Shaw: ???'s to Help Christians Make Ent. Choices - Page 2

DAII · #11 02-05-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Then you would be one lucky dude!! I am not a mentor to many, but why you think I would be restricting is puzzling... Oh maybe not.

Hmmm ... restricting ??? Did I say you were restricting Stephen?

Do you think you're puritanical too?

Hoovie · #12 02-05-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

Hmmm ... restricting ??? Did I say you were restricting Stephen?

Do you think you're puritanical too?

Well yes, that's the implication when mentioned with Epleyite entertainment I think.

I am kewl with that though. For the most I think Epley is a great guy, though he may come up "short" at times...

DAII · #13 02-05-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Well yes, that's the implication when mentioned with Epleyite entertainment I think.

I am kewl with that though. For the most I think Epley is a great guy, though he may come up "short" at times...

Stephen I used a disjunctive ... not a conjunctive when pairing you with Steve Epley ...

I could be contrasting ... or merely listing various personality types.

There is a fundamental breakdown in communication here.

Hoovie · #14 02-05-2011, 10:43 AM

Ok so it could be the implication... Or not. Ok

DAII · #15 02-05-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Ok so it could be the implication... Or not. Ok

Good grasshopper, you're learning.

MissBrattified · #16 02-05-2011, 10:49 AM

All of these are meant to provoke a person to stop and think about what they are doing before they do it. To that end, they're probably all beneficial. My thoughts on each one, specifically:

Can I maintain my Christian witness and engage in this activity? - obviously a no to this question means a no to the activity. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Can I glorify God in this activity? - Falls into line with: Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Can I invoke the blessings of God, praying in the name of Jesus, for my involvement in this activity? - I'm not sure I understand this one; I probably wouldn't pray over a book that I was reading, or over a workout, but I guess if the content of some media or activity was inconsistent with Christian values, I might feel uncomfortable praying...????

Does this activity leave me feeling as if I have compromised my values? - This is a good one. AQP referred to it....if something makes me feel *ick*, then I should leave it alone.

Would I be comfortable inviting my spiritual mentor to engage in this activity with me? - I agree with this to an extent; however, there are some things I believe can be participated in privately due to context or content that would inappropriate in mixed company. (Example: watching a graphic video about childbirth.)

Does this activity promote godly attitudes and behaviors? - I'm fine with this one. It's in line with Philippians 4:8. All things should be wholesome or beneficial. Think on things that are edifying.

Do I leave this activity more or less equipped for the spiritual life? - I would add to this: "Do I leave this activity more or less equipped for life?" We are flesh and blood humans, and we have to go through life as more than spiritual beings. Therefore, we need to be equipped for the secular world as well as the spiritual world.

Does this activity appeal to my carnal nature, i.e., the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life? I'm not sure I get how to apply this question.

Does this activity portray, promote or condone behaviors, attitudes or philosophies which are condemned in the Bible? - I assume he's referring to tv, books and music, and my thought would be that if the media "promotes" or "condones" these behaviors, it will probably be something I want to avoid. I'm not as comfortable with the word "portray" since disobedience to God and His commandments is inherent even in Bible stories. It depends on the context and how something is presented. A better way to handle it is back to AQP's question: "Does this make me feel ick?"

Do I feel guilty, like I am violating my conscience, or the need to repent after I have engaged in this activity? - no-brainer.

Am I committed to ceasing my involvement in any activity which turns out to be in violation of biblical principles, including but not limited to turning off a device or walking out of a venue? - Sure. I won't sit through or continue to participate in something that violates my conscience or convictions.

How does my commitment of time and resources to this activity compare to my commitment to spiritual disciplines and participation in the life of the church? - A valid question, but abused, IMO. Actually, one of my pet peeves. ("Do you read the Bible as many hours this week as you spent reading that romance book???")

All things in balance. It isn't required that you read the Bible "as much as" you read all other books. You should, however, strive to read the Bible and truly study it. I don't see how making it competitive with other resources is beneficial. It might even take away some of the meaning and cause people to race through chapters without taking the time to truly absorb what's there. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. AND, if we hide God's Word in our hearts, it will address every other question RS posed: Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Cindy · #17 02-05-2011, 10:51 AM

Shouldn't we do this with our lives, and not just entertainment choices?

scotty · #18 02-05-2011, 11:16 AM

I guess my question is what exactly is he referring to when he says "activities" ?

I mean, I like to fish. But I doubt seriously I am going to bother God with praying over the lake to have a good day at it. Pretty sure fishing is not going to leave me any more or less equipped for spiritual life. It is kind of a lust of the flesh and can be prideful, especially if I catch one bigger than the one my wife might catch. And if I make a day of fishing on Saturday I really don't feel I should make up some time with God by spending all day Sunday in church. Though I would probably not set aside Sunday church servcies to go fishing.

Socialite · #19 02-05-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Some of those are really good. Others are.... meh....

I don't think that every activity I engage in necessarily has to improve my spiritual life. I do think I need to not engage things that will hinder my spiritual life.

I agree...

Pressing-On · #20 02-05-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty

I guess my question is what exactly is he referring to when he says "activities" ?

I mean, I like to fish. But I doubt seriously I am going to bother God with praying over the lake to have a good day at it. Pretty sure fishing is not going to leave me any more or less equipped for spiritual life. It is kind of a lust of the flesh and can be prideful, especially if I catch one bigger than the one my wife might catch. And if I make a day of fishing on Saturday I really don't feel I should make up some time with God by spending all day Sunday in church. Though I would probably not set aside Sunday church servcies to go fishing.

His point is to "judge within yourself" and it's not meant to be a critique with a plethora of possibilities. It is meant for individual evaluation and is personal and private. We know what we are doing.

One "activity" which comes readily to my mind is gossiping on the internet whether here, FB or in e-mail. That is something I want to be careful of in my private life.