If Magic Mike had been released fifteen years ago, I would have been first in line to buy a ticket. And if 50 Shades of Grey had been written fifteen years ago, I would have helped it reach the best-sellers list. But not now. Not since I’ve tasted the goodness of my Lord.
It isn’t that I want to be some super-spiritual, goody two shoes — or as my dad used to say, “sprayed with the holiness.” It’s just that certain things don’t lead me closer to the Lover of my soul. Certain things compromise intimacy with my God. And He’s just too beautiful to compromise.
Pornography — or however you want to categorize these two pieces of entertainment — is one of those places of compromise because the craving grows. A little taste makes us as humans want more. And more. Until we become consumed. And anything that consumes us more than our Maker is an idol. It’s a cheap imitation that we hope will fulfill us. But it can’t and won’t.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1
We make choices every single day. And nearly every choice leads us either closer to God or turns our face the other way. Just because I can do, watch, read, or listen to something, doesn’t mean I should. Just because something is permissible, doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. (1 Corinthians 10:23) That’s why I tell my kids to put on their “Bible glasses.”
I know it sounds old-fashioned, but it’s vital that we look at life through the lens of God’s Word. He gives boundaries and warnings, specifically regarding sex and lust, with purpose and out of His adoring love. He created us. He created sex. He knows our deepest needs. And He fully understands how easily our hearts deceive.
As a Christ-follower, if I can’t do something while honestly saying, “Yes, this is for God’s glory,” then most likely it isn’t best. (1 Corinthians 10:31) It may damage my soul, my witness, or my fellowship with God. And I walked that road for too long.
One thing I’ve learned: nothing is sweeter than glorifying Him. It’s what we’re created to do. So the short answer is “no.” I can’t justify supporting Magic Mike. And I pray that we as Jesus-followers would stand firm — in love and grace and all humility! — shining as a light in this very dark world.
Fill me, Lord…
What do you think?
How do you protect yourself from compromise?
I’m hanging out over at Inspired to Action today talking about those “Bible glasses” I mentioned above.
