For instance, say you are out with your family or friends and someone asks the impossibly daunting question, “Where are we going to eat?” (Sarcasm intended, but seriously, why is this such a hard decision?)
The crowd of voices all agree upon the same restaurant. Except you. You don’t want to eat at that restaurant, but due to external pressure, you go along with the crowd.
There’s nothing shameful about going along with the crowd in an instance where there are no moral violations, so this is not intended to be a reprimand, but rather, an example of an instance where outside pressure motivates decision making.
But there are other instances where going along with the crowd would mean violating your principles. If you are a follower of Christ, His principles are your principles. You draw the line where He draws the line. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be.
After dinner someone suggests going to the movies. The movie suggested is rated “R.” It is full of foul language and has sex and nudity. Now the follower of Christ is forced to make a decision. Do I go to the movie to keep the peace, even though going will mean a violation of my principles? Or do I make a principled stand and explain that I cannot watch that movie because it is full of sin and in no way honors God?
There’s a third alternative that too many Christians choose. They don’t go to the movie, but instead of giving their principled reason, they give a fake excuse. They instead say something like, “I’d go, but I’m too tired,” or “I don’t like movies with that actor.” They find a way out because they don’t want to violate their principles, but for fear they don’t explain their decision.
So I ask you, just as I ask myself, what motivates YOUR decision making? Do you make your decisions based on pressure or principle? This week as we continue to study what it means to “draw the line,” we’ll again see our long past brothers Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah make a principled stand and say to the king, “…let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up (Daniel 3:18).”
This week we’ll examine these men that made their decision based on principle, not pressure.
One final thought regarding movies. I would challenge you to not only not consume content that is sinful, which should be common sense to Christians anyway, but also to ask yourself the harder question: “Does what I’m watching in any way glorify God?” That’s a harder question because, regardless of the content, how much content should a Christian consume that in no way acknowledges God or brings Him glory?
I hope you know that as a follower of Christ, I only challenge you as I also challenge myself. If I didn’t love you, I’d keep my mouth closed. It’s because I love you and only want what is best for you, that I speak the convictions that the Holy Spirit places upon my heart.
Much Love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
