Dead

I saw Iron Man 2 tonight, and not of my own choice but that's a different story.  Needless to say, it was NOT on my list of "have to see" movies.  I did not enjoy the first one, and from previews I read, I did not expect this one to be any better.  Well, my suspicions were correct.  The movie opens with a 1/2 hour of sex dance scenes and while it doesn't get much worse, it definitely does not get any better.  However, this brings me to my question of the night.

What has happened to Christians, that we are so DEAD to the sin and evil in this world?  Why do we ALLOW (yes, allow) these worldly things into our homes to influence us?  Last time I checked, none of us were required to watch the latest trashy films or read the latest books. 

Romans 12:2~"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD."

We are called to be different in this world: a witness to those that do not know God.  However, if we are allowing these worldly films/books/etc. into our minds to influence our thoughts and behaviors, we are no different than the world and people around us that do not know Christ as their Savior.

So, to my fellow Christians and believers in the One True GOD, I urge you to take a stand in your communities and homes.  Read God's word and allow Him to teach and show you the difference between conforming to the world and keeping yourselves set apart to do His will.  Be strong and of good courage, for God is always with you and will help you through the tough decisions.

Do not be a dead Christian!  Take a stand for God's truth.  Learn to differentiate between trash and treasure and let the treasure in, but leave the trash on the street.

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1.03.01

People and Christians....

People. They surround me with their various whims and characteristics. Girls snuggle up to their boyfriends, oblivious to the fact that they may or may not be real gentlemen. They rarely ask for their family’s opinion of the man, which could lead to sorrow for them later in life. Other people walk by sneering or laughing at various couple’s lack of propriety. To avoid the teasing and/or condemnation, other couples will sit so far apart that an elephant could sit in the middle.

Why are people so judgmental? Why do they feel like everyone has to fit their standards of living? Even Christians; no, especially Christians are the most judgmental of all of the people. If something that someone else does will not fit into their ‘box,’ that person will automatically get labeled as a sinner and a bad person. That person may not be horrible, but Christians never even take the time to get past the exterior of the person. We do not even attempt to talk to them and try to understand what they may be going through in their lives. Why is that? Why can’t we accept what is different than us, especially if it does not conflict with God's directions for our lives.

God has told us that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. Neighbors are not always those people who we identify with easily; they are not always the people that we care to spend time with even a little. They are everyone. It shouldn't matter if they measure up to our standards, we should still be able to show them God's love. This task may not always be an easy one...especially if we don't care for their habits. However, how else are they to know that we are Christians, but through our love? They may not deserve it, but neither do we deserve God's love for us.