Obedience

[SamanthaAnastasia]

Orthodox only:

Few questions.

1. If we are supposed to watch in order to be vigilant, however, my husband and aunt have told me to NOT watch the news, I am supposed to be obedient to not watching it, correct?
2. If I am not allowed to watch the news, how can one be watchful?

Thanks

 

[peregrinus2017]

I think watchfulness is more about being vigilant over what is going on in our minds and hearts than it is trying to be aware what is happening in the world. The news these days, and maybe always, is more about stirring passions in us than speaking truth. You are better off without it.

 

[AlexB23]

Orthodox only:

Few questions.

1. If we are supposed to watch in order to be vigilant, however, my husband and aunt have told me to NOT watch the news, I am supposed to be obedient to not watching it, correct?
2. If I am not allowed to watch the news, how can one be watchful?

Thanks

Hey, I am not Orthodox, but the Bible itself talks about obedience, in Ephesians and Titus. While your aunt and husband are not parents, they are family members. The news is toxic nowadays. If you want to get news, you can read it, or read positive news, such as from this news site: The Good News Network: Positive Stories 24/7

Date	May 16, 2024 | Preventing our Insubordination
Verse	Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV): "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’" Hebrews 13:17 (NIV): "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you." Titus 3:1-2 (NIV): "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
Explanation	The three passages from the Bible you provided all relate to the importance of obedience and submission to authority figures. Let's break down each passage: Ephesians 6:1-3: This passage is addressed to children and encourages them to obey their parents in the Lord. The reason given is that this is the first commandment with a promise, meaning that by obeying their parents, children can enjoy a long and prosperous life. This passage highlights the importance of respecting and honoring those who have raised and nurtured us. Hebrews 13:17: This passage calls on believers to submit to their leaders and those in authority, as they are responsible for watching over the community and giving an account of their actions. By obeying and respecting those in authority, their work becomes a joy rather than a burden, which ultimately benefits the community. Titus 3:1-2: This passage instructs Titus to remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, and to be obedient and ready to do what is good. This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace, consideration, and gentleness towards everyone, including those in positions of authority. Now, let's explore the Star Trek DS9 analogy. In this scenario from the episode titled "Son's of Mogh", Worf's desire to follow Klingon culture and kill his brother out of honor conflicts with Starfleet regulations, which prohibit insubordination. The Bible passages we've discussed can be seen as providing guidance for Worf to prioritize his duty to Starfleet and obedience to his commander over his personal desires or cultural traditions. In other words, just as Worf must put his loyalty to Starfleet and its regulations above his honor code, the Bible emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission to those in authority, even if it means doing things that we may not enjoy or agree with.

 

[Wildflower3]

Orthodox only:

Few questions.

1. If we are supposed to watch in order to be vigilant, however, my husband and aunt have told me to NOT watch the news, I am supposed to be obedient to not watching it, correct?
2. If I am not allowed to watch the news, how can one be watchful?

Thanks

Why are they telling you to stop watching the news? Did they give a reason?

 

[SamanthaAnastasia]

Why are they telling you to stop watching the news? Did they give a reason?

Anxiety

 

[ArmyMatt]

If we are supposed to watch in order to be vigilant, however, my husband and aunt have told me to NOT watch the news, I am supposed to be obedient to not watching it, correct?

maybe your husband because you both are to mutually submit to each other, but I would ask your priest first. that’s an odd thing in my opinion to say your spouse should be obedient to.

If I am not allowed to watch the news, how can one be watchful?

prayer.

 

[ArmyMatt]

if someone in this subforum begins by saying ORTHODOX ONLY, at least let the Orthodox answer first.

 

[SamanthaAnastasia]

maybe your husband because you both are to mutually submit to each other, but I would ask your priest first. that’s an odd thing in my opinion to say your spouse should be obedient to.

prayer.

I’ll speak to my priest on Sunday. It’s because he says that it causes me great anxiety (he’s not wrong). It’s just hard to obey

 

[ArmyMatt]

I’ll speak to my priest on Sunday. It’s because he says that it causes me great anxiety (he’s not wrong). It’s just hard to obey

if it does cause anxiety, it might be a good idea in this case to be obedient. but you’re smart to talk to your priest.

 

[Wildflower3]

I do it too, read the news, it causes me distress and feeds my anxiety but it's like I'm somewhat addicted to it. If it's bad or scary I'm like a moth to a flame right towards it. I've been thinking lately that it's a temptation and that I really should stop.

I think your family telling you to stop watching news is a wise thing if it increases your anxiety issues. They're looking out for you. Maybe if that's too big of a jump then compromise and just lessen the time you spend watching the news. Be informed but not engrossed or obsessed. See what your priest says.

 

[AlexB23]

I do it too, read the news, it causes me distress and feeds my anxiety but it's like I'm somewhat addicted to it. If it's bad or scary I'm like a moth to a flame right towards it. I've been thinking lately that it's a temptation and that I really should stop.

I think your family telling you to stop watching news is a wise thing. Maybe if that's too big of a jump then compromise and just lessen the time you spend watching the news. Be informed but not engrossed or obsessed.

That is why I have voluntarily installed a website blocker at work (manually added 20+ news sites to it), cos then I would read the news a lot there. I need to turn the news site blocker on at home also, but I need it off, in order to read articles posted on Christian Forums.

 

[AlexB23]

Hey, @SamanthaAnastasia , if you need a friend to help you through this, I've got your back.

 

[Wildflower3]

That is why I have voluntarily installed a website blocker at work (manually added 20+ news sites to it), cos then I would read the news a lot there. I need to turn the news site blocker on at home also, but I need it off, in order to read articles posted on Christian Forums.

I didn't know they had those, website blocker. Is it an app or something?

 

[RileyG]

if someone in this subforum begins by saying ORTHODOX ONLY, at least let the Orthodox answer first.

I am NOT Orthodox, therefore, I will NOT make any comment or give advice, other than I will keep the OP in prayer.

@SamanthaAnastasia I hope everything works out ok for you and I hope you get the help you need!