1 Corinthians
"Don’t watch it. You wouldn’t like it."
"Okay, so if I wouldn’t like it or if I correctly understand what you are implying—that I should not watch this movie because it is not edifying, why are you watching it!"
It’s a puzzling dilemma. Those who would readily advise their pastor or someone they know to be morally sensitive, not to see a certain show or read a particular book, somehow feel justified in observing that which they cannot recommend. The implication--if I am not a "minister" I can partake in what is unholy. But this is faulty logic and cripples the spiritual life of the one engaged in questionable practice. If we are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God," as Peter writes (1Peter 2:9), we are all called to eschew the darkness so as to radiate light!
We have an Alpine water filter in our home. I bought it so that the water we drink would be pure and safe. If I am lazy, I drink from the tap and ingest chlorine and whatever other chemicals have been added to treat our water. Over time, the effect of those chemicals leads to a breakdown in our health. The reason we filter is simple—we desire to be healthy.
The Holy Spirit and God’s Word act as a spiritual filter in the lives of those committed to following the Lord. When we listen to God’s quiet voice He tells us what activity we should refrain from. He teaches us to recoil from the harmful and embrace the helpful.
Jesus enters the room to sit down beside me as I watch a screen of compromising content. Realizing all that I could be doing with Him, I turn off what is amusing at best to find His agenda. The chagrin that comes with unwise investment indicates I am growing in my awareness of what it means to be like Him. I want my natural being to pulsate to the spiritual rhythm of glory, glory, and glory!
May God be honored as we yield to His will. May He transform our natural lives into what He supernaturally intends. Why swim in the sea of mediocrity where our flesh languishes in squalid choices when the refreshing pool of living water is available—that bubbling water of godliness that brings peace, vitality and spiritual nourishment!
Inspiration
