequacy (I'm talking about practical things here, not in terms of inadequacy in sinning - we must always point them back to Christ with that) if we can't also step up to the plate and say no to sin in our lives.
First and foremost though, when we pass this stuff off as ok to watch, read, see or hear, we're sinning against God. Girls, I urge you, don't forget what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, that "I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything - but I will not be mastered by anything," "your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit" and "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies." That includes our eyes!
Romans 6:2 - "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase? By no means. We died to sin. How can we live in it any longer?"
2 Corinthians 3:18 - "We all, who with unveiled faced contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
If you know you struggle with this stuff, but can't seem to eradicate it from your life, here are some ideas.
- Talk to someone about it. Get it out in the open. Just as guys will say, porn is a silent killer. With the further understanding that women's forms of porn are more subtle and silent, you may very well be the first person to ever bring it up.
- If you have a partner, talk to them about it. It is SO important that these struggles are known and worked on! If you're scared to talk about it now, it'll only result in a huge mess later on.
- Ask God to convict you of the things he wants you to get rid of. He will, trust me.
- Practice saying no to watching things or seeing things.
- Practice turning your eyes away from things.
- Don't pretend like you're perfect in this area. We're all flawed and if we ask, God can show us what we need to work on if we're blinded to it.
If you're not a Christian and you're reading this, that's awesome. Many people might say to me, "you're just missing out on a whole lot of hotness by not watching this," or whatever. But I'd rather gauge out the sin in my life right now if it means eternity with Jesus in heaven. I'd also rather put my boyfriend before myself now so that when we're married, that translates into a healthy, Godly marriage together later on. I'd rather think of what builds him up than what builds me up.
Thanks be to God for his grace in everything. We're not perfect and yes, we will stumble. But I'm a fighter, and I hope you are too. Here's to getting back up and trying again.
Set the standard, and know why you've chosen it.
Sarah
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