Fifteen Reasons to Flee Fifty Shades

I feel the need to post a warning at the beginning of this post. This blog post is about the popular series, "Fifty Shades of Grey" and contains sexual references. Please be advised before you continue and I would ask that those ages 15 (at least) and younger do not read.

A few years ago, before I married, I worked at our county Library. It was there that I came face-to-face with the ever-popular romance novels. Growing up in Church and with godly parents, I had heard on numerous occasions to flee the books and not be drawn into their lust. I never quite understood just how harmful a little book could be. Little did I know....

I remember one morning at work, watching as an older lady came in with (literally) a bag full of romance novels to turn in and exchange for a new bag. As she exited the library and I looked at the stack before me to put away, my curiosity got the better of me and I wondered, "What on earth is in these things?!?" I picked one up, I opened it, and after less than two minutes of skimming, I was slammed with foul, obscene, sexual talk that I had never been exposed to before. Quite honestly, I was shaken. I was disgusted. I was embarrassed. I was affected. And then I was horrified and righteously angry as I watched countless Church women grab armloads of the books to cart home.

Now I have sat quietly and observed scores of women - young and old, Christian and non - who are raving about the series, Fifty Shades of Grey, and are about as obsessed with its content and characters as most tweens are with the Twilight phenomenon. I can't sit quietly anymore because I have a passion for purity and for marriage. So I have listed below 15 reasons to avoid and run from Fifty Shades. I don't want to offend and make anyone upset, and I am in no way going to be drawn into a debate. I'm just speaking what I believe the Lord wants someone to say. And I pray we will all have "ears to hear" and hearts to obey.

15 Reasons to Flee Fifty Shades

1. It glorifies sex outside of marriage. Of course, it's common these days to have sex outside of marriage, but that makes no difference to a God who says "I change not" (Malachi 3:6). The relationship between Ana and Grey in Fifty Shades is an immoral relationship, simple as that. They are not married, yet they are engaging in premarital sex over and over again. God's Word says to "flee fornication." (1 Corinthians 6:18) If He says it, we should obey it and run from it. Not place a glorifying picture of it on our coffee table or download it onto our Kindle.
       
2. It's all about lust. Let's just be honest. People aren't reading Fifty Shades because it is a  literary masterpiece. I'm no fool. It's ALL about lust. The Bible is strong against lust. I'd go as far as to say that the root problem for nearly every sin is lust. The Bible says in 1 John 2:16 that the lust of the flesh and the eyes is not of God, but of the world. In James 1:15, it says "Then when lust hath conceived  it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." That's a serious verse, people.
         
3. BDSM is praised. Hebrews 13:4 tells us that the marriage bed is undefiled. Meaning that as long as you stay within God's guidelines, you are free to enjoy the pleasures of marital intimacy. First of all, the couple in Fifty Shades is not at all married, so sin it still is. But if they were married, it is wrong to beat, harm, be demanding and hateful, controlling, and inflict pain upon another. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind, gentle, and tender.
       
4. The book(s) are explicit. You can go ahead and argue that Song of Solomon is explicit. But before you tune me out (if you haven't already) I would like you to sit down and read the whole book of Song of Solomon and then compare the most detailed and "explicit" verse with a basic sexual paragraph from Fifty Shades. Song of Solomon is a beautiful, poetic picture of marital love and intimacy. It is written in allegory and because it is in God's Word and goes according to His principles, it is good. Fifty Shades is nothing more than a trashy counterfeit that's more about "hot-sex-in-the-backseat" than pure and holy marital love. Sorry, but it's true.
        
5. It takes the glory away from marriage. Been there, done that. I have had to sit still while biting my tongue while women talk down about their husbands as they tote a bag full of romance novels to the front desk of the library. I've seen women belittle their hardworking husbands on Facebook and then gush about the hot and steamy "love" in Fifty Shades. NEWSFLASH: Marriage is not like movies and books. Marriage is hard. It is not for the weak, the lazy, or the "pamper-me-princess" type. It takes 110% on both parts and, honey, if you're soaking up the made-up "ideals" in books like Fifty Shades, you're slowly breaking down your marriage, piece by piece.
      
6. It's pornography for women. If your husband (I'm including your FUTURE husband, if you're single) excitedly sat down with a Playboy magazine and spent an hour turning the pages, would you be offended? Here he is, gazing at naked women and maybe even excitedly telling you about how great the magazine (or website, etc) is. Let's get real. It is no different. You can try to justify it, but YOU sitting there reading about a man ripping clothes off of his conquest and letting your mind take flight in your own private movie is the same thing... it's porn.
       
7. It stirs up discontentment in marriage. I've heard it. "Why doesn't my husband do that?" or "Why can't my husband treat me that way?" Romance novels - and I'm not just talking about Fifty Shades - are written to appeal to women's sexual appetites. They gaze at the "hunk" on the cover or read his detailed description in a book and wonder why their husband can't look like that. They read about a passionate moment and become discontent because they haven't had one "just like that." Ladies, IT'S MADE UP. It's fiction. Expecting our husbands to live up to this make-believe man in a book (or movie, for that matter) is stripping him of HIS glory. God made him the way he is. And you married him. Toss the garbage and focus on your husband. He may not be as romantic as the made-up guy in the book. He may not say the same things in the same way. He may be 50 lbs heavier than he should be. But hey, if you're like me, you probably don't look like a goddess yourself. My husband loves me. He works hard for me. He is the father of my children. And I adore him. Not for one minute would I think of belittling his good qualities and try to change him into a mold of man some woman made up. No, thank you.
       
8. It mistakes lust for love. Reviews say that Fifty Shades is "bringing marriages closer." Come again? All this book does is point our affections to a fake man. Yeah, it may possibly make you run and jump into your husband's arms. But what's the reason? Because you're desperately in love with him? Or because you're in a lustful frenzy? Is it because you find him absolutely desirable? Or because you have a mini-movie playing out in your head and you want to act it out for real? Don't mistake lust for love.
      
