This post kind of follows the previous one.
Even as I sit here typing into my computer edifying words(I hope), in 5-10 letters you could just as easily fill your mind with filth.
__________
The streets were full of them. They were there, so close. They looked perfect in their airbrushed similitude. He turned his head quickly and moved to the other side of the street. He could literally feel the grime between his fingers. The seduction from all around. It felt like there were thousands of them. He dashed into a store to escape them, but even as he ran in he saw racks of magazines with inappropriate images. Finally without hesitation he closed his browser, pushed back from the computer, and breathed a sigh of relief.
With power comes responsibility. The age of the internet. The power to find out anything in seconds. The power to see what your friends are doing, even from the other side of the world. We no longer have to go search through books or the dictionary to find things out. Instead we can find whatever we need at the click of a button. But then you flip to the other side of the coin and you see how you now have access to the brothels of the internet. Just one click to ruin your mind.
I've heard people reference that if we didn't have the internet it would be much better. But, in the end just getting rid of something isn't going to solve this, shall I call it what it is, epidemic.
According to several surveys the influence of pornography on young people is drastically high. Some 90%* of young adults have been exposed to it over the internet.
For such a major problem I am kind of surprised at how little there is out there addressing it. To some extent I think the problem gets shoved under the rug because it's not a comfortable topic to talk about. Certainly we shouldn't spend so much of our time talking about it that it's no longer edifying. But, it should be addressed.
The Proverbs 7 woman is plastered all over the magazines, the internet, the television, and even on street corners. And yes she has a false beauty about her. And many young men follow after her to the slaughter. Just as an ox goes to the slaughter so most young men go.
Maybe you say, "I'm strong, I have a will strong enough to deny my urges". I am able to resist temptation, I'll be fine. Proverbs 7:26: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her."
In the end, pornography is that start of the descent into hell. Proverbs 7:27: "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death." The time is now to get your mind out of the trash bin and start dwelling on pure and lovely things.
There's a reason that many, many children leave the faith just 1-2 years after beginning college. They become totally unaccountable and live in their apartment all alone. Their mind, when not studying, becomes idle and wanders down into the depths of hell to scuffle around down there. And, they can even be encouraged by their peers.
It's easy to say don't fall into pornography. But, if you're headed down that road, you have to do something differently.
I believe the most important application in today's anonymous and unaccountable age is to STOP being anonymous and unaccountable. So get accountable. There are programs today that you can get to make you more accountable. (i.e. Safe eyes, Covenant eyes, firewalls, etc.) But, you need to want it. Your parents, spouses, or siblings may try to help you with putting up fences such as filters and such. Maybe they'll turn the magazines around to help you hide your eyes from the lingerie models on the front covers. But, in the end there's always a way that the sinful heart of man is going to find a way around the fences.
Also, get accountable with your elders, parents, spouse, etc... The fight against pornography is one of the ones that you need to have help with. First of all, get rid of your pride and confess your sin. Maybe you don't struggle with it in the physical form. But, if your mind is in the gutter eventually your actions will follow.
Another thought is that sometimes you just need to get rid of the sources of your problems. I remember the scene from a movie called "Fireproof" where at one point the main character beats on his computer with a bat to get rid of the temptation in his home.
Fourth, remember your body isn't yours. 1 Corinthians 7:4: "The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife."
Fifth, get busy. When a man is sitting at home twiddling his thumbs he's just asking to be destroyed. "The idle mind is the devil's playground." The internet can be a good way to be idle. If you're spending all day watching youtube or surfing the internet you're letting your mind go idle. One thought is whenever you go on the internet make a task list. Get in and out quickly. Don't spend your time browsing the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Finally, read God's Word and listen to it through the preaching of the Word. When your heart is wandering around the plains of wickedness you won't want to dwell on the Word of God. But, instead focus on God and get your mind out of the sewer. Love those around you more and stop hiding in your unaccountable anonymous word.
Any other thoughts on this issue? I would be really interested to hear anyone else's thoughts. :-)
*Top Ten Reviews
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Tower
It looks as if it goes up forever. There must be at least 100+ stories. The glass and chrome all spotless and perfect. And yet there isn't just one of these towers there are hundreds around me. So much money and power. Even the sidewalks are painted gold.
Then I turn around and look again at the church. A small building on the top of a hill. Not large and flashy like the buildings I see in front of me. But, there's a stately quietness that exudes from the church.
