Dear Christians, Who Are We Living For?

Dear Christian, who are you living for? Heidi St. John talks about the desensitization of Christians toward sin in the culture

 

Well, here’s something I’ve learned: the entertainment industry has Christians around the throat. It’s the new “sacred cow” that we dare not touch. When I was a kid, it was the church worship pastor and his horrible “rock music.” When I was growing up, sacred cows were things like organs and hymn books. Methinks we have been focusing on the wrong things!

Recently, I posted a warning to parents about the movie, “Deadpool.” You can see it here:

So, there I was, just casually listening to the radio while I put my makeup on this morning when I heard an ad for the…

Posted by The Busy Mom on Saturday, 13 February 2016

 

I was shocked and saddened by the responses I received over something that I assumed Christian (and non-Christian) parents would appreciate. Then next day, I posted a reply:

*WARNING* EXHORTATION AHEAD:On Saturday, I casually posted about the new comic-book-turned-movie “Deadpool.” I was…

Posted by The Busy Mom on Monday, 15 February 2016

 

Today, a Christian woman messaged me, upset at what she perceived to be my “judgmental” attitude toward other Believers with regard to areas of personal freedom. She went on to list several verses she hoped I would read about not judging others because then would understand that she is “free” in Christ to watch whatever the heck she wants to watch.

I am stunned at our disregard for Christ’s clear instructions on how we are supposed to live.

CHURCH: WAKE UP! We are called to judge each other! That’s right: we’re supposed be be judging things like movies and behavior. Why? Because our hearts are prone to wander, that’s why. Because our flesh wants to drag us off into the mire and muck of movies that bring dishonor to God and quench the Holy Spirit within us. Because God clearly says that engaging in such things is wrong.

We have allowed ourselves to become desensitized to sin. We allow it in our churches and call it “progress.” We watch it in theaters and call it “entertainment.” We excuse it in others and call it “freedom.”

How far we have fallen! No wonder our nation is in such grave danger: there are no watchers on the wall. Personal holiness is no longer a priority.

This is not a gray area, men and women! Those who claim the name of Jesus should know His Word and long to bring honor and blessing to the Lord. Instead, we toy with things He died to save us from and then cry like babies if someone suggests that we might be crossing the line.

It’s time for Christians to grow up in Christ. These times need more than lukewarm faith. It’s time to seriously ask ourselves who we are living for. As Believers, our lives are to be a reflection of the One who redeemed us.

Whatever happened to “be holy as I am holy?” Whatever happened to Christians NOT wanting to be like the world? One day, we are going to give an account to the the Lord for the way we lived our lives before men on this earth—and God has made it clear what He expects.

Watching filth (yes, like Deadpool and 50 Shades of Porn) clearly falls outside of “whatever is good.”

I hope that my fellow Christians will continue to hold me to the standard of righteousness that honors the Lord because they care not just for me, but for the One who died to set us free from “the sin which so easily entangles” us.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Anything else is cheap grace. My Lord’s death was anything but cheap.

It cost Him everything.

Surely we can honor Him with our bodies and our minds.

This entry was posted in Faith, MomStrong Parenting and tagged on by .

About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

11 thoughts on “Dear Christians, Who Are We Living For?

  1. Cora

    Well stated…we as Christians let this side by more than we should. My blood is boiling over the comment from the gal that sent you the message about judging others, shame on her. Thank Heidi for what your response was, and we absolutely should not want to be of this world as Christians. I love you Heidi and thank you for standing up for Christ!

    Reply
  2. Shelly

    Yes, preach! I am in complete agreement with you and I have also experienced Christians trying to explain away their decision to participate in things they know they should not – I have also had these conversations with myself, when my heart has decided to rebel and be disobedient.

    Please continue to hold us accountable as a sister-in-Christ, as we should also hold you accountable. Thank you for speaking out in love, because as the word of God tells us we MUST:

    “…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

    Reply
  3. Diana

    I agree. I did not grow up in a Christian home although we did attend church some. I was allowed to watch and listen to whatever. When I was saved, letting go of negative entertainment was obvious. The battle for my mind and right thoughts has been intense and purposeful. I have been surprised by the lack of “getting” this… The Bible clearly tells me to renew my mind. What I watch and listen to does effect me- no ifs, ands, or buts. This “nice” brand of Christianity where everything goes reminds me of drug users- very passive, confusing, against any authority. It is sick.

    Reply
  4. Megan Melvin

    As always, Amen & Amen! I also believe in this world today we as sisters & brothers in Christ are to encourage & exhort one another! That being said, the apostle Paul states clearly that the grace of God teaches Godliness, in Titus 2:11-14, ” for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deeds and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” First in this passage, Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness & worly passion. Second, grace teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives. Afterall, temperance is a spiritual fruit! Third, grace teaches us to look forward to the appearing of Jesus Christ. Fourth, grace reminds us that Jesus died to redeem us and purify us from all wickedness. Fifth and last, Grace teaches us that we ought to be eager to do what is good. The true grace of God is the freedom from our old rebel carnal nature. It enables the transformation from immorality to a godliness that pleases & mimics the character of our Heavenly Father & Lord Jesus Christ. Living in the grace of God does not give us a license to sin, but instructs us and gives us the ability to live in accordance with that instruction. True grace & peace to you, Heidi, as well as your family for allowing yourself to be a vessel of God’s light; And to all our fellow believers!

    Reply
  5. Aimee Baxter

    Heidi,
    Thank you so much for taking a strong stand against Deadpool and other forms of ungodly entertainment. We are to judge one another within the Church (the Body of Christ), and it seems that the offense that rears its ugly head (“Don’t JUDGE me!”) reflects a sinful attitude of heart. Philippians 4:8 is a great “filter” for what to put into our hearts and minds. One thing that I find a bit contradictory though, is that as I am scrolling through some of your blog posts, there are ads playing on your sight for Game of Thrones, the HBO series (one is playing right now at the bottom of the post I am commenting about- just above the comments). From what I have read about it, it is full of copious amounts of sexual immorality (and that’s putting it politely). You might check your advertising policy/agreement.

    Reply
    1. Melissa

      Thank you, Aimee! We don’t have complete control over that, but I will be sure and talk to our ad company and let them know that’s not okay with us!

      Reply

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