Should a Christian's life be "a certain way"?

[ViaCrucis]

For example, should a Christian live all day for Christ, completely enslaved to others, without even a moment for themselves or to pursue any personal hobby they desire?
Why does the thought cross my mind that God enslaves and demands too many things? Is that true, or am I getting off topic?
Sometimes I think about the people who participate in events every day, for example, charity events or evangelization events, and I wonder why I don't enjoy these events or being with my brothers and sisters, but rather see it as torturous and enslaving work, rather than pleasure...
Is this something I should be concerned about?
What should a Christian's life be like? Does it have to be sacrificial and suffering like Jesus's, or is the idea that only Christians work and rest on their days off valid?
Do we have to be evangelizing all day?
Does God want us to have some time for ourselves?
Why do I have the idea that God is a torturing ogre?
I just want to live a life of basic responsibilities. That is, I want to learn from Jesus and apply his teachings to my life and please him, but I also want time for myself...
For example, some brothers and sisters say, "I want Jesus to find me serving when he returns." My question is... why? What would happen if God found them doing something else? (Something that isn't sinful, of course).
Why do they worry so much about God finding them serving when he returns? That's just an example.

The Christian way of life is one of being a disciple in our vocations.

It doesn't mean spending all day on a street corner preaching. It means that if you have children and are a parent, you live out your vocation as a mother or a father as a Christian, you raise your children and minister to your children in a way that emulates Jesus, it means you raise them with the virtues and values of the Christian faith, you teach them to be kind and generous and you demonstrate kindness and generosity with them; you teach them to know right and wrong, you teach them about the love of God in Jesus for them and you live that kind of love toward them.

It means that if you are married you, as a husband or a wife, minister to your spouse as a Christian. You are humble, kind, loving, devoted, faithful and commit to the raising of your children together in a partnership of love, within the faithful community of Christians call the Church. And you emulate Jesus, demonstrate the love of Christ to one another, and to your children.

It means that if you are a shoe cobbler, or a physician, or a lawyer, or a judge, or a civil servant, or a citizen of a city, county, or country; or as a friend, or as an employer, or as an employee, or as a co-worker who follows Jesus. You follow Jesus, and so you exhibit Christian charity, kindness, humility, generosity, service, compassion, empathy, justice, mercy, and goodwill.

It doesn't mean having no hobbies. If you like to play video games, and you play video games with other people on the internet, then you exhibit Christian behavior even then. Don't be a jerk, play fair. That also applies to if you play sports, or play checkers, or when you go out to a restaurant or see a movie. Treat the people around you with love, compassion, gentleness, respect. Don't mistreat the waiter who serves you your food, but treat them well. When you go golfing, be kind, show compassion, toward your fellow golfers.

As an employer pay your employees fair wages so that they can feed, clothe, and house themselves.

If you are a politician, serve your community by doing what is best for them, so that they can prosper, be treated justly, fairly, that they have food, clothing, and housing.

If you are a judge in a court of law, judge rightly, abide fairly according to the law, administer justice justly.

In all things, love. Pursue what is right, do good unto all, live peaceably with everyone insofar as you are able. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

It means love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

That's the Christian Way.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Gustaf]

El estilo de vida cristiano es el de ser discípulos en nuestra vocación.

No significa pasarse el día predicando en una esquina. Significa que si tienes hijos y eres padre o madre, vives tu vocación de madre o padre como cristiano, crías a tus hijos y los atiendes como Jesús; significa que los crías con las virtudes y los valores de la fe cristiana; les enseñas a ser amables y generosos, y les demuestras bondad y generosidad; les enseñas a discernir el bien y el mal; les enseñas sobre el amor de Dios en Jesús por ellos y vives ese tipo de amor hacia ellos.

Significa que, si estás casado, como esposo o esposa, atiendes a tu cónyuge como cristiano. Eres humilde, amable, cariñoso, devoto, fiel y te comprometes a criar a tus hijos juntos en un compañerismo de amor, dentro de la fiel comunidad de cristianos llamada Iglesia. Emulas a Jesús, demuestras el amor de Cristo el uno al otro y a tus hijos.