9. It gives unrealistic expectations to the single. If you read Fifty Shades as a single person, you are setting yourself up for disappointment in marriage. All you're doing is focusing on made-up, sinful fantasies from a woman who does not know Jesus Christ. If you want to prepare for marriage, go to the best marriage manual ever written - God's Word. There are plenty of Godly resources and Godly people who can help you become ready and worthy for a great marriage. But mark my words, if you absorb the mentality of romance novels like Fifty Shades, you will not only be ill-prepared, taint your mental and emotional purity, but have a distorted view of how a marriage relationship (or any relationship) should be.
      
10. It has the potential to lead to adultery. Fifty Shades is full of immoral sexuality. As I mentioned above, it can EASILY lead to discontentment in marriage or unrealistic expectations prior-to marriage. Discontentment often breeds a need to find....well...contentment! And I've heard people say, "Well if I can't find "it" here, I'll go elseware!" Don't say you are above it. Many greats in the Bible failed because they did not guard themselves properly against Satan. Do not be surprised if you find yourself unsatisfied with your husband and begin to wonder how green the grass is across the fence.
      
11. "No-strings-attached" is the key. There is no romantic relationship in Fifty Shades. Only a sexual one. No plans of commitment. Just raw, sexual vomit. As a happily married woman who waited for her wedding day, I can testify that they (and the millions in the world following the same destructive path), have no clue what they are missing.
        
12. It's captivated the world. If you take a step back and even open up your Bible and read the history of God's people, you can find that usually whatever is wildly acceptable in the world is anti Christ. Fifty Shades of Grey topped best-seller lists around the world. The series has sold 40 million copies already, worldwide. Book right have been sold in 37 countries. It has set the record as the fastest-selling paperback of all time, beating the Harry Potter series. Usually, that's a red flag to stay away. Whatever is loved and admired by the world, is usually hated by a holy God. 1 John 2:15 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...
       
13. It makes us vulnerable to Satan. Lust begins with the eyes and mind. It's been said that the mind is the devil's playground. By opening our mind up to books like this, we are hanging a big "Welcome" sign to the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Satan would like nothing more than to destroy our marriage, our purity, and our walk with God. And he will use tools exactly like Fifty Shades to fill us with vile, sinful thoughts.
       
14. It will mare your purity. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." In other words, if I may paraphrase...."Guard your heart no matter what it takes, because what's in the well comes up in the bucket." When we fill ourselves with impurity, (and, be honest, Fifty Shades cannot in any way constitute as "pure") make no mistake, it WILL overflow. Purity is important. And it isn't solely for the single. Purity is a LIFESTYLE. It physical...but it's also mental and emotional too. The Lord says be holy (1 Peter 1:16). 1 Timothy 5:22 says to "....keep thyself pure." It's important while single. And it's important while married.
      
15. It will draw you away from God. You may be a Christian and secured in your salvation, but if you soak up perversion and filth, you will not be close to Jesus. Sin drives a wedge between us a God. That's why Christ came and died for us! - to bridge that gap and give us a way to Him. When we willfully indulge in sin or toy with evil, we are spitting in the blood that saved us from hell. We are all human. We all make mistakes. We all fall! We all fail. But that doesn't mean we should frustrate His marvelous grace and embrace sin, while waving the "I'm saved forever" card in His face. Pursue righteousness. Run after Jesus and all that He is. If we, instead, try to ride the fence and have our cake and eat it too, we will drift farther away into mediocrity and have little to no impact for our Savior.

** Please note that this blog post was written to fellow Christians. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, I was not directing this post to you. However, I would love if you would click here to learn more about the Jesus who loves and saves!

Wholesome Cartoons for Kids

Early in my pregnancy with Nathan, I knew that I was going to have to carefully monitor any cartoon or television show that was playing in front of my child(ren). With TV shows and cartoons steadily becoming more and more worldly, I realized that I would have to be more diligent than ever in guarding my son's eyes, ears, and heart from the pollution that is flooding our country. I made a list of what was acceptable and what was not. Now, when Nathan has TV time, I decide what will benefit him and what I believe isn't wholesome. For example, if there is any disobedient and/or argumentative behavior, it is not allowed. If there is any reference to witches, wizards, or such, it is turned off. Sadly, in today's media, that doesn't leave room for much to watch anymore. However, good, clean, wholesome entertainment is still out there. And I praise God for it!

Below are some cartoons that I have found to be wonderful and wholesome.

For Nathan's birthday, my parents introduced us to Little Angels. I must say, it's quite adorable. In the 123's episode pictured above, the children are taken by the little angels through Bible stories like Noah's Ark and David & Goliath as they learn to count. We also received the Animals episode that went through stories like Daniel in the Lion's Den.

I'm sure everyone is familiar with Veggie Tales. For years, I have enjoyed watching the cute little Bible stories told by Bob the tomato, Larry the cucumber and all their veggie-and-fruit pals. Many of their stories are classic tales (i.e. Sweet Pea Beauty and Robin Good) that incorporate wholesome and Biblical values, while others (my favorites) are stories directly from the Bible (i.e. David and the Giant Pickle and Josh & the Big Wall). In my opinion, they do a good job at mixing "Sunday morning values with Saturday morning fun."

I stumbled upon this precious little movie at a store not long ago and, giving how we love dogs, I purchased it, hoping it would be a good watch. And it was. At Jesus' Side is the story of Jericho, the street dog, who befriends and follows Jesus throughout the last week of his life through the resurrection. It is a very sweet little movie.

The Three Trees is the story about three trees with three different dreams of what they want to be. One tree longs to be a beautiful chest that will hold treasures. Another tree dreams of being a great ship fit for a king, sailing the oceans. The third tree wants to remain rooted and strong, growing to be the tallest tree in the forest and reminding others of God's glory when they look up at his stature. Each tree has a dream, but each each tree must learn to trust God and HIS dreams for you instead. It is absolutely precious. I love it.



Do you allow your children to watch TV and movies? Are there any wholesome DVDs you like?




