Hot Christian Topic of the Moment: Fifty Shades of Grey & Magic Mike

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

If you haven't heard of the current book series, Fifty Shades of Grey, or heard of the risque' movie "Magic Mike", you must not reside on planet Earth!  Everywhere I turn, someone is talking about one or the other, and it is not just women as you would suspect.  Men are weighing in on the debate as well.  But what I have found interesting is the discussion among Christians.  The good news here...we are TALKING about it and not walking around in a fog, oblivious that there is even an issue.  We are thinking, analyzing, and PRAYING about this and where we each stand on the issue, and honestly, that's half the battle raging in our minds.

Two different blogs on two different sides of the issue really got me thinking even deeper on the issue.  One blogger/author talks about why she's not reading the series (Fifty Ways Porn Might Be Sneaking into YOUR Church), while another friend openly admits that she read the books and saw the movie and she talks about each person's convictions and how the Holy Spirit will guide us (A Little Condemnation) when consulted vs. letting the world condemn, convict, and direct us.  I encourage you to click on the links above to read each blog.

My choice, and what I'm at peace with, is deciding not to read the books nor watch the movie.  I'm not judging those who make the opposite decision, as I can only share my personal convictions and reasons why and stir the pot just a bit more.  A few years ago, when I went through my divorce, a friend gave me some solid advice.  She instructed me to be very careful what I let enter into my mind as I was in a very vulnerable and fragile state.  For a very long period, I didn't really watch TV or movies, I listened to Christian music pretty exclusively and I kept my reading to Christian books or the Bible.  I didn't allow the enemy to stir up my emotions by some outside source.  For me, it was necessary and helped me stay focused and my eyes heavenward, which I desperately needed during that time period.  I learned that I didn't miss any of my "old entertainment" and what was even more shocking was when I started to loosen the restrictions a bit over time, I realized that I was much more conscious and sensitive to worldly media.  It made me very uncomfortable to listen to some types of music that before I really enjoyed. It opened up my eyes to the fact that my choices had really needed filtering.  I had become worldly without even realizing it.  I learned how subtle the enemy can be through very "traditional" and acceptable means.  I've stuck with keeping my eyes and ears focused more spiritually because I am easily convicted when I watch/listen to more secular entertainment and I know that is the Holy Spirit keeping me on track.  I don't want to ever get to that "fog-like" state again.  Another big reason for "abstaining" is the fact that I'm married and for me, no one is "hotter" than my husband.  I would never want to disrespect him by oogling over some guys in a movie or by fantasizing over some made up person in a book.  It's all fiction...I flat don't need it.  I also have to ask myself how would I feel if the shoe was on the other foot?  There was a time in my life where that shoe WAS on the other foot, as I was in a marriage with someone who struggled and fell in these particular areas.  I watched him do some pretty innocent things by worldly standards in the beginning that ended up over years spiraling into BIG and destructive things.  So, I've lived that side of the equation and it didn't make me feel respected or loved in any way.  My husband is precious to me and deserves better than that and if there are any "shades of grey", I'm going to err on the side of protecting him and his feelings!  And lastly, I'm a step-mom to a great 16 year old young Christian man.  When he heard me talking about a friend going to see "Magic Mike", he specifically spoke up and said to me "Please don't go see that movie."  If I had any reason to go see it...that for sure took it away!  As parents, we need to be setting the standard for our children and leading by example.  I wouldn't feel comfortable going to see that movie with him, so that tells me I shouldn't be seeing it period.

"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.n and help them maintain their inocence as long as possible and keep their minds pure."  Mark 9:42

My friend who wrote the second blog raises a good point though...who am I to condemn ones who don't decide the same as me?  The cliche' "WWJD" applies here...there has never been, nor will there ever be condemnation in Christ but there sure is in man!  By sharing my personal convictions, I'm not trying to make anyone feel their choice is wrong or that I'm holier than thou.  It's not up to me to be anyone's judge and jury and there are plenty of areas in my life where I struggle and admittedly make the wrong decisions. I'm for sure a work in progress and since I've made some major mistakes in my own personal life, I'm very conscious not to cast stones at anyone else. I'm very thankful for God's grace and forgiveness over my past mistakes and how He has redeemed that.  I think that is why I'm constantly trying to discern where and how the Holy Spirit is guiding me.  If you listen to that still, small voice, the Holy Spirit will always steer you in the right direction.

In closing, I want to share this little story.  I have a friend who is an amazing evangelist and who is very intent on witnessing to her entire neighborhood and bringing them to Jesus (and I have no doubt she will do just that!).  She was having a hard time relating to some of the younger women in her neighborhood, so do you know what she did?  She invited them over to dinner and to watch...wait for it...THE BACHELOR!  Now you can NOT get any more worldly than that!  When she told me about this, I thought she was crazy!  She explained watching that show was something THEY were in to, so she used it as a bonding experience and an ice breaker in order to find common ground with them.  And you know what happened?  She suffered through some episodes of The Bachelor, became friends with one of these women, and led her to Christ a few weeks later.  That's what I call a Kingdom focus!  She was secure in her relationship with Christ and could keep her mind on the prize so-to-speak (even with all those hot tub scenes ;).

Whether you agree with my decision or not, I believe the message here is to stay aware and cognizant of the ploys of the enemy.  Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and know how you personally are tempted and might fall.  If you are married and/or have children, be respectful of them and their feelings.  And above all, as a Christian, let Christ's love and light shine through you in all circumstances.

Blessings!

JOY