Significa que si eres zapatero, médico, abogado, juez, funcionario, ciudadano de una ciudad, condado o país; o amigo, empleador, empleado o compañero de trabajo, sigues a Jesús, y por lo tanto muestras caridad cristiana, bondad, humildad, generosidad, servicio, compasión, empatía, justicia, misericordia y buena voluntad.

No significa no tener aficiones. Si te gusta jugar videojuegos y juegas con otras personas en internet, ya demuestras un comportamiento cristiano. No seas un imbécil, juega limpio. Esto también aplica si practicas deportes, o juegas a las damas, o cuando sales a un restaurante o ves una película. Trata a las personas que te rodean con amor, compasión, amabilidad y respeto. No maltrates al camarero que te sirve la comida, sino trátalo bien. Cuando vayas a jugar al golf, sé amable y compasivo con tus compañeros.

Como empleador, pague a sus empleados salarios justos para que puedan alimentarse, vestirse y alojarse.

Si eres político, sirve a tu comunidad haciendo lo que sea mejor para ellos, para que puedan prosperar, sean tratados con justicia, con equidad, que tengan comida, ropa y vivienda.

Si eres juez en un tribunal de justicia, juzga con justicia, acata la ley con imparcialidad y administra justicia con justicia.

En todo, amen. Persigan lo recto, hagan el bien a todos, vivan en paz con todos en la medida de sus posibilidades. Sean misericordiosos, como su Padre es misericordioso.

Significa amar a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. Trata a los demás como te gustaría que te trataran.

Éste es el camino cristiano.

-Criptoluterano

Excelente respuesta. Gracias.

 

[timothyu]

That is, I recognize and am aware that all I lack is God, but deep down, my heart refuses to accept it, and I'm not sure, but I think it's out of pride... As I said before, I'm not entirely sure why, but there's anger in my heart toward God, and that makes me reject Him...

All humans are rebellious, to parents, each other, and to God. It is our will, our sense of control we wish to keep rather than follow the Will of God alone. We would rather self-justify what we do rather than do what is right in the eyes of God, simply caring for the well being of all rather than simply what is in it for self. The world around us is the poorest example of what we have that can be called right. As a matter of fact it is anti-right.

 

[Gustaf]

All humans are rebellious, to parents, each other, and to God. It is our will, our sense of control we wish to keep rather than follow the Will of God alone. We would rather self-justify what we do rather than do what is right in the eyes of God, simply caring for the well being of all rather than simply what is in it for self. The world around us is the poorest example of what we have that can be called right. As a matter of fact it is anti-right.

How do I know if I am following God's will?

 

[timothyu]

How do I know if I am following God's will?

God says not to focus on the nature of 'self' which leads to all the woes of the world. You are not leading a life of self-service other than the reasonable needs of food, shelter and clothing for you and yours by legal means. As I said, servitude to God and to each other in need. He doesn't ask much, unlike religion.

 

[Gustaf]

I feel a little calmer now... although I still have doubts about Jesus... but I'm a little better.
Thank you all. I'll keep you updated on my situation. Blessings.

 

[com7fy8]

I'm angry with God because I'm not happy... I lost my peace and joy several months ago... things happened that I didn't think would happen... my life fell apart little by little... I need support.
God bless you all. Thank you for helping me.

In Christian Forums we have our "Requests for Christian Advice" section where you might find some *other* wise and caring people who do not look in this section. And there you might share some details about your life, for advice.

About how God does things with us > yes, Jesus gives us rest for our souls while we do what He has us doing >

"'Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:29)

The Bible gives us plenty for how to get with Jesus and make sure He is guiding us in His rest.

I'll offer a basic > do not allow anything to get to us so we are mad and sad and bad about people and things. If anything in us even starts to get us nasty and negative and naughty - - right away trust God to get rid of that stuff, and depend on God to restore us with Him in His peace, then discover what He has us doing with Him in His goodness of love.

"Let all that you do be done with love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)

And so, then, before you even get near to Christians for an activity, pray to be ready for love, including that you will not get into any bitterness or arguing or complaining or self-righteous criticizing and unforgiveness. And however you may fail in this, blame yourself but be encouraged to trust God to have you do better . . . which comes with growing in Christ.

About faith and salvation... if I die right now without faith... will I go to hell?