This post is linked to: Time-Warp Wife, The Better Mom, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, and Becoming a Strong Woman of God

Prom Alternative || A Picture of Set-Apartness

A fellow mom and sweet friend of mine sent me a note today, praising our God for the strong conviction and Godly decision her daughter made concerning prom. I have already made a post about what the Bible says about functions like high school dances, but listen to this powerful testimony of a high school student who made an unpopular choice, but one that pleased God.

My daughter (who will be 17 this year), and is at that "prom going" age, has decided to pass on prom because of her thoughts on it. Her steady boyfriend (who she refers to has her God-friend since she thinks the term boyfriend is too overused and cliche nowadays), is a Senior this year, and has a prom coming up later this month at his school. He too has beliefs against it, and was mocked fairly heavily at his high school for his beliefs.

One evening, he was here at our house and he was sharing with us the mocking he was receiving at school over his reasons for not wanting to attend his senior prom. He was asking us to pray that God give him the courage and strength to stand strong in front of those coming against him.

Through the conversation, one thing led to another, and he and my daughter complied what they are calling Prom Alternative 2012. They spoke with their youth pastor about it, and it was made official, and they're pushing it in full motion. They started spreading the word to other members of the youth group (some attend his school, some don't) and many of the teens stated that they were going to the prom because it's a memory to create their senior year. My daughter made point that they can create a memory on that prom night, only it can be one to be proud of for years to come because it brought God glory rather than sadness. So many have agreed to go now, that they've ordered custom tshirts to wear the following Monday that say Prom Alternative 2012, and they're hoping the shirts will be a witnessing tool for them. The money that the teens would have used for prom tickets at their school ($50 per couple or $30 for a single ticket) will be paying for the cost of the shirts, with all leftover funds going into the offering plate at church.

Prom is Saturday, April 21st. So on that evening, they will be dressing up in [tasteful and elegant] gowns and tuxedo's, going out to eat as a youth group at a local restaurant that does not serve alcohol to any of its patrons, then going to the church for a youth service that the youth pastor has agreed to speak at (after all, if youth can dress up for a dance at a school, why not look their best for the Lord in worship). The youth pastor, his wife, and a few other adult members that work with the youth group have agreed to chaperon a church lock-in after the service until the following morning, where they will have full access to an indoor basketball court, games, bible study, music and instruments, and fellowship.

I could not be more proud of this plan of action they are taking to make a stand to please God, and witness to others in the process about their beliefs. I thought this might be an idea to share at your own church youth group, or to other young girls you may mentor. All it takes is an idea, and presenting it to adults in the church that are willing to help these teens make a stand for what they believe.

Are you willing to be set-apart?

Great Christmas Movies

It's Christmas time! And I looooove watching Christmas movies! So I thought I would share some of my recommendations. :)

One of my favorite movies of all time. It's a Wonderful Life goes way back with my family and is a favorite that makes me cry every single stinkin' time! :) For those of you who have not yet seen this classic, it is about a man named George Bailey. George has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls and to the business his father began. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his father. Fighting to honor his father's beloved Building and Loan and to prevent Mr. Potter, the richest and most evil man around, from taking over the entire town, George grows increasingly discontent with his life. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George....  I'll leave it at that. Simply put, I cannot praise this movie enough.

You know the song, White Christmas that we sing every year? Well, that song debuted on this movie. The world heard that song for the first time when Bing Crosby sat down at his piano one night and sang it while the fire crackled in the background. This is a funny, romantic movie starring Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds. Simply put, Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) has crooner Jim (Bing Crosby) head over heels in love, but suave Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire, of course!) wants her for his new dance partner. Jim has left the stage to open up a supper club, Holiday Inn, which is the setting for the big chase. This movie is funny and sweet with tons of amazing songs.

Another Bing Crosby classic that has, in my opinion, some of the greatest songs of any musical! My family and I still sing "Snow" and I remember Melody and I used to prance around singing "Sisters, Sisters." This movie is about two men, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who, after leaving the Army after WW2, team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General. This is, by far, my favorite Christmas musical of all time.

This is a bit more modern and a good watch. It is definitely a movie that will cite some serious laughter. The "elf" is Buddy. Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter's relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. This is a funny watch, but keep in mind that it IS modern and there are certain aspects I don't agree with. Overall, though, it is harmless. (Note: For you parents, there is some crude humor in this movie and the innocence of Buddy is played upon.)

I remember hearing Newsong's Christmas classic, "The Christmas Shoes" years ago for the first time. I never dreamed a movie would be made from it, but I'm glad it was. This is a great film. Two separate stories mesh - in the first, a young music teacher, Maggie Andrews, begins dying of a heart condition and her son Nathan tries to get a pair of Christmas shoes for her before she dies. In the second, lawyer Robert Layton and his wife Kate are slowly drifting apart and the matter comes to a head during Christmas when Kate takes over for Maggie for the school choir and declines a job in Robert's firm. When Robert's mother passes away, he begins to reconsider things and his and Nathan's paths cross on Christmas Eve as Nathan tries to raise the money for the shoes and Robert tries to get a present for his daughter. I LOVE this story and how real it is. We all need to remember the important things in life. We all need to be reminded that life is fragile and that family is the most important thing we have.

I bought this movie for Nathan about a month ago and it instantly became a favorite. I have sat down and watched it with him several times and it is just precious. Junior Asparagus has become obsessed with the drums, playing them all the time. While his parents go out Christmas shopping, he is supposed to go caroling with his friends, but a mix up leaves him home with Grandpa (Pa Grape). Mad at his friends, Junior intends to sulk, but Grandpa decides to tell him the story of the little drummer boy. Aaron (Junior Asparagus, again) stars as The Little Drummer Boy, a little boy who is determined to live alone and isolated because of past hurt. In his journey, he meets colorful characters that only make him more bitter towards people....until he encounters the birth of Jesus. This was a really precious story that I don't mind watching over and over again.