And then I turn again and look below the buildings and see a street full of people who are drunk rolling in the streets. I see some pop artist banging her head against a wall. I see the women on the streets wearing close to nothing standing on street corners.
Then I turn toward the church and walk in the doors.
Most teenagers today grow up and become part of the world. A fairly recent study by the Southern baptists say that around 80% of children leave the faith by the end of college. As children they are taught that money is more important then God. Then their parents teach them that it's okay to date and follow the world's method. “Sure, tempt yourself just don't fall for the temptation....”
Don't just accept ideas and concepts that the world tell to you. Sure, maybe in their inconsistencies they've gotten something right but don't accept what they offer. The pleasure of the moment passes quickly.
I understand that the church isn't an idyllic place of peace. And most of my posts tend to talk about disunity and tension in relationships. But, we have to understand that Jesus is the prince of peace. If we depend upon him we will receive the grace of Christ. And so much more so in the bride of Christ.
Then I turn around and look again at the church. A small building on the top of a hill. Not large and flashy like the buildings I see in front of me. But, there's a stately quietness that exudes from the church.
And then I turn again and look below the buildings and see a street full of people who are drunk rolling in the streets. I see some pop artist banging her head against a wall. I see the women on the streets wearing close to nothing standing on street corners.
Then I turn toward the church and walk in the doors.
Most teenagers today grow up and become part of the world. A fairly recent study by the Southern baptists say that around 80% of children leave the faith by the end of college. As children they are taught that money is more important then God. Then their parents teach them that it's okay to date and follow the world's method. “Sure, tempt yourself just don't fall for the temptation....”
Don't just accept ideas and concepts that the world tell to you. Sure, maybe in their inconsistencies they've gotten something right but don't accept what they offer. The pleasure of the moment passes quickly.
I understand that the church isn't an idyllic place of peace. And most of my posts tend to talk about disunity and tension in relationships. But, we have to understand that Jesus is the prince of peace. If we depend upon him we will receive the grace of Christ. And so much more so in the bride of Christ.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
One Moment
He stood at the top of the hill. A look of determination on his face. There were people all around him, but it was as if they faded as he looked out on a path full of twists and turns. He stood at a crossroads, and beyond him you could see thousands of roads splitting, turning, and twisting.
He remembered that man who got angry when he made his smoothie wrong. He remembered the wife who had screamed at her children. He remembered the man who grabbed the child's hand before she was hit by the car. He heard the angry words exchanged between his coworkers years ago.
Each day we have hundreds of decisions to make. We could either repeat the order for our hamburger for the 3rd time nicely. Or we could make a scene. We could roll our eyes at someone or lovingly respect them. People will remember what you said, what you did long after you've forgotten them.
And, that includes what we do when we're alone and others aren't around to keep us accountable.
As a Christian we are called to show Christ through our example. There will be those who will see and remember what you do. Every word will be held to account in that last day. Every action will be accounted for.
Your life and actions will be there for eternity. Don't waste it.
When you come to the crossroads look up and walk towards the wicket gate.
He remembered that man who got angry when he made his smoothie wrong. He remembered the wife who had screamed at her children. He remembered the man who grabbed the child's hand before she was hit by the car. He heard the angry words exchanged between his coworkers years ago.
Each day we have hundreds of decisions to make. We could either repeat the order for our hamburger for the 3rd time nicely. Or we could make a scene. We could roll our eyes at someone or lovingly respect them. People will remember what you said, what you did long after you've forgotten them.
And, that includes what we do when we're alone and others aren't around to keep us accountable.
As a Christian we are called to show Christ through our example. There will be those who will see and remember what you do. Every word will be held to account in that last day. Every action will be accounted for.
Your life and actions will be there for eternity. Don't waste it.
When you come to the crossroads look up and walk towards the wicket gate.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Bitterness
He stood in the midst of the rubble of a church. The only sign of life was a dead leaf limping through the mess, as if picked up by the hand of a giant and sent sweeping over the remains. The people who had once been here were long gone. And there in the middle of the church he saw a line where the church had been divided many years ago...
And then his eyes opened and he was there sitting in church. He looked up and heard the pastor drone on about forgiveness and the love of Christ. He'd heard it all before. As he looked around he saw the emptiness in people's eyes. They didn't care. Why was he even here? He hated half the people anyways. But his parents raised him to be a good Christian and go to church every week. Why did he still come?
Our hearts so easily are pulled this way or another. But the thing which separates hearts more than anything is the sin of bitterness. It's one of those sins that starts out so small. It's like building a wall. One brick at a time.