Well, our Apostle Paul says we need >

"faith working through love" (in Galatians 5:6).

So, without Biblical faith we will not have genuine love! You can look at the three examples of works which James gives > James chapter two > these are works of love, including personal communication and relating with God and people. Love includes personal relating. Trusting God includes personal submission to Him in His own peace with love encouraging and satisfying and guiding us.

Therefore, instead of guessing and being tormented and frustrated about hell, do not let that get your attention away from all the good God desires to share with us as His family.

Or else, any of us now can get isolated in anger and fear and unforgiveness, as a sample right now of things which are going to hell, and we should therefore not be going along with it.

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

 

[Gustaf]

En Foros Cristianos tenemos nuestra sección "Solicitudes de Consejo Cristiano", donde puedes encontrar a *otras* personas sabias y comprensivas que no buscan en esta sección. Allí puedes compartir detalles de tu vida para pedir consejo.

Acerca de cómo Dios hace las cosas con nosotros > sí, Jesús nos da descanso para nuestras almas mientras hacemos lo que Él nos tiene haciendo >

“Llevad mi yugo sobre vosotros y aprended de mí, que soy manso y humilde de corazón; y hallaréis descanso para vuestras almas.” ( Mateo 11:29 )

La Biblia nos da mucho acerca de cómo estar con Jesús y asegurarnos de que Él nos está guiando en su descanso.

Les ofreceré un consejo básico: no permitan que nada nos afecte hasta el punto de enojarnos, entristecernos y sentirnos mal por las personas y las cosas. Si algo en nosotros empieza a volvernos desagradables, negativos y traviesos, confíen de inmediato en que Dios los eliminará y dependan de Él para que nos restituya con Él en su paz. Luego, descubran lo que Él quiere que hagamos con Él en su bondad de amor.

"Que todo lo que hagan sea hecho con amor." ( 1 Corintios 16:14 )

Así pues, antes de siquiera acercarte a los cristianos para una actividad, ora para estar listo para el amor, lo que incluye no caer en la amargura, las discusiones, las quejas, las críticas moralistas ni la falta de perdón. Y aunque falles en esto, cúlpate, pero anímate a confiar en que Dios te ayudará a mejorar... lo cual viene con el crecimiento en Cristo.

Bueno, nuestro apóstol Pablo dice que necesitamos >

"la fe que obra por el amor" (en Gálatas 5:6 ).

Así que, sin fe bíblica, ¡no tendremos amor genuino! Puedes ver los tres ejemplos de obras que Santiago da (Santiago capítulo 2): estas son obras de amor, que incluyen la comunicación personal y la relación con Dios y con las personas. El amor incluye la relación personal. Confiar en Dios implica la sumisión personal a Él en su propia paz, con amor que nos anima, satisface y guía.

Por lo tanto, en lugar de adivinar y estar atormentado y frustrado por el infierno, no permita que eso desvíe su atención de todo el bien que Dios desea compartir con nosotros como Su familia.

De lo contrario, cualquiera de nosotros ahora puede quedar aislado en la ira, el miedo y la falta de perdón, como una muestra ahora mismo de las cosas que se están yendo al infierno y, por lo tanto, no deberíamos seguir adelante con eso.

Quítense de ustedes toda amargura, ira, enojo, gritería y maledicencia, y toda malicia. Sean más bien amables unos con otros, misericordiosos, perdonándose unos a otros, como Dios los perdonó a ustedes en Cristo. (Efesios 4:31-32)

Thanks

 

[Yarddog]

For example, should a Christian live all day for Christ, completely enslaved to others, without even a moment for themselves or to pursue any personal hobby they desire?
Why does the thought cross my mind that God enslaves and demands too many things? Is that true, or am I getting off topic?

I think you need to learn a lot more about our relationship with God. We follow Christ and not what people say Christ.

 

[Gustaf]

I think you need to learn a lot more about our relationship with God. We follow Christ and not what people say Christ.

Thank you... God bless you...
Yes, I agree, I want to learn more about that...

 

[Gustaf]

I think you need to learn a lot more about our relationship with God. We follow Christ and not what people say Christ.