And of course.... the very best. The Christmas story. In my opinion, The Nativity Story is the best movie thus far in portraying the story of Christmas. Beginning with Mary, newly engaged to Joseph, and praying for peace for her people, she is visted by the angel, Gabrielle. Upon the encounter she learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. The story goes on until the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. I cannot put into words how well this movie was made. It showed the human heart of Mary - her doubts, her faith, her willingness, her fears, her strength, her innocence. It gave a bigger picture of King Herod. It portrayed Joseph in a phenomenal way. Etc. etc. etc. Though the Bible does not give us every specific detail, this movie captures how I have always viewed the story. It is unspeakably wonderful and a must-have for every home.

What are some of your favorite Christmas movies??

To Love Their Children

The other day, I learned that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced that they are now expecting their 20th child!! ohmygoodness!

I am a big fan of their TV show on TLC and watch it as often as I am able on Tuesday nights and early on weekday mornings. I enjoyed watching the budding romance, engagement, and the wedding of their oldest son, Joshua, to Anna, along with the birth of their two children. I have loved reading their first book (the second is on my Christmas list) and prayed along with thousands as their 19th child, Josie, came into the world four months premature. So, yes, I am a fan. :) A lot of people have had derogatory and....well, let's just be honest....hateful comments about the Duggars and their way of life. I have to say, "Gracious, let them alone!" I, for one, am inspired at their obedience in letting the Lord have full control of every area of their lives, especially in the issue of children. That is when you can truly sing, "I surrender ALL." I'm amazed at how they run their home smoothly and with order with so many kids when I know of countless parents who cannot control the one or two kids they have. Grant and I are praying for Michelle as she sacrifices her body, once more, for the giving of life and for trusting the Lord to do all things well. :) God bless them.

With the Duggar family fresh on the brain, I have been thinking of motherhood.

John Wesley said, "I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England."

The impact of that statement is huge. What a powerful remark! Through his mother's diligence in teaching him about Christ and what it means to be a Christian, he learned what no professor could ever teach. He saw Christianity in action in his home; in the life of his own mom. I have read about his mother, Susannah Wesley. Susannah was the youngest of twenty-five children! (you're not quite there, Duggar family! :) She, herself, bore nineteen children with her husband, Samule Wesley. Many Godly women in history had the honor of bearing many children. Elizabeth Fry, a sweet Quaker woman who reformed prisons in England, bore eleven children. Sarah Edwards, the godly wife of Jonathan Edwards, was also the mother of eleven. Catherine Booth, the wife of the founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, gave birth to eight children.

Psalm 127 verses three and four says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them...."


Happy is the man that hath his quiver full. For some, the Lord may say that one or two is a "quiver full." For others, a quiver full may be twenty or twenty-five! However many children we are blessed with, the Bible gives us, mothers, a great responsibility; mainly to LOVE our children.

Recently, I read a book that convicted me and inspired me to become a more godly wife and mother. It was a study of Titus 2 and, in reading and studying, I was constantly reminded of how I should be as a Christian woman....


Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

It seems like such a no-brainer to love our children, doesn't it? But it doesn't always come so easily. In studying, I learned that the word, love, found in Titus 2 was the Greek word, Phileo, which is where we get the word Philadelphia (the city of brotherly love). This word isn't Agape love (unconditional love; sacrificing love; God-like love). Phileo is an affectionate love; a friendship love; a tender love.

Though Nathan hasn't yet reached the toddler years or the age where he challenges authority, I am working to display phileo love and to make it a lifestyle. Sometimes it's so easy to show sacrificial love and even unconditional love. We, wives and mothers, will clean up milk and kool-aid spills. We will wash dirty underwear and stinky socks. We will labor and sweat over meals. We will work and work and work....from sun up to sun down.... but will we show phileo love? Are we tender? Are we compassionate? Are we affectionate? In studying this word, I have seen my reflection in love's mirror and.... I'm afraid that I am guilty of not showing phileo as often as I ought to. To my husband, I am often quick-tempered and too "busy" to stop and gently kiss his cheek and ask him how his day was. Suffice it to say, I've been convicted. But I pray, with all my heart, that I will learn to make phileo as normal as breathing in and out. I hope the Lord will bless me and Grant with more children, but no matter how many arrows He places in our quiver, my heart's desire as a mommy is to be full of phileo love. When I am tempted to yell in anger or to let my emotions take over when I am irritated, I want to be reminded to LOVE my children. When they have me ready to pull my hair out, I want to remember that God instructs me to phileo my kiddos, even when their hands are covered in peanut butter and they smear chocolate on my purse.
   
With our world news full of stories of mothers who want to rid themselves of their children, I pray that we, Christian mothers, will resolve to rejoice over ours and to LOVE them....and show it.

Movie Recommendations -- 09/06/2011

This is a great movie! I watched it for the first time a few years ago and instantly loved it. "The Ultimate Gift" is about Jason Stevens, a spoiled little rich kid, living on his trust fund, who believes money is what brings happiness. When his insanely wealthy grandfather dies, Jason discovers that his grandfather left him a very big gift. Believing it to be money - and lots of it! - Jason agrees to twelve tasks, which his grandfather calls, "gifts" which, in the end, teaches him what life is truly all about. I have watched this movie many times over and am always reminded the greatest gifts in life are the ones that money could never buy. Again, this is a fantastic movie that I highly recommend it!

  

This is one of my all-time favorite musicals. Set in Tsarist, Russia in 1905, the story centers on Tevye, a poor, Jewish milk man and the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. I adore this musical and often go around singing songs from the movie (Grant even bought the soundtrack!). It is very humorous, very sobering, and a very great watch!
            

I like the Veggies....especially the older ones. This is the first full-length feature film that Big Idea produced. The movie weaves two stories together. The first takes place in the current day and concerns a mishap that occurs on the way to a concert. The second, set in ancient Israel, is based directly on the story of Jonah. Through both stories, we learn that we must be compassionate and merciful, and that everyone deserves a second chance. It's a cute movie for children that does a good job at mixing Bible values with "Saturday morning fun."

