"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Okay, so we are to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Well, what in this world that we live in lines up with these truths? Ponder on that for a minute before moving on to the next scripture.
Colossians 3:1-3 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
What does it really mean to set our hearts and minds on things above? I think it goes along well with the verse in Philippians; the things above are true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we must not only think on these things, but set our minds on them. Often times I pray "in with the good, out with the bad." We must put good stuff in our minds, like the truths in scripture, so that we dwell on those things and not on the junk of the world. If we continually dwell on the things of this world, then we will eventually act on these thoughts. The Bible says that even if we think something sinful, then we are sinning.
"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
It says in 2 Corinthians that we must purify ourselves from everything that contaminates our bodies and spirit and perfect our holiness with God. What contaminates your body and spirit?
"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 tells us that we should not conform to this world. Webster's Dictionary defines conform as, "to be similar or identical." So the Bible says that we should not be similar to the world. The verse goes on to say that we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Well let's ask Mr. Webster for a better understanding of the word transformed. Transform - "to change in character or condition." Well how are we to change ourselves and renew our minds? The best way to do that is to read God's Word. We must fill our minds with His truths, and not satan's lies.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
If we really say that we're Christians and love God with all our hearts, then we are new creations. We're not the same ol' sinners anymore. We're sinners that have been forgiven by the grace of Jesus Christ.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:15-19
These verses basically tell us that, as Christians, we are in this world, but we are not of it. This world is not my home.
So let's get back to the question: what is right? Here's what God has been showing me.
First let me explain how I used to think about things. Up until recently I thought that Christians who steered clear of certain types of movies, music, or TV shows were crazy and radical. Types of movies, music, and shows that could open up our minds and allow satan to fill our thoughts with evil things and desires. My response would be that it's just a movie. Or I just really like the beat to the song, the lyrics mean nothing to me. I admit now that I was wrong in thinking this way.
Yesterday my sister and I watched several episodes of the "Vampire Diaries." We had been getting caught up on some of the older episodes we had missed. I'll admit that I enjoy watching shows such as this and never really thought about the repercussions it could have on me. So, after wasting several hours of my morning/afternoon watching the episodes, I finally start getting ready for my day. As I was taking a shower, I felt a dark cloud looming around me. I knew instantly that watching this show had caused some sort of evil to invade my mind. I struggled with this realization for a while. I knew and still know there are certain things I have to give up or steer clear of in order to continue living the abundant life God has set before me. My flesh struggled to hold on to the fact that I really wanna go see the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, at midnight.
Now you might say I've become one of those crazy, radical Christians, but for me, watching and listening to things like this allows an avenue for evil to squeeze it's way into my life. Things that do this to you, should probably be eliminated from your life. Maybe you can separate reality from movies/music, that's great; but for me, what is right is to just stay away and to fill my thoughts with things that are true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
I'm sure some of you are thinking, Kathryn has gone crazy. Well you're right, I'm crazy for Jesus. I wanna be able to call myself a Jesus Freak and actually mean it. I wanna be separated from this world, yet be in it enough to be able to bring "outsiders" to the light, to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has totally transformed my thinking and my life. Yes I still have A LOT to work on and MUCH to learn, but I know that God is filling me and using me for His glory. I'm overwhelmed by His love and grace and mercy. I wanna share His love with others. I want Jesus to love through me. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
When we're walking in accordance to His plan and living in obedience to Him, He blesses us and works things together for our good. No, life will never be perfect on this earth. We will continually have struggles. And we will continue to sin and mess up, because that's what humans do. But I find it encouraging that we do not have to walk and live this life alone. Jesus is always here to lead, and guide, and direct our paths; and to comfort us and lift us up when we're down. He puts people in our lives to love and encourage us. He loves us so much that He died for all our dirty, messy, disgraceful sins; so that one day we can live in His Kingdom, heaven, with Him for eternity. He died for me, so I'm choosing to live for Him! Who's with me? Who is willing to give up the things of this world to truly seek their Savior? God never said the journey would be easy, just that it would be worth it. I want this to really mean something, and not just be words on a page. I know that someone needs this realization just as much as I do.
I pray that as you read this you will be filled with God's love and Holy Spirit. And that hearts will be convicted. Going through the motions in life is not what God has called us to do. God has called us to preach the gospel and to love others and to treat everyone how we want to be treated. There are so many awesome truths in the Bible. So let's wake up to those truths and start living by them. I love all of you. We need to surround each other with God's love. And be there to encourage and speak into other's lives. Please share this note with anyone you feel needs to hear it. I know that God has given me these words to share for a reason. And I pray I live up to the calling, whatever that may be, God has placed upon my life. Let's just all enjoy the journey and allow Him to use us for His glory!
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