I need my hopes, feelings, and treasures to be placed in Christ and not in any person or material thing... there's a kind of disconnect that separates me from trusting in Christ... and I think it's unbelief...
I feel very ordinary, like I'm an unconverted human being who never knew God, but I did... my old self has returned, with its old feelings, old fears, old insecurities... as if Christ didn't exist in my life...
and I'm needing him... it doesn't feel right to be like this...
Maybe it's a necessary process God put me through... but what if it's not, and I just got myself into this?

 

[Strong in Him]

I've read those arguments before... but it's not enough for me...

What kind of evidence would make you happy?
Muslims, Jews and Christians all believe that Jesus existed. There are probably other religions that believe in him too, they just believe that he was a prophet or other holy man. Is that enough evidence?
Christianity has lasted for over 2000 years. It has survived war, persecution, the banning, and burning, of Bibles. Thousands of Christians have been persecuted, imprisoned and gone to their deaths confessing Jesus.
Churches overseas are growing. People who have next to nothing, or who live in terrible circumstances, are coming to believe in Christ. Some are converting from Islam, Judaism or atheism.
If you asked unbelievers, they might well say that Jesus existed; they just don't believe his claims. Or they don't believe that he was God and man.

I'm angry with God because I'm not happy... I lost my peace and joy several months ago... things happened that I didn't think would happen... my life fell apart little by little...

I'm sorry to hear that.
So, do you have a genuine belief that Jesus never existed, or do you believe that he does exist but you are angry with him for not helping you?
Many people have got angry with God - read Job and the Psalms. It's allowed. God knows, and can handle, our questions, doubts and emotions.
However life may seem, God is with you, will never leave you and nothing can separate you from his love.

 

[Yarddog]

I need my hopes, feelings, and treasures to be placed in Christ and not in any person or material thing... there's a kind of disconnect that separates me from trusting in Christ... and I think it's unbelief...
I feel very ordinary, like I'm an unconverted human being who never knew God, but I did... my old self has returned, with its old feelings, old fears, old insecurities... as if Christ didn't exist in my life...
and I'm needing him... it doesn't feel right to be like this...
Maybe it's a necessary process God put me through... but what if it's not, and I just got myself into this?

It sounds like someone's calling.

God is, beyond any doubt, real. I have been blessed in so many ways and called in to faith, by our Father and creator of all things.

God gives those baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit his Spirit to be our guide and direct connection to God. We need to spend time, everyday, in communion with the Father.

If we search and search, God is faithful and will reveal himself.

 

[Gustaf]

The Christian way of life is one of being a disciple in our vocations.

It doesn't mean spending all day on a street corner preaching. It means that if you have children and are a parent, you live out your vocation as a mother or a father as a Christian, you raise your children and minister to your children in a way that emulates Jesus, it means you raise them with the virtues and values of the Christian faith, you teach them to be kind and generous and you demonstrate kindness and generosity with them; you teach them to know right and wrong, you teach them about the love of God in Jesus for them and you live that kind of love toward them.

It means that if you are married you, as a husband or a wife, minister to your spouse as a Christian. You are humble, kind, loving, devoted, faithful and commit to the raising of your children together in a partnership of love, within the faithful community of Christians call the Church. And you emulate Jesus, demonstrate the love of Christ to one another, and to your children.

It means that if you are a shoe cobbler, or a physician, or a lawyer, or a judge, or a civil servant, or a citizen of a city, county, or country; or as a friend, or as an employer, or as an employee, or as a co-worker who follows Jesus. You follow Jesus, and so you exhibit Christian charity, kindness, humility, generosity, service, compassion, empathy, justice, mercy, and goodwill.

It doesn't mean having no hobbies. If you like to play video games, and you play video games with other people on the internet, then you exhibit Christian behavior even then. Don't be a jerk, play fair. That also applies to if you play sports, or play checkers, or when you go out to a restaurant or see a movie. Treat the people around you with love, compassion, gentleness, respect. Don't mistreat the waiter who serves you your food, but treat them well. When you go golfing, be kind, show compassion, toward your fellow golfers.

As an employer pay your employees fair wages so that they can feed, clothe, and house themselves.

If you are a politician, serve your community by doing what is best for them, so that they can prosper, be treated justly, fairly, that they have food, clothing, and housing.

