I struggled with the topic for a long time, and in some ways, I still do. When we read the works of the flesh in Galatians, it almost seems like everything is a sin! Why, how does one define a pleasure seeker? I took my son to go snow tubing yesterday. Why did we do it? To have fun! But, is that pleasure seeking? I am a bit conflicted over what a Christian can and cannot enjoy. I think it is made more difficult in the times we live in. I truly believe we live in Sodom and Gomorrah. Pornography is just a click away, with much of the male population (70%+) enslaved to it. Even softer forms of pornography can be found in every day life without looking for it. TV, Billboards, Magazines, even ones not considered such, Facebook friend invites that are clearly designed to be provocative. You don’t have to look for this stuff, because it is on your door step! It is always lurking, because it is considered normal. I am very fearful for my son growing up in this generation, but even just as fearful for my daughter, as the new statistic shows that 30% of Christian women are addicted to pornography! That number has been climbing and climbing with the advent of the free internet material available. Can anyone even remotely suggest we are not as destitute as Sodom and Gomorrah? Most of the world is the same way, perhaps even worse!
We have drugs, alcohol everywhere. Not old enough? Oh, Uncle Tom will provide it to you. Food in the excess! We live in very bad times, with evil everywhere!
So, one does have to question, when am I crossing the line? I think the answer is pretty clear;
- Does the Bible specifically call it sin?
If not, then
- Does it have mastery over me?
That is generally how I deal with what is right…