Skip to main content

Is Secular Stuff Okay?

I have been asked this question by: literally no one. But, I think it is something important that needs to be addressed. This is something that took me time to learn, and I might still even be learning it right now. 

Many Christians are concerned about the pull of the world. We are told pretty much to be "in the world, but not of it" (though this is not specifically quoted in any verse of the Bible). When this idea comes up, I resort to Romans 12: 2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may test and approve what God's will is, His good, perfect, and pleasing will." This verse clearly indicates that we need to "set our sights on things of above, not of things here on earth" (Colossians 3:2). 

So we need to spend our time focusing on the Lord. What does that have to do with secular music? I understand certain songs or movies are bad because they are not glorifying to God with the words or certain actions, but what about those that are borderline? Can we still listen to secular music that is not against Christianity and only has clean words with an okay message? There is no one verse I can point you to that says "Only listen to Christian music and watch Christian movies" but there is none that says you can't watch movies that are not specifically Christian or listen to secular songs. I think it all comes down to two things: 1) Time and 2) Discernment. 

Time: How much time are you spending watching these movies compared to reading your Bible or listening to secular music compared to praising the Lord? If you seem to spend way more time with secular movies or songs than you do spending time honoring your Creator and King, don't you think you should change that? 

Discernment: Would you be okay listening to this or watching this with a strong Christian brother or sister in Christ? Would you want to talk about the contents in the movie during free time between Sunday School and church? Would you want someone to know that you enjoy that movie? Does this help you grow in your relationship with Christ? Does this tear you away? You just need to take the time and decide if you think it is wise to spend your time on that instead of on something else. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Extremes

My friend and I were talking towards the beginning of May, and we both came to the same conclusion- it seems that in almost all circumstances, Satan works in the extremes. Let me elaborate on some specific examples. Eight extremes, so four topics, have been brought to my attention on this matter. Yet, I know that there are probably unlimited more examples.   Politics:  Christians even seem to think that if you are not one party, or you are another party from them, you can't be saved. For example, it seems that most Christians think that the Republican party is the correct party. Some even claim "If Jesus was here [in the flesh] on earth, he would be a Republican." or "Democrats [because right now these are the two extremes in politics in America] cannot be saved because everything that the Democrats stand for goes against the Bible!" The biggest problem with those statements is that they are putting politics to the extremes. There is nothing perfect about the De...
Post a Comment
Read more

In My Weakness

I am a missionary teacher. I have been for about a year now. I am moving to a new school this year where I will be working with new students that I will need to get to know. New school policies that might not match what I have gotten used to. New staff, bosses, and co-workers that will have new personalities compared to who I have worked with in the past. There will be many more stories that life lesson to share in the future, I am sure. But, today I wanted to focus in on something that God has been teaching me. He has been reminding me that in my weakness, He is strong.  As a missionary teacher, I am reaching out to other churches and individuals to see if they could support me financially (as my position is not paid) and if they could pray for me. This has led to amazing opportunities of encouragement for both parties as we are able to share together in the life that God has given us to use for His glory. It also has allowed me to get more comfortable talking to a group of adults...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Disagree Well

Recently, I attended a seminar that talked about how to disagree well. This does not mean how to make your case. This does not mean how to allow people to step all over you either, though. This seminar helped paint the clear picture that how you chose to respond to the speaker and your presuppositions coming into the 'argument' both play a big part in how you will choose to 'argue' with the 'opponent'. Here is what I got from it:  It's important to understand that our culture and family of origin affect why we have our beliefs, instead of just the Bible.  -Do you want to be right, or do you want to influence and be influenced? Do you want to be right or be happy?  -Can you see the bigger picture? There is always a greater narrative. If you can see that, you can learn to disagree well.  -Do you value the person with whom you are interacting with? "To live well with others before God." -Vanhooser. We need to live well with people and get along as muc...
Post a Comment
Read more