           

                
This is a wonderful movie. Buchan and his family move from Zambia to South Africa. With nothing more than a caravan on a patch of land, the Buchan family struggles to settle in a new place. Faced with ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Buchan quickly spirals down into a life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. Finally, his wife convinces him to attend a local church, where the testimonies of other farmers influence his decision to give his life to Christ. His life makes a complete turnaround and he is challenged to grow in his faith. Believing he is led by the Lord, Buchan plants potatoes - a massive risk due to the drought in the area. He calls for prayer and plants potatoes in the dry dust. I cried as I watched his struggle to believe, in faith, that the Lord would answer his prayers and it inspired me to have faith "like potatoes."

          
If you like to read, go check out the books by Beverly Lewis. This movie is based upon her book, The Redemption of Sarah Cain. I have heard about this movie for a while and was finally able to watch it a couple of weeks ago. The movie begins as Sarah Cain, a successful columnist in Oregon, is told by her boss that her column has been rejected. She isn't writing about life anymore, just cheesy little articles that have no meaning. Frustrated, she leaves for a restaurant when her phone rings. To her dismay, she is informed that her older sister, Ivy, has just died of heart failure. Upon hearing the news, she rushes to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where her sister lived as an Amish believer, for the funeral. Once there, she finds that as the sole surviving relative, the court has appointed her as the legal guardian for the five children. She begins to write about her days events and soon discovers that the readers want more. After that comes a sweet story of family, self-denial, forgiveness, and redemption. A good watch!

In Him is No Darkness

May I share something that the Lord has changed in my life?

Last year, one evening, Grant and I were wanting to watch a movie. We had our typical conversation:

What do you want to watch?

I don't know, what do YOU want to watch?

Finally, we settled on a "scary movie." Now, to begin, I will say that we have some strict rules in our home. There are no R-rated movies in our house. And we are watchful of the PG-13 movies as well. This movie was a PG-13 "thriller" and we were in the mood to be "thrilled," I suppose. So we settled down on the couch, turned the lights off, and started the movie.

I have never watched a horror movie in my life. The movie "Jaws" makes me jump clear out of my skin and is what I call, a scary "jumping" movie. So I assumed that this "thriller" would be much like that. There was no language to worry about. It had no Voodoo or anything evil that it glorified. It was harmless....or so I thought. However, by the movie's end that night, I was shaking with fear. The movie wasn't about anything spiritual. The whole scenario was unrealistic and, if you truly think about it, maybe a bit lame. It wasn't classified as a horror movie. Just a thriller. Just a little fear....right?

Oh no.

Once the movie was over, I jumped up and turned on all the lights in our house. Being late at night, Grant and I headed to bed, but I found myself unable to immediately hop into bed and fall asleep. I had the lights bright and tried to clear my mind. That night I dreamed about the movie. Anytime Grant or I discussed the movie, I would usually have have trouble sleeping or end up having some sort of nightmare. I didn't understand it. I didn't watch horror movies, I never tampered with anything spiritual or "evil." I wasn't a fraidy cat, scared of my own shadow. I could pretty much handle my own.... So, what was wrong??

Darkness.

Suffice it to say, it didn't take long for me to realize that I had justified that movie because it wasn't a "real" scary movie. I justified it because it was PG-13 for "thematic elements and disturbing images." I justified a lot....but I ended up being so terrified that when Grant would mention anything associated with the movie, I couldn't handle it. There had to be something more that I wasn't seeing.

So I did some serious soul searching and I allowed God to shine a light on a seemingly small area of my life.

Darkness.

Up until then, I would never have entertained the possibility that there could be an area of darkness in my life. But I realized then that there was! I had pursued a movie that was saturated in darkness and that played on my nerves, driving me to fear. I had found nothing wrong with it because it was "tame" and "harmless" yet overlooked and forgotten the fact that the standards of God are FAR different from the standards of this world. Hollywood said that it was "innocent." I know now that the Lord put it in a totally opposite category. There was nothing innocent or harmless about it. That is always one of the first things we forget - that God thinks very differently than the way we think. His standards are higher. His definitions, different. His love, greater. His judgement, more sure. His truth, absolute. And I have no doubt that if we had prayerfully consulted Him that night in our movie-dicision, we would have never lowered the bar.
  
Our society glorifies the darkness. Have you noticed how incredibly dark and sinister the horror movies are getting? The previews are enough to make you scream! Have you seen how much money movies that glorify evil are making? Have you counted how many TV shows are about witches, vampires, wizards, and ghosts? Even the Disney channel and the Cartoon network is filled with them! Wonder why that is? Simple. Our world is growing increasingly sinful and as a result, it is becoming increasingly filled with darkness. John 3:19-21 puts it perfectly....

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

We are naturally drawn to darkness because we are sinful creatures. As long as sin is in this world, we will wrestle against our flesh and against the darkness of sin. It makes sense....

However, as the redeemed of God, we are no longer children of the darkness, but of the light! As Paul said in Ephesians 5:8, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." Since we are no longer in darkness, we should endeavor to walk in the glorious light of Christ, leaving the works of darkness behind. It all goes back to separation. From the very beginning, God separated light from darkness.

Genesis 1:4 - "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness."

Why should we think that there shouldn't be a separation between the people of God and the things of this world when God divided the night from the light at the beginning of creation? Clearly, it is an important division! And spiritually speaking, since we have the God of light living in our hearts, there should be no smidgen of darkness in us at all! No sin, for He is holy. No darkness, for He is light. No night, for He is day. No dirt, for He is clean and righteous. It is easy to forget, yes. It is easy to slip back into a justification mode, yes. It is very easy to grow lazy and slack. But over and over again in Scripture, God reminds us (because we definitely need reminding!) that we should follow in His footsteps; walking in the light, showcasing light in our lives, spreading light, shining the light, running to the light!....etc. etc. etc.

I definitely learned my lesson last year on that night. Since then, I haven't watched any "scary/thriller/spooky/jumping" movie. I was greatly convicted that evening and resolved to never again play with something that can cause me to be afraid or that is filled with or glorifies darkness.