I'm surprised how easily just the small things can spark bitterness. Someone puts the plates in the wrong place for the 4th time. A friend knocks over your trophy and breaks it. And other etc stupid stuff.
Then, there are the big things. Someone tells you they hate you. A brother runs over your child. But does this give us reason to be bitter?
Why do we forget so often that God has forgiven us? Why is bitterness overwhelming our heart? Why can't we focus on God instead of all the tragedies that happen to us?
Take a moment today and ask yourself if you're bitter towards someone. Ask yourself why God has any mercy with you. Then look at the debt that God forgave you and finally turn and look at the debt that someone else owes you.
And then his eyes opened and he was there sitting in church. He looked up and heard the pastor drone on about forgiveness and the love of Christ. He'd heard it all before. As he looked around he saw the emptiness in people's eyes. They didn't care. Why was he even here? He hated half the people anyways. But his parents raised him to be a good Christian and go to church every week. Why did he still come?
Our hearts so easily are pulled this way or another. But the thing which separates hearts more than anything is the sin of bitterness. It's one of those sins that starts out so small. It's like building a wall. One brick at a time.
I'm surprised how easily just the small things can spark bitterness. Someone puts the plates in the wrong place for the 4th time. A friend knocks over your trophy and breaks it. And other etc stupid stuff.
Then, there are the big things. Someone tells you they hate you. A brother runs over your child. But does this give us reason to be bitter?
Why do we forget so often that God has forgiven us? Why is bitterness overwhelming our heart? Why can't we focus on God instead of all the tragedies that happen to us?
Take a moment today and ask yourself if you're bitter towards someone. Ask yourself why God has any mercy with you. Then look at the debt that God forgave you and finally turn and look at the debt that someone else owes you.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Offences
Sometimes, I hate being around other people. They sit on their little thrones. If you hurt their pride or attack something they believe, they become angry. By the way, I'm one of the most guilty of this act.
Then, at the same time I tend to be someone who wants to please others. I want others to be happy. I don't want people to go away angry. But, it's so much work.
In our culture of people who are raised by media and culture to become angry if their food is cold when it's served (and it's supposed to be hot.) They become flustered if you tell them something isn't going to go their way. $5.00 is a life or death issue for them.
To be honest, it can end up driving me crazy. You go to church and with most people it seems like you have to tread around them with a 10 foot pole feeling like if you say something wrong they'll get up and leave. And, that's our culture. We've been trained because of good return policies and good customer service and lots of beautifully built malls and the so many other things God has blessed us with to be whiny and ungrateful people. You get offended or turned off, well then move on to the next product, or church, or friends, etc.
And, by no means do I not struggle with these things as well...
It comes down to how much you love other people and how much you love God. God gave us commands that tell us turn the other cheek and to love one another. But, guess what it's going to be hard. I personally think I have the biggest trouble with loving other people. And I'm not talking about where you have to love each other when you're enjoying an ice cream sandwich or a fun picnic. No, it's when they're angry with you or you messed up and lost one of their dogs or something much worse... Anyways, you get the point.
In the end, what are you willing to sacrifice for friendships? Christ sacrificed his life for his friends. What are you willing to give up?
The End
P.S. This post isn't meant to offend anyone. ;-P The reason for this is in my life I don't really like to have close friendships because I understand how easy it is to offend people and the farther you keep them away the less of a chance you have to offend them or be offended. And, I'm trying to grasp the concept of close friendships and it really comes down to offering up of yourself. And, I see very few people who are willing to do this. So, if you find a friend who's willing to give up their lives for you, count that friendship precious because there are very few you'll have like this over your lifetime.
P.S.S. I apologize for all the terrible grammar mistakes... Note to self: Don't write when you're tired....... zzzz.
Then, at the same time I tend to be someone who wants to please others. I want others to be happy. I don't want people to go away angry. But, it's so much work.
In our culture of people who are raised by media and culture to become angry if their food is cold when it's served (and it's supposed to be hot.) They become flustered if you tell them something isn't going to go their way. $5.00 is a life or death issue for them.
To be honest, it can end up driving me crazy. You go to church and with most people it seems like you have to tread around them with a 10 foot pole feeling like if you say something wrong they'll get up and leave. And, that's our culture. We've been trained because of good return policies and good customer service and lots of beautifully built malls and the so many other things God has blessed us with to be whiny and ungrateful people. You get offended or turned off, well then move on to the next product, or church, or friends, etc.
