Thursday, August 16, 2012

Responding to Grace

I believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, has been trying to get my attention for several years now.  I have not wanted to listen because deep down I knew what He had to say and I didn't want to hear it.  Even worse, I knew I didn't want to obey it.  Thankfully He didn't give up; I have heard Him loud and clear and I want to make the changes He is asking me to make.

I believe in grace.  I really do.  I also believe, though, that there is a lifestyle I am to strive for in response to that grace.  I believe as a true follower of Christ I should be striving for purity, holiness, sacrificial living, a spirit of service, etc.  I believe if I am not striving for those things, I am not being a true follower of Christ.  For me, this has eternal consequences because my conscience condemns me.

God has been calling me to a life of purity.  A major source of impurity in my life comes in the form of television.  I watch shows that are not pure at all.  They are full of coarse humor, foul language, sexual innuendos, sexual immorality, etc.  I know I cannot read "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things"(Philippians 4:8) and watch these shows with a clear conscience.  There are books and movies I should not read or see for the same reason.

So why are these things so appealing?  One major reason is because I LOVE to laugh and this kind of humor has become funny to me.  I also like to connect with other people who are watching the same shows, movies, etc.  I like to quote "funny" lines and understand the joke when those lines are thrown around.  I also like to sit and be entertained--A LOT.

Now that God has my attention, though, some things are going to have to change.  Television time will be drastically cut.  My daily communication with God has got to improve.  Bible study and prayer need to be a top priority in my life again.  I don't want to be able to leave my Bible in the car from Sunday to Sunday.  I want to need it every single day regardless of where I am or what I am doing.

I am asking God to keep Philippians 4:8 in front of me at all times.  I want to live this kind of life.  I think I ought to live this kind of life to show my appreciation for the grace God has given me and to be following God with "all my heart, soul, mind and strength."