Why? Many reasons; the main reason being that I serve a Holy God who has no darkness in Him whatsoever. And if I am to be His hands, His feet, His mouthpiece - His vessel - I need to be as much like Him as I can be. And that means ridding myself of darkness as well.

Luke 11:35
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Romans 13:12
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

1 Thessalonians 5:5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

   
I challenge you to let the light of God shine upon your life and your heart and, like David said to God, "see if there be any wicked place in me." I have to do this every day or I will stumble back into the darkness. Let us resolve to step out of the darkness and walk as children of Light.
                    
1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Movie Recommendations -- 08/09/2011

I love reading the stories of the heroes of our faith. Amy Carmichael. Richard & Sabina Wurmbrand. Mary Slesser. David Livingstone. I enjoy being inspired and stirred by their faith and what they did for the Lord. This movie is based on the true story of Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian; the five missionaries martyred in Ecuador in 1956. Having a burning passion to take the Gospel to the Huaorani people (an Indian tribe known for spearing any stranger on site), these five men decide to make contact and bring them the news of Jesus. When I watched this movie for the first time, I literally bawled my eyes out. It is a convicting story about passion, ministry, true love, strength and ultimate forgiveness. I highly recommend this movie, along with the documentary, Beyond the Gates of Splendor.
            

Every home needs to have this movie on their shelf. I watched "Fireproof" before I married and was powerfully impacted. Now that I am married, I love it all the more! For those who have not yet seen this movie, it follows firefighter, Caleb, and his wife, Katherine, as they plummet downhill towards a divorce. To please his godly father, Caleb accepts a "dare" and embarks on a journey to save his marriage. What follows is an amazing story of salvation, redemption, forgiveness, and the power that comes when God is given control. I also recommend the book, "The Love Dare," which is a fantastic tool in strengthening (or saving) your marriage.
           

                
Nathan and I watched this little video yesterday afternoon. "The Legend of the Three Trees." Years ago I was given the book but have never watched the video until yesterday. It is a beautifully sweet little story about three trees with three different dreams of what they want to be. One tree longs to be a beautiful chest that will hold treasures. Another tree dreams of being a great ship fit for a king, sailing the oceans. The third tree wants to remain rooted and strong, growing to be the tallest tree in the forest and reminding others of God's glory when they look up at his majestic stature. Each tree has a dream, but each each tree must learn to trust God and HIS dreams for you instead. It is a very cute and precious animated story. I love it.
             

        
I am sure many have seen the new movie, "Soul Surfer" by now. If not, it is definitely a great inspirational movie. I had never heard of Bethany Hamilton, but will be looking her up now that I have seen this movie, based upon her story of overcoming a terrible shark attack and rising to be a national champion in surfing. Grant and I were both inspired by this movie and enjoyed it very much. (Note - For you parents who are seeking to protect your sons and instruct your daughters in holiness, be advised that there is a bit of immodesty in this movie due to some of the swimwear.)

          
This series is excellent! I discovered the Torchlighter series a couple of years ago through the Voice of the Martyr's ministry. They are animated videos that highlight the lives of great heroes of the faith (Jim Elliot, Amy Carmichael, Eric Liddell, Gladys Aylward, Vibia Perpetua, Richard Wurmbrand, and William Tyndale to name a few). To my knowledge, they release a new video once a year. This is an absolute must-have for your children and for your family as a whole! Each video is about 30-45 minutes and comes with various bonus features, including a 45-60 minute documentary on the life of each "hero." This series is fantastic and will help our children learn who their role models and heroes should be; not the people of Hollywood, but those who have given their lives for the sake of Christ.

Harry Potter and Jesus

I am so long overdue on this subject. The final movie (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2) is out in theater.

YAY!!! 

I say "Yay!" not because I like Harry Potter. I say "YAY!" because this is the LAST and FINAL movie being made. Glory! Why am I not thrilled with Harry Potter? Why don't I read the books and line up at the movie theater? Why do I spend time writing a blog post about this subject? I will tell you....

Simply put. Witchcraft.

Yes, I know. "For heaven's sake, Kristen, it's just a book! It's just a movie! It's just....it's just...."

How often we justify something ungodly and spiritually decapitating by using the opening two words, "It's just...."

Many use the argument that Harry Potter is just fantasy literature. Yes, it is a fictional, fantasy novel. So, what's the problem? There are two. First, our God never said that it is okay to indulge in anything contrary to His Word...and we all know that witchcraft and wizardry is not of God (more on that in a minute). Fantasy or not, it is evil and we are to flee. Secondly, if you want to plead the "fantasy case," than that line of reasoning would say that it is also okay to indulge in fantasy pornography, fantasy violence, fantasy anything.... Right? Using that defense would make it easy to defend anything else; any choice sin. Where is the line? How far do you go?

The fact is - Witchcraft is not fantasy; it is a very powerful, very sinful reality in our world.

Please, please, please let us have listening ears and opened eyes so that we may hear and see truth. Not opinions. Not preferences. Not even convictions. Just pure, Biblical truth.

The Harry Potter books are in 200 nations and are published in over 40 languages. A U.S. consumer research survey reported that “over half of all children between the ages of 6 and 17 have read at least one Harry Potter book.” That troubles me.

This series of books by the British author, J.K. Rowling, focuses on the plights of young Harry, who is selected to attend the 1000-year-old Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is an orphan boy, his parents (who practiced white magic) having been murdered by the evil Lord Voldemort. Young Harry is given a strange marking on his forehead. “Through the sacrificial goddess magic of his mother’s love, baby Harry is saved and his blood is given magical powers. Unable to kill Harry, in revenge, Voldemort sears a death curse of a lightning bolt on Harry’s forehead.” (cue red flag)

Surely.....SURELY....that paragraph alone is enough to "flee the appearance of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

Surely....

One would think.

At this occult school, Harry Potter learns how to use witchcraft. He also learns a new vocabulary, including words such as "Azkaban", "Circe", "Draco", "Erised", "Hermes", and "Slytherin" - all of which are names of real devils or demons. Another red flag. This is fact. These are not characters of fiction! How serious is this? I say VERY serious. By reading these books and watching these movies, many millions are opening themselves up to "seducing spirits" (1 Timothy 4:1) and ignorantly putting themselves in the cross hairs of the devil.