If you are a judge in a court of law, judge rightly, abide fairly according to the law, administer justice justly.

In all things, love. Pursue what is right, do good unto all, live peaceably with everyone insofar as you are able. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

It means love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

That's the Christian Way.

-CryptoLutheran

My hobby, for example, isn't video games. It's music and radio broadcasting. I have an online radio station where I play hits from the 80s and 90s (I'm a fan of music from that era). The thing is, I don't know if that's something God wants me to do (not because it's a sin, but because of a personal revelation). I'm passionate about doing it... but after this "revelation," it's like I feel "dirty" when I turn on the radio and listen to it, and I don't enjoy doing it.
I listen to it alone, and the songs aren't vulgar, the lyrics are carefully curated, but still, I feel like by playing it, I'm feeding my "self," and I'm not giving God enough space to work on areas of my life. While if I turn it off, I get bored during the day, don't know what to do, and feel a little empty...
What do you think? Should I stop playing the radio, or could I also be considering the possibility that I'm "ruining" an activity I enjoy out of legalism?
Thank you.

 

[ViaCrucis]

My hobby, for example, isn't video games. It's music and radio broadcasting. I have an online radio station where I play hits from the 80s and 90s (I'm a fan of music from that era). The thing is, I don't know if that's something God wants me to do (not because it's a sin, but because of a personal revelation). I'm passionate about doing it... but after this "revelation," it's like I feel "dirty" when I turn on the radio and listen to it, and I don't enjoy doing it.

I am, on the whole, suspicious and skeptical of the idea of "personal revelation". Not that it is impossible, per se, but because I've seen the ways in which such "revelation" has been used in various ways to sow harm and bring spiritual strife and hurt faith.

Here's the chief question I want to pose to you in regard to this: Based on how you encounter God in Scripture, in Christ, does it seem more likely that God would want you to feel dirty for your vocation of broadcasting wherein you may serve and minister in the unique and particular ways only one with that vocation could; or is it more likely that God calls you, where you are, as a disciple and follower of Jesus to live in and through your vocation to serve, minister, to be salt and light, to find those particular ways in which through your relationships with others you can love them, serve them, and be a beacon of the Gospel?

Which of these is like Jesus? Which of these is biblical?

I listen to it alone, and the songs aren't vulgar, the lyrics are carefully curated, but still, I feel like by playing it, I'm feeding my "self," and I'm not giving God enough space to work on areas of my life. While if I turn it off, I get bored during the day, don't know what to do, and feel a little empty...
What do you think? Should I stop playing the radio, or could I also be considering the possibility that I'm "ruining" an activity I enjoy out of legalism?
Thank you.

I would encourage you to work through the questions above. Do you think God, as He reveals Himself in Christ and in Scripture, is more interested in giving you a personal revelation that tells you to retreat from opportunities of ministry and vocation; or in calling you to serve where you are?

Does God want the shoe-cobbler to stop making shoes because shoes are "worldly"? Or does God want the shoe-cobbler to provide shoes for those who need shoes, because your neighbor and your neighbor's needs matter to God?

Worldliness is an often misunderstood thing today. Worldliness isn't about concern and care for this world, i.e. with what happens here, with the people here, or with enjoying music, or loving art, or taking photographs of the sunset. Worldliness is a way of affection that is orientated toward values of temporal, worldly power.

Scripture says two things: God so loved the world and one cannot love the world. These are not contradictions--these are two very different ways the word "world" means. The "world" in the sense of God's good creation, and human beings, etc is not evil and we are called to reflect God's own love through our lives by following Jesus. But the term "world" also can be used to describe the present fallen situation, the structures of power dominated by sin and death.

Here's an example:

It is not wrong to want to get involved in the local politics of your town or community because you want to be involved in serving others and providing for the general welfare of your community. It is a good thing to get involved, if such is your calling, to exercise your Christian life in a way that causes your neighbor to prosper, that puts food on tables, that addresses the harm of homelessness and seek solutions that benefit those in need--housing the homeless, food for the hungry, working toward just and fair laws that promote the welfare of others, especially the least of these. This is a good and noble vocation.

