July 13, 2010
By: Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D.
Q. I have a friend who listens only to Christian music, reads only Christian books, and watches only Christian entertainment. I, on the other hand, regularly enjoy mainstream music, books and entertainment (in addition to Christian choices). She thinks that is "worldly." I feel no guilt (unless I'm with her). Who's right?
-J.C., Denver
A. Deciding who's right may not be the best way to answer your underlying question. You want to know if your broader choice for entertainment is OK, even if your friend feels it isn't a wise choice for her. Romans 14 explains that each of you, if "fully convinced" before the Lord about your choice, stands before Him—not one another. Neither of you should "judge the servant of another" (i.e., Jesus).
When Scripture offers us no clear-cut guidelines for our behavior or attitudes, we have liberty to partake (or not). Paul said some people felt it was OK to eat meat offered in pagan temples. Others might have called that "worldly" and refused to eat it (see 1 Cor. 10:23-33). If your heart doesn't question what you're doing, you can have confidence before the Lord (see 1 John 3:21). Personally, I am far more drawn to baroque music than Christian worship CDs; my wife feels exactly the opposite.
If Paul were writing you, he would say, "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking and book reading or movie watching ..." The kingdom offers deeper counsel. Let me present three biblical thoughts, or questions, to consider.
First, when others follow your entertainment patterns, does your freedom lead them into temptations they cannot handle?
Second, do you consider yourself spiritually stronger than your friend—in a prideful way? If yes to either of those questions, be careful.
Lastly, does your entertainment affect how close you feel to Jesus? If He recedes from the center point in your heart, or if your mind starts going places it shouldn't after mainstreaming, I'd stop what you're doing.
The Bible advises us to think on pure and honorable (wholesome) things (see Phil. 4:8). Mainstream lyrics, movie scenes and storylines are filled with many not-so-good suggestions. If you find yourself toying with those images, it's time to stop their source.
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Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D., is founding pastor of The Coastlands, a Foursquare church in Aptos, Calif. Author of numerous resources including articles and books, he concentrates most of his ministry activity on training local church leaders throughout the world. If you have a question for "Your Questions," contact us. Mention that it is for "Your Questions" consideration.
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