J.K. Rowling, a graduate of Exeter University in England, is very familiar with occultic practices, using elements behind “pagan religions, celtic religions, the religions of the druids, witchcraft, and satanism. Okay. And this is author of the Harry Potter series? Yet another red flag.

Two British reports on the Harry Potter phenomenon said this: "Harry Potter has fueled a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children." Though it refused to admit new members under the age of 18, "it deals with an average of 100 inquiries a month from youngsters who want to become witches, and claims it has occasionally been 'swamped' with calls."

So here comes the big question. What does God have to say?

Deuteronomy 18:10-14

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

Exodus 22:18
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Obviously, the Lord is clear in Scripture that any practice of wizardry and witchcraft is an abomination in His sight. He does not distinguish between “white magic” and “dark magic.” They are both from the same source - Satan.




I am sure my words will fall in deaf ears to some. But how about a quote from a High Priest of Satanism?....    "Harry is an absolute godsend to our cause," said High Priest Egan of the First Church of Satan in Salem, MA. "An organization like ours thrives on new blood (no pun intended) and we've had more applicants than we can handle lately. And, of course, practically all of them are virgins, which is gravy."  Is this as shockingly horrifying to you as it is to me? Did you know that since 1995, open applicants to Satan worship have increased from around 100,000 to 20 MILLIONS children and young adults?! We are at war, friends.

Thankfully, there are many Christians who oppose Harry Potter, banning him all-together (which is what should be done with anything evil and anti-God). In the case of our children reading these books, I have to ask, "If you put sorcery in, what do you expect to get out?"

Simply put..... Harry Potter and Jesus do not mix.

1 Timothy 4
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Romans 12:9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Luke 11:35
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 Thessalonians 5:5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;   

Idols

I cringe every time I see that word - idol.

Though I am passionate about my Jesus and about sharing His Word, sometimes it is really hard to tell the truth only to be ignored or invited to a full-blown, heated debate about how wrong it is for me to say anything negative. But I am willing to be scoffed at for the sake of the LORD. I am aware that whenever hard issues come up, there will be accusations and the word "judging" will most likely be tossed in the mix as well. I have to admit, though, that the whole "judging" thing is overrated and has been overworked and overused.

I want to, first, appeal to you as you read this blog post to not fall into the defensive trap. Can we please all embrace Paul’s attitude of being the “chief sinner” (1 Timothy 1:15) by recognizing that we all should be huddling around the “chair” he vacated at his death? That will make a difference. I am the biggest sinner I know. Sadly, I now sit atop Paul’s Chief Seat! How about you? Do you really believe you sit with me? Your humility will affect how you respond to this post.

Season 10 of American Idol just ended. With all the hype, I'm sure the whole world knows who won. Scotty McCreery; a young country singer. I must say that it is sad to see so many young people full of talent waste it on singing songs about drinking, sexual escapades, and broken relationships. My goodness, why not sing about Jesus? There's nothing greater to sing about! You can sing about love...but there's no greater love than the love of God. You can sing about passion, but there's no greater passion than the passion Jesus Christ has for the souls of the world. I'm all for "God and Country" but country music isn't all about "God and Country" anymore. Most often than not, it's about touchy-touchy, who-left-who and what kind of alcohol you're going to drown yourself in. Not exactly a "David song"....

Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Psalm 35:28
"And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

Psalm 45:17
"I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever."

Psalm 57:9
"I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations."


Now, I was brought up around music. I LOVE music! And if Satan is going to tempt me with anything, it's going to be music. Alcohol and drugs were never the slightest temptation to me growing up. Sexual promiscuity wasn't a huge temptation as long as I kept my eyes focused. Violence was never an issue. Foul language, not an option. But music? Oh, that was (and still is) my biggest struggle. So please don't think I am sitting on top of a self-made throne. I am down at the bottom with everyone else. Surprisingly, though, watching "American Idol" hasn't been that big of a deal to me.

My husband and I have a pet peeve about the show. First of all, it is prohibited to sing Christian music on that show. That's a fact. It isn't welcomed. Hmm... I wonder why that is. Secondly, the girls act like pin-up dolls with seductive clothing and actions. Thirdly, the songs sang often have ungodly messages. And finally, our biggest pet peeve - the literal "idol worship." The crowd goes crazy; the boys giving cat calls and the girls reaching to touch the hand of some male singer. And the title itself sends the message loud and clear - "America! Here is your IDOL!" Have we become so lax that the suggestion of "idol-ship" is okay? Have we become so wrapped up in our culture that we have allowed the world to desensitize us? Far too many have said, "It's just a word! It's no big deal!" Is it? Is it really?

Have you watched a rock or country concert? Do you see the way the fans behave? Girls tearing off their clothes and tossing them on stage. Fans holding up signs with plenty of suggestive phrases. Fans hurting others to touch the performers on stage. Screaming....crying....reaching....fainting. I may be wrong, but it LOOKS like worship. And, of course, we know that anything put before the Lord is an idol.

All throughout the Old Testament, Israel (the chosen people of God) seemed to make the same mistake over and over again. They kept serving the gods of their enemies. They would make thunderous claims about worshipping ONLY the Lord God (read Joshua 14-15) and then become lazy. Eventually, you would find them tolerating the enemy instead of driving them out. Then they would be "hanging out" with them. THEN - horror of horrors - they would be worshipping the same gods as their enemies! They would build up idols and sacrifice to them. They would turn their backs of God and just "have innocent fun" with the pagan nations around them.

2 Kings 17:12
"For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."

Psalm 106:36
"And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them."

...want to know something? We do the very same thing.