It is wrong to want to get involved in the local politics of your town or community because you want power, because you want to sit at the top, lord it over others, to accumulate wealth for yourself at the expense of the poor. To deprive the poor, the hungry, and the homeless of justice and of their material needs.

The former is an example of good Christian vocation. The latter is an example of wicked worldliness.

So when you approach your own hobbies, or job, your vocation--the question is how you live in that sphere of life.

Also, and this is important too, it is not evil to enjoy life. It is not evil to enjoy music or art. It is not evil to enjoy coming together with friends and family to have a meal together, to enjoy the food, the drink, and the fellowship together. It is not evil to take a vacation and go camping and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of God's good creation. It is not evil to play a game of cards, or a game of checkers, or a game on a computer either with others, by yourself, and as a physical or emotional respite.

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Rest, respite, and the opportunities to laugh and live, especially with other people, is a good and wonderful thing.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Gustaf]

I am, on the whole, suspicious and skeptical of the idea of "personal revelation". Not that it is impossible, per se, but because I've seen the ways in which such "revelation" has been used in various ways to sow harm and bring spiritual strife and hurt faith.

Here's the chief question I want to pose to you in regard to this: Based on how you encounter God in Scripture, in Christ, does it seem more likely that God would want you to feel dirty for your vocation of broadcasting wherein you may serve and minister in the unique and particular ways only one with that vocation could; or is it more likely that God calls you, where you are, as a disciple and follower of Jesus to live in and through your vocation to serve, minister, to be salt and light, to find those particular ways in which through your relationships with others you can love them, serve them, and be a beacon of the Gospel?

Which of these is like Jesus? Which of these is biblical?



I would encourage you to work through the questions above. Do you think God, as He reveals Himself in Christ and in Scripture, is more interested in giving you a personal revelation that tells you to retreat from opportunities of ministry and vocation; or in calling you to serve where you are?

Does God want the shoe-cobbler to stop making shoes because shoes are "worldly"? Or does God want the shoe-cobbler to provide shoes for those who need shoes, because your neighbor and your neighbor's needs matter to God?

Worldliness is an often misunderstood thing today. Worldliness isn't about concern and care for this world, i.e. with what happens here, with the people here, or with enjoying music, or loving art, or taking photographs of the sunset. Worldliness is a way of affection that is orientated toward values of temporal, worldly power.

Scripture says two things: God so loved the world and one cannot love the world. These are not contradictions--these are two very different ways the word "world" means. The "world" in the sense of God's good creation, and human beings, etc is not evil and we are called to reflect God's own love through our lives by following Jesus. But the term "world" also can be used to describe the present fallen situation, the structures of power dominated by sin and death.

Here's an example:

It is not wrong to want to get involved in the local politics of your town or community because you want to be involved in serving others and providing for the general welfare of your community. It is a good thing to get involved, if such is your calling, to exercise your Christian life in a way that causes your neighbor to prosper, that puts food on tables, that addresses the harm of homelessness and seek solutions that benefit those in need--housing the homeless, food for the hungry, working toward just and fair laws that promote the welfare of others, especially the least of these. This is a good and noble vocation.

It is wrong to want to get involved in the local politics of your town or community because you want power, because you want to sit at the top, lord it over others, to accumulate wealth for yourself at the expense of the poor. To deprive the poor, the hungry, and the homeless of justice and of their material needs.

The former is an example of good Christian vocation. The latter is an example of wicked worldliness.

So when you approach your own hobbies, or job, your vocation--the question is how you live in that sphere of life.

Also, and this is important too, it is not evil to enjoy life. It is not evil to enjoy music or art. It is not evil to enjoy coming together with friends and family to have a meal together, to enjoy the food, the drink, and the fellowship together. It is not evil to take a vacation and go camping and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of God's good creation. It is not evil to play a game of cards, or a game of checkers, or a game on a computer either with others, by yourself, and as a physical or emotional respite.

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Rest, respite, and the opportunities to laugh and live, especially with other people, is a good and wonderful thing.

