Post by George on Feb 24, 2006 10:29:25 GMT -5
(1Th 5:14) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
(1Th 5:15) See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
(1Th 5:16) Rejoice evermore.
(1Th 5:17) Pray without ceasing.
(1Th 5:18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1Th 5:19) Quench not the Spirit.
(1Th 5:20) Despise not prophesyings.
(1Th 5:21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(1Th 5:22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Not only from evil itself, but from that which seems to be wrong. There are many things which are known to be wrong. They are positively forbidden by the laws of heaven, and the world concurs in the sentiment that they are wicked. But there are also many things about which there may be some reasonable doubt. It is not quite easy to determine in the case what is right or wrong. The subject has not been fully examined, or the question of its morality may be so difficult to settle, that the mind may be nearly or quite balanced in regard to it. There are many things which, in themselves, may not appear to us to be positively wrong, but which are so considered by large and respectable portions of the community; and for us to do them would be regarded as inconsistent and improper. There are many things, also, in respect to which there is great variety of sentiment among mankind - where one portion would regard them as proper, and another as improper.
There are things, also, where, whatever may be our motive, we may be certain that our conduct will be regarded as improper. A great variety of subjects, such as those pertaining to dress, amusements, dancing, games of chance and hazard, and various practices in the transaction of business, come under this general class; which, though on the supposition that they cannot be proved to be in themselves positively wrong or forbidden, have much the “appearance” of evil, and will be so interpreted by others. The safe and proper rule is to lean always to the side of virtue. In these instances it may be certain that there will be no sin committed by abstaining; there may be by indulgence. No command of God, or of propriety, will be violated if we decline complying with these customs; but on the other hand we may wound the cause of religion by yielding to what possibly is a mere temptation. No one ever does injury or wrong by abstaining from the pleasures of dancing, the theater, or a glass of wine; who can indulge in them without, in the view of large and respectable portions of the community, doing that which has the “appearance” at least of “evil?”
Let us put it in a more personal and “modern” sense. The subject of the movie theater comes to mind. If one decides to go to the movie theater, ostensibly to view a film which is considered “innocent” and someone who knows us happens to pass by what do you suppose their reaction might be? Are we not Christians? Do not most movie theaters these days have multiple screens? Suppose the theater is showing an old classic Disney movie the which contains nothing we can think of which could be considered even remotely evil. How does the person who happens to see you, and most likely your family also, standing in the line to purchase tickets, know which of the films you intend to view? Could this not represent the appearance of evil?
If this test is passed the next step is to actually enter the theater. In the lobby we will be faced with numerous large, full color posters and advertisements for both current and up-coming offerings. The films of today glorify violence, sex, alcohol and drugs, homosexuality and other such ungodly activities. These things are an abomination to The Lord. Is it evil and therefore sin to merely see such things? Possibly. If you have children with you is it proper for them to see such things? Hardly.
After maneuvering the lobby we then enter the theater of our choice to sit back and wait for this “harmless’ movie to be screened. Then come the previews. Again we see things we need not be exposed to. The previews glorify the same things we have seen on the posters in the lobby but now with sound and live action. It should be noted the ratings system for films has drastically changed in the last ten years or so. Things that would be rated “R” in the past are now rated “PG.” Things formerly rated “PG” are now rated “G” for family viewing. My word friends, we can't even go into Wal Mart to buy a bag of dog food these days without being faced with an image of a half naked woman selling something. It is quite appaling.
As example of things not being as they seem take the case of the very popular film, “Finding Nemo” of a few years ago. I have personally seen many well meaning fundamental Baptists who, even if they have not gone to the theater to see this film, have rented it and viewed it in the comfort of their own home. The voice of one of the primary characters of this film is provided by one, Ellen Degeneres. She is most famous for being an openly homosexual, pro-abortion activist. In this particular case the viewing of this film not only can give the appearance of evil, it is evil.
Which brings us to the subject of why we choose to avoid movies at all. What is the motivation? Is it the subject matter? Is it the character, or lack thereof, of the persons playing the parts in the films? Is it the ultimate residing place of your hard earned money which goes to the producers, studios and actors in the films? Or is it all of these?
These cautions apply to all areas of our lives. There are many, again well meaning and well-intentioned, fundamental Baptists who enjoy watching NASCAR racing. They proclaim it as innocent. First of all it can and has been addicting. I have known people who will miss Church on a Sunday because there is a “good” race on TV. I know people who, after services are over, rather than gather together in fellowship and discuss the wonderful sermon they just heard from God’s Word will be discussing the fact they had the VCR going at home so they can watch the race after Church.
Then again we must deal with the advertisements seen in those venues. One of the series of races is called, “The Winston Cup.’ Winston being a product of the RJ Reynolds tobacco company. Yes, this series, in and of itself by mere name, glorifies and promotes the use of tobacco products. One of the series is called, “Busch Grand National.’ This is not named for the current drivers who share the surname of Busch, but is a product of the Anheuser-Busch brewery. Another sponsor of these types of activities is Copenhagen-Skoal. This is “smokeless” tobacco and is not only addicting but responsible for a lot of health problems in our country as well as others.
This list of problems present in the things we might possibly choose in the name of entertainment are seemingly endless.
(1 John 2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Friends, these are but a few of the things we must needs change in order to be pleasing in the eyes of The Lord. The need for change is in all areas of our lives. I have heard it said numerous times that independent, fundamental Baptists do not have fun anymore. Let me say loud and clear that I have had more fun in my life since being saved and born again than I ever had in my previous life. The gathering together of God’s people in fellowship can be an immense source of fun. Fun can be had in even the smallest of things. Enjoyment comes from sources which do not need to be questionable of have even the appearance of evil.
I realize the specific things mentioned in this message may not be a problem to most of the people here. However they are meant as examples. We must examine all the things of our lives and see if they meet God’s standards. If they do not then we must set about to cause them to come into line with His Will for us.
In Christ,
George