May 18 2008
Thoughts on Culture
We’ve all heard that bad company corrupts our good character - that is, the company we keep affects we who are and how we act. I think this is true, although certainly not an excuse to avoid spending time with sinners (as Jesus taught us by example).
Today though, I’ve been thinking about how “bad culture” can affect our good character. For example, if we willingly surround ourselves by the culture and thinking of the world, then perhaps that will rub off on us. This is hard for me because I find the closed-mindedness and “circle-the-wagons” mentality of Christians frustrating. This frustration, in turn, leads me to venture deeper into the thinking of the world then perhaps many of my brothers and sisters in Christ dare go. Is this dangerous or bad for me? Sometimes I think it is…but I’m still trying to figure it out.
A good example of this is music. I like to think that the music I listen to doesn’t affect me, but maybe I’m just being arrogant and haughty while in reality surrounding myself with music and lyrics that prominently display and idolize evil is bad for me? How far does my Christian liberty extend?
Eric,
I think a lot can (and has) been said to address your exact concern. What I would say is that we need to constantly examine ourselves in light of the Word, rooting out the sin, identifying areas were we are weak, and if we find a pattern, if we find that our exposure to some music or film or show or book is leading us to a sin, the cut it out. It would be much easier to merely cut off the things in the world and their influence, but that would be foolish and sinful–as it would be legalism. Instead, we are called to test everything, constantly be on guard, examine ourselves, and hold each other accountable. I hope that helps!
-Alan
Alan - thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
You are absolutely right. I find myself always longing for quick and easy answers but there aren’t many to be found. Testing things and examining my heart is difficult and so I don’t like doing it, but it’s good and necessary to do so.