-CryptoLutheran

I fully understand what you're getting at, and I think you're correct. I understand and agree... but (at least in my opinion), making shoes is one thing, which is something everyone needs. However, what I find contradictory in a portion of your text is when you say that spreading music, which, while not bad (I fully understand your explanation that enjoying art isn't bad), doesn't edify the gospel... therefore... would I really be a beacon by spreading music that doesn't edify the work of God? I sincerely appreciate all the effort in your extensive response, which is undoubtedly a great contribution to me and other brothers and sisters who may be reading it. In fact, I'm going to reread it several times, but I'm already getting tired of this whole "me and secular music" thing, since this isn't the first time I've questioned it.
Blessings.

I'll add: I also understand when you explain that it's the type of "motivation" that needs to be taken into account or filtered, that is, what motivates us to do one thing or another, with what intention we do it...
Thank you. Blessings.

 

[Gustaf]

I am, on the whole, suspicious and skeptical of the idea of "personal revelation". Not that it is impossible, per se, but because I've seen the ways in which such "revelation" has been used in various ways to sow harm and bring spiritual strife and hurt faith.

Here's the chief question I want to pose to you in regard to this: Based on how you encounter God in Scripture, in Christ, does it seem more likely that God would want you to feel dirty for your vocation of broadcasting wherein you may serve and minister in the unique and particular ways only one with that vocation could; or is it more likely that God calls you, where you are, as a disciple and follower of Jesus to live in and through your vocation to serve, minister, to be salt and light, to find those particular ways in which through your relationships with others you can love them, serve them, and be a beacon of the Gospel?

Which of these is like Jesus? Which of these is biblical?



I would encourage you to work through the questions above. Do you think God, as He reveals Himself in Christ and in Scripture, is more interested in giving you a personal revelation that tells you to retreat from opportunities of ministry and vocation; or in calling you to serve where you are?

Does God want the shoe-cobbler to stop making shoes because shoes are "worldly"? Or does God want the shoe-cobbler to provide shoes for those who need shoes, because your neighbor and your neighbor's needs matter to God?

Worldliness is an often misunderstood thing today. Worldliness isn't about concern and care for this world, i.e. with what happens here, with the people here, or with enjoying music, or loving art, or taking photographs of the sunset. Worldliness is a way of affection that is orientated toward values of temporal, worldly power.

Scripture says two things: God so loved the world and one cannot love the world. These are not contradictions--these are two very different ways the word "world" means. The "world" in the sense of God's good creation, and human beings, etc is not evil and we are called to reflect God's own love through our lives by following Jesus. But the term "world" also can be used to describe the present fallen situation, the structures of power dominated by sin and death.

Here's an example:

It is not wrong to want to get involved in the local politics of your town or community because you want to be involved in serving others and providing for the general welfare of your community. It is a good thing to get involved, if such is your calling, to exercise your Christian life in a way that causes your neighbor to prosper, that puts food on tables, that addresses the harm of homelessness and seek solutions that benefit those in need--housing the homeless, food for the hungry, working toward just and fair laws that promote the welfare of others, especially the least of these. This is a good and noble vocation.

It is wrong to want to get involved in the local politics of your town or community because you want power, because you want to sit at the top, lord it over others, to accumulate wealth for yourself at the expense of the poor. To deprive the poor, the hungry, and the homeless of justice and of their material needs.

The former is an example of good Christian vocation. The latter is an example of wicked worldliness.

So when you approach your own hobbies, or job, your vocation--the question is how you live in that sphere of life.

Also, and this is important too, it is not evil to enjoy life. It is not evil to enjoy music or art. It is not evil to enjoy coming together with friends and family to have a meal together, to enjoy the food, the drink, and the fellowship together. It is not evil to take a vacation and go camping and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of God's good creation. It is not evil to play a game of cards, or a game of checkers, or a game on a computer either with others, by yourself, and as a physical or emotional respite.

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Rest, respite, and the opportunities to laugh and live, especially with other people, is a good and wonderful thing.

-CryptoLutheran

I think I just understood it much better after rereading it and appreciating more closely the examples you cited regarding politics...
And I think yes, you're right, perhaps I'm mixing up the terms "world" (creation in general) and "world" (perverse worldliness) too much.

The central theme of the whole thread is that, because of my lack of faith, I have no peace or joy in my life, and because I'm not right with God, there are several things I no longer enjoy as much... among them, broadcasting.