Be Light!

I am very weary of fighting against our culture. (But I'm liking the picture I drew out of my angst.)

I am a runner, and there are some days, when I am filled with joy, muscles alive and strong, and I race out the door with the energy and grace of a gazelle. But many days, more so as I age, I creak out the door, joints aching, muscles tired and sore, and it feels like I am slogging through quicksand. This is what parenting is like in a culture filled with moral decay, attraction to violence, depravity, and evil.

I have been increasingly concerned about the choices Christian youth are making, specifically the attraction to horror/vampire/occult/violent movies/music/games. I am having a hard time distinguishing the Christian kids' choices from the choices of those who don't believe Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and saved them through grace and mercy in that atoning sacrifice. (and btw, not just the kids...) If Jesus is real, and if God loves us so much that even while we were yet in our headstrong rebellion, He offered us a way out, eternal life...how should we then behave? What sorts of things should our eyes, and ears, and minds be soaking in?

Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I would challenge anyone who feels that horror films with the intent to scare one witless, or violent games, or music with lyrics filled with sex/violence/hatred/cursing is appropriate entertainment for those who love God to show me the scriptural support. I do not understand how they cannot see that a continual feast upon these images desensitizes the heart. Why are they not appalled to see depictions of murder, death, and evil? I do not understand.

I feel like I am running a race in quicksand...alone...with everyone else running in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, babies are being slaughtered by the thousands each day in abortion mills as our culture becomes increasingly apathetic, but eager for more entertainment of death and horror. You want to watch horror and fearful terrible evil, young people? Go stand in front of an abortion mill. Be a voice for those who cannot speak.

I love Philippians 4:8, and often trot that verse out when I am trying to teach my kids discernment in what sorts of activities, books, movies, songs, etc. they should let their minds dwell upon. There are many more verses that guide us in where our minds should focus. Guaranteed, what our heart dwells upon, what we take in, the images, and lyrics, and ideas we see and hear and read will become a part of us. Why would we as Christians want to bring in fear, death, the occult, violence, depravity, destruction, terror? What possible edifying inspiration can come of this?

My heart is so burdened for our youth. Please young believers, the choices you make add up. Choose whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Jesus loves you and has sanctified you. He has set you apart for a purpose. Be a light in the darkness. Don't join the darkness hoping you will somehow escape unscathed.

Psalm 101:3-4           

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

Colossians 3:1-10          

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.     

Ephesians 4:27           

And give no opportunity to the devil.

Titus 2:11-12           

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

1 Corinthians 10:31           

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Ephesians 6:12          

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Galatians 5:21-22           

Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 2 Timothy 1:7          

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Proverbs 4:23          

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

1 Thessalonians 5:22      

Abstain from every form of evil.