How? Many times in Scripture, what the Israelites do physically, WE do spiritually. In this case, the Israelites (God's people, mind you), forsook God and literally bowed down to other gods. They didn't drive out the Ammorites and Moabites (and the other "-ites") and, soon, began acting just like them. Loving what they loved. Serving what they served. Well, we (the Church, the Bride of Christ, HIS people) do the same thing. We forsake God when we care more about what the world thinks of us than what He thinks or when we care more about what "they" say than what He says. We forsake Him when we spend more time on Twitter or Facebook or watching "American Idol" than we do praying to Him or reading His Word. And idol worship? Yes, we do that too. No, we don't literally bow down to a god of stone, but we definitely bow down to the gods of money, people, fame, and.....get ready....self. That is idol worship. We refuse to drive out sin completely, hanging on to some of the "fun and harmless" stuff. In reality, we are no different than the Israelites. In fact, I personally think we are all worse. In the Old Testament, God's Spirit would come and go. Now, if we are in Christ, HE lives IN us! We are HIS temple, HIS dwelling place.

Do I think watching "American Idol" is sinful? Oh no. However, I think we ought always to be very careful about what we watch and what we promote and what we stamp our approval on. Many have told me that I should go and audition for "American Idol."  I do take that as a great compliment, but I will never do it. Why? I don't want bright lights and fame. I don't want the temptations and the snare that can (and most likely will) easily come from it. But most of all, I do not want to be looked at as an idol of any kind. Call it crazy. Call it overreacting. Call it what you will. But I won't have it. No form of "idol-ship" will I seek out, even if it appears harmless.

1 Corinthians 10:14
"Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."

I don't blog to ruffle feathers (unless they are the devil's), but how I wish God's people would take a close and guarded look at what they love and defend. Many will smile and nod when you speak of God's abundant grace and unconditional love and redemption, but when you speak truthfully and firmly about a touchy subject or small sin they don't want to give up, they yank out their swords and are ready to defend their "idol." Let it not be so!

I, for one, want to be more passionate about Christ, who is the ONLY God and "idol" that we, as His followers, should have.

2 Corinthians 6:16
"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

1 John 5:21
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

It's Just the Prom

For weeks, we have heard talk of the "crowning moment" of one's high school experience and the "once in a lifetime" night for teenagers. The Prom. For weeks, there has been debate after debate on Facebook and Twitter amongst the anti-prom people and the pro-prom people. For weeks I have observed, with heartbreaking disgust, the immodest Prom gowns proudly displayed on profile pictures and photos of Church kids "getting down" on the dimly lit dance floor. For weeks, I have been praying about actually writing a blog on the subject. Should I? Should I not? And after much prayer and remembering that I had no reserve in tackling the various ways people try to raise breast cancer awareness back in October, I have decided to hold nothing back on THIS subject which, I believe, is just as harmful to a Christian's testimony.

Let me start with the most common question: “Is dancing wrong?”

I have to say, "No, it's not." Dancing is not an intrinsic evil. There is no sin in moving one’s feet to the rhythm of music. The Bible records instances when righteous men danced as an expression of their joy (1 Chronicles 15:25-29; Luke 15:11-32) and countless times in the Psalms, it tells us to dance in worship, praising and glorifying the LORD. (Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:4) BUT is this the same type of dancing as done at the High School Prom? Should Christians have anything to do with the Prom?

For years, there have been Godly men and preachers of the Gospel who have stood up to declare truth. Once, long ago, their warnings were heard and people adhered to wisdom. Now? Far from it. The proclaimers of truth are ignored, mocked, and even attacked - by who? The Church people. What has changed? The truth? Or the people? I believe what has changed are the attitudes and respect (or lack of) God’s people have for His will and His Word. Some apparently seem to be more willing to justify their “pet” sins than they are willing to justify God’s high moral standard.


Our ungodly world puts tremendous pressure on God’s people to join with them in worldly recreation. It is for this reason that sin needs to be defined and lines drawn so that we, as Christians, can know what is right and what is wrong. So, with that in mind, what does the Bible say about the Prom?

The primary focus of the Prom is the dance. In listing the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, dancing is condemned three times: as lasciviousness, reveling, and “such like.” Lasciviousness is “indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females”

Hmmmmm....

Some teens have actually asked me, “What if I go to the Prom and don't dance?”

Well, Paul warned Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:22 to, “...neither be partakers of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”

Ephesians 5:11 says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

If you were honest, you would admit that the Prom is not clean nor wholesome. And furthermore, the modern dance of today - dancing that involves indecent and suggestive bodily movements, and that calls for close bodily contact between unmarried males and females - is most definitely not clean nor wholesome. Its appeal is sex. The whole thing is inherently sexual, therefore, it incites lust. Paul admonished Timothy (as well as ALL of us) to “flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22) There is no worshipping of God at the Prom. There is no atmosphere for an alter call. There is nothing that invites the Holy Spirit of God in. So....why are the Christians defending it? Why are they desperate to go? Fighting to support it?

I have been so bothered and burdened seeing pictures of “dirty dancing” (and that’s the way I’ll describe it. To get specific would probably be offensive) performed on the “chaperoned” dance floor broad casted all over Facebook. Some of the most ungodly dress and actions were from some of the very teenagers who are looked up to by the younger children; who lead in their youth groups; who go on mission trips. If this is the way that disciples of Jesus conduct themselves, then how do you suppose the world acts? No wonder our school system typically mails out a letter to area churches asking for their help and support in keeping, what they describe as “one of the most dangerous nights of the year for our young people” as safe as possible.

Young people, keep the commitment that you made to the Lord. Guard your heart and mind from the fleshly lusts that "war against your soul.”

And parents, help your son or daughter in making decisions that affect their testimony. Sometimes, because of the tremendous peer pressure they are under, your children need you to say “no” for them. Help them make Christ-focused decisions that will bring honor to our God.
You know what I think? I think we need a good dose of discipleship! I think we need to quit acting and thinking carnally. I think God's people need to stop immersing themselves in such a worldly event, and to develop some backbone. And I think we need to be honest with ourselves and quit trying to defend what is indefensible. What do you think?

Galatians 5:19-21 -
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."


1 Peter 2:11 -
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."

1 Thessalonians 5:22 -
"Abstain from all appearance of evil."