And, by no means do I not struggle with these things as well...
It comes down to how much you love other people and how much you love God. God gave us commands that tell us turn the other cheek and to love one another. But, guess what it's going to be hard. I personally think I have the biggest trouble with loving other people. And I'm not talking about where you have to love each other when you're enjoying an ice cream sandwich or a fun picnic. No, it's when they're angry with you or you messed up and lost one of their dogs or something much worse... Anyways, you get the point.
In the end, what are you willing to sacrifice for friendships? Christ sacrificed his life for his friends. What are you willing to give up?
The End
P.S. This post isn't meant to offend anyone. ;-P The reason for this is in my life I don't really like to have close friendships because I understand how easy it is to offend people and the farther you keep them away the less of a chance you have to offend them or be offended. And, I'm trying to grasp the concept of close friendships and it really comes down to offering up of yourself. And, I see very few people who are willing to do this. So, if you find a friend who's willing to give up their lives for you, count that friendship precious because there are very few you'll have like this over your lifetime.
P.S.S. I apologize for all the terrible grammar mistakes... Note to self: Don't write when you're tired....... zzzz.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Discipline
It's easy to start projects, but not easy to finish them. I tend to have all of these ideas for things I want to do and start them but end up not finishing them. Especially in a culture that talks about following your heart I see how it's easy for people to not stick to things but to follow their heart in a thousand directions.
You can see it in college where the majority of college students change their majors three times. And, then a lot of people don't even use their degrees later in life.
But, I think the true challenge is becoming a genius at something. I have this tendency to get involved in something till I learn the basics and then I want to go learn something else. But, this isn't a way to get good at anything. Whatever we do, we need to do with excellence and when you're always switching to different things then it'll be hard for you to be successful or excellent in anything you do.
There's a number out there that says that to be a genius at something you need to do it/study it for 10,000+ hours. Which is basically 3-4 years of full time work.
Whatever it is in your life, be it your work, or your relationships, or even hobbies if you really want to succeed at it, you need to spend the time on it for it to come to a true fulfillment. Life wasn't meant to be easy...
You can see it in college where the majority of college students change their majors three times. And, then a lot of people don't even use their degrees later in life.
But, I think the true challenge is becoming a genius at something. I have this tendency to get involved in something till I learn the basics and then I want to go learn something else. But, this isn't a way to get good at anything. Whatever we do, we need to do with excellence and when you're always switching to different things then it'll be hard for you to be successful or excellent in anything you do.
There's a number out there that says that to be a genius at something you need to do it/study it for 10,000+ hours. Which is basically 3-4 years of full time work.
Whatever it is in your life, be it your work, or your relationships, or even hobbies if you really want to succeed at it, you need to spend the time on it for it to come to a true fulfillment. Life wasn't meant to be easy...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Winding Road
As I rode in the car this past Saturday down a long highway with trees on all sides and just winding through them with them never stopping I thought about how our lives tend to be this way. We're going down this long winding road and we can never see far ahead of us. There are other people we meet along the way and sometimes they walk with us for a ways and then they'll leave us. So much happens over one's lifetime. I don't know where I'll be in the next 10 years. What will be the path that God takes you down?
As you wander down the road it's so easy to be unsure. You think you're going to go one way and you fall into a ditch and go a different way. Your friends today won't necessarily be your friends tomorrow. You may live on the other side of the world in ten years. Many of those around my age will be married as well.
Life can be quite an exhilarating and exciting journey. Yet at the same time it can be very stressful. Relationships will break down, you may lose you job, your house could burn down, or you could even die in a car accident.
And so as we stare down this winding road not being able to see very far in front of us we move forward in faith. It's God who will keep us. The Lord is our refuge and our habitation.
Let's not get caught in the winding road, just look forward and up toward the wicket gate and follow the light of the Word of God.
As you wander down the road it's so easy to be unsure. You think you're going to go one way and you fall into a ditch and go a different way. Your friends today won't necessarily be your friends tomorrow. You may live on the other side of the world in ten years. Many of those around my age will be married as well.
Life can be quite an exhilarating and exciting journey. Yet at the same time it can be very stressful. Relationships will break down, you may lose you job, your house could burn down, or you could even die in a car accident.
And so as we stare down this winding road not being able to see very far in front of us we move forward in faith. It's God who will keep us. The Lord is our refuge and our habitation.
Let's not get caught in the winding road, just look forward and up toward the wicket gate and follow the light of the Word of God.
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