The Christian Walk

From: World Friendly

In his column for Plugged In, Adam Holz made another important observation: When a star such as Miley suddenly makes a left turn it's also fair to ask what influences in her life might have contributed. There's a not-so-subtle clue embedded in the first paragraph of the Vanity Fair story. Talking about her TV habits, Miley gushed about one program in particular, saying, "It's my favorite show! I love it!" The series in question? "Sex and the City." Whether Miley's been watching an edited version in syndication or the nudity- and explicit sex-filled HBO original, her affinity for a show that glamorously showcases shallow sex and skin demonstrates a disconnect between the values of the faith she professes and her own media choices. Few of us can relate to posing salaciously for a fashion magazine, but I'm guessing many of us can relate to indulging in an episode or two of a racy TV show, laughing at a course joke (or telling one) or hanging out with a questionable crowd. If you're like me, your legalism alarm is probably going off. You know where I'm headed, and you're already screaming, What about freedom in Christ? Everything is permissible! (1 Cor. 6:12). That's true. Legalism has no place in the life of a saved-by-grace believer in Jesus Christ. But permissiveness alone is not a virtue.

...

A few weeks ago, I heard a message by Hunter Smith. The Indianapolis Colts Punter talked about the values the world holds — money, power, sex — and how the pursuit of these things has no place in the life of a believer. He quoted James 4:4: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

I'd heard that verse before, but this time it hit me full force. Of all the things that could make me an enemy of God, friendship with the world isn't what I'd expect. I could understand if the verse said, "Anyone who joins a Satanic cult is an enemy of God," or even, "Anyone who denies the existence of Jesus...." But, "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God?" It seems a little extreme.

After all, isn't being familiar with popular TV shows or appreciating the world's sense of humor an enlightened way to live as a Christian? Paul seems to say nothing is off limits (as long as its beneficial). And he quoted the Athenian's own poets to get his point across (Acts 17:28). Those who don't know Christ seem to respond positively to someone who understands their world. It feels good to be accepting and in the know.

[Click here to read the rest of this thought-provoking article]

Last semester, I bought They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations after hearing about it in chapel. I look forward to reading it sometime.

This article makes me think. Maybe it's not so bad to not really know much about or be involved in the secular culture in which we live. I guess I was thinking that "fitting in"/"being able to relate well to" the culture was something I should aim for. But we're not called to fit in with the culture. We're called to be the salt that makes people thirsty for God.

Comments? Questions? What do you think?

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Current Comments

• On June 7, 2008, 10:16 am Anna Lofgren said...

  I think this article raises good points. Though a lot would say we need to know what the culture knows in order to be able to relate to them, I think more people want something different, not us to try to like what they like. And, I simply don't want to know a lot of things - like it or not, it will begin to pollute your mind and make you somewhat desensitized.

  On someone's blog I recently saw these lyrics from Casting Crown's song, "What This World Needs":

  "What this world needs is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
  Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
  And it's the difference that sets the world free"

  The lyrics are good for thought!

  Thanks for alerting us to this and the other articles!