Monthly Archives: December 2015

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Christian Life Hack #2: Is the Media Trying to Indoctrinate Me?

Sometimes we worry about the messages we receive on the radio, on TV, in movies, in books, on the news, etc. We ask ourselves, “Is the media trying to indoctrinate me?”

To answer this in brief: Yes it is.

But not in some over-arching sinister way.

See, every song has a message. Every show has a message. You get the idea.

Because everything in media has a message, it often seems like the media itself is conspiring to re-shape our minds so that everyone thinks the same way about everything.

However, because each thing in media has a different writer, director, actor, singer, etc. There is no real consistency in the media.

Media reflects culture and shapes it at the same time.

So how do we deal with the messages we see on TV or in other forms of media from a Christian perspective.

The Answer:  2 Peter 3:17-18

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We must guard our hearts and minds so that we recognize claims about how to think that are in contradiction with the clear teachings of Scripture.

The more Scripture we know, the better we can guard our hearts. The better we guard our hearts, the less likely we will be led astray by claims that are contrary to how God would have us think and act.

What are your thoughts on this?

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Christian Life Hack #1: Song Lyrics

Your in the car listening to your favorite radio station and a song comes on that says something contrary to your beliefs as a Christian…what do you do?

You could change the station, turn off the radio, or keep listening. But what should you do? What if your favorite song is going to be played next?

If you believe the song will lead you into sin, then I suggest you change the station at least momentarily. But another option that I recommend is to listen to the words of the song, think about why the singer has that perspective, next think about why you disagree with whatever it is that the song is promoting, and finally think about what you believe about that topic.

By thinking about the lyrics, you will gain insight into the perspective of another person, you will be caused to think about why you hold your beliefs, and you might find a way to relate to someone you know who you have been trying to share Jesus with. Of course…doing this also requires you to use your mind as you listen.

What are your thoughts on this life hack? Can listening to something you disagree with draw you closer to God? Is it justification for sin? Is it being too much in the world? Is it a way of dialoging with those who have different perspectives on truth? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

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Navigating Culture

Do you find it difficult to navigate through the waters of culture without losing your way? Do you find yourself being pulled into the cares and concerns of this world that are outside the will of God for how Christians should live? Do you lose site of the prize? The finish line in the race?

In reality, we all tend to be molded by our culture. We tend to value the things we are conditioned to value, and we tend to be concerned with the kinds of things that are common around us. As Christians, we are to seek the God’s Kingdom and eternal treasure, but we find ourselves buried in the daily grind.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of what my wife has coined “Christian in Culture Hacks.” These posts will be designed to help you navigate the waters of consumerism, climb past the mountains of instant gratification, run through the deserts of temptation, and move through the valley of trials and tribulation. Ultimately the map we develop for how to live in the world but not of the world, will help you to make it to the treasure at the end (which is a life lived in the goodness and blessings of God’s Kingdom).

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As I prepare to write posts to help us navigate through culture, if there are any specific issues that you would like me to cover, comment about them below and I will cover those topics.

As a little preview for the next post, I will be talking about how we should view advertisements and how we can keep from being pulled into the hype of what we must have this holiday season.