A New Creation - How New Should We Be?

[Grace-Like-Rain]

Are there any things that you enjoyed before, but gave up when you became a Christian?
(Certain TV shows, movies, habits, hangouts?)

What specifically did you give up, if you don't mind sharing?

Why did you feel that it was no longer acceptable? Did you know it was wrong before, or did it suddenly dawn on you after coming into contact with the Lord?

Are there things you feel like you SHOULD give up but haven't been able to yet?

As Christians, how "in the world" should we really be? Should our lives look visibly different to outsiders? Where do you draw the line on what movies, shows, books or language is okay for Christians?

I'd love to hear thoughts on this.

 

[Lynx]

My first thought is, some things you give up might be strictly regional. For example, the stigma against facial hair (thank you SO much 1970's for the rebellion association, we really appreciate that) is still persistent in some regions. It's not a set standard in most churches anymore and thank the Lord it is finally fading away, but when guys become christians in some regions they feel they should lose the beard and mustache. They can't explain it to someone from a different region, but it is something they feel they should do, and their reason - though not easy to define - is valid.

There also may be personal hangups that don't apply to everyone. A former alcoholic may have a problem with a small glass of wine in the evening where you may have no problem with it.

So just because I sold my Playstation 2 doesn't mean video games are eeeeeeevil. But I did have to sell it because video games were taking up time I should be spending elsewhere.

 

[Mitspa]

LOL...I gave up drugs ..fornication..lying ..cheating etc... I was a real sinner when I was touched by God and born-again and in one instant all the power of darkness fell off of me... I knew I was a New Creation and the whole world had changed for me

Glory to God!

 

[MissCris]

Are there any things that you enjoyed before, but gave up when you became a Christian?
(Certain TV shows, movies, habits, hangouts?)
As far as entertainment goes, I used to watch/read a lot of romance and romantic comedy...and in the last year or so I'm finding that I'm not able to stomach any of it anymore. There's a lot about those genres that just doesn't fit in with what's right and Biblical; all the premarital sex, for instance, or how disrespectful the people are with each other, or...yeah, it's a pretty long list.

Other things I've given up (or am trying to give up)- gossip, in any form, and dang it that's hard to do sometimes...not because I thrive on other people's drama, but because it's so easy to cross that line between sharing/obtaining information (say, about family members), and gossiping about a person.
Smoking.
Arguing with the goal of making someone agree with my perspective.


What specifically did you give up, if you don't mind sharing? Oh...yeah, that ^^^

Why did you feel that it was no longer acceptable? Did you know it was wrong before, or did it suddenly dawn on you after coming into contact with the Lord?
Much of what I've given up/been working on have been things that either (for lack of better words) poison my heart, or poison my relationships with others (which I guess are both pretty much the same thing). This stuff, I started realizing, was distancing me from people, but also from God.
I did know most of it was wrong before. I was raised Christian, I knew wrong from right...but it just wasn't until more recently that I felt truly convicted about any of it.

Are there things you feel like you SHOULD give up but haven't been able to yet? I've always been one to withhold information (either about a situation or about myself) from people who could actually help me...my parents, my friends, my pastor, and my husband. It never seemed like lying or being disrespectful or secretive; I just felt I was protecting my privacy. But I'm learning that it's important Especially with my husband to share these things, that it's wrong not to trust him with everything- because that's really what it comes down to, and it undermines our marriage. I feel like God has been pushing me to be more upfront about the things I least want to share with anyone, but it's really rough and I've not done very well with it.

As Christians, how "in the world" should we really be?
Just enough to know what to guard against, and to reach out and make disciples, as we were commanded.

Should our lives look visibly different to outsiders?
Absolutely- light is supposed to look different than darkness, yes?

Where do you draw the line on what movies, shows, books or language is okay for Christians?
That line has been hazy in our home for a long time, but it's becoming more clear- Most of the time I find myself shutting off the TV or closing a book in the middle of a show/movie/story because of excessive bad language, violence, sex, or other behavior that just makes me cringe.

 

[Faithful_Fay]

I used to be a huge fan horror movies before I became a Christian. I thought nothing of the movies except for its temporary entertainment value. But, as I became more aware of the content and topics, I developed an aversion. But, not to all scary movies, but the ones that had a spiritual aspect to them, the ones that kept pushing for more blood and gore for shock factor, and so on. I still like thrillers and suspense. I never was a fan of romance or angsty movies, so comedies and action are what I stick to. Who know what that'll evolve to next.

I still struggle with what books I read, though. I've always been a reader. I'm the person who always carried the book I was currently reading in my bag along with an extra one in case I finished it, and another just in case I didn't like the back up. I actually became a Christian through a random book taken from my local library. Still though, some of my favorite books don't exactly mirror the Christian perspective so I'm noticing and I'm becoming more sensitive.

I don't know where I'll end up on the spectrum of what is okay and what is not, but I figure that as long as I'm open to where God is leading, I'll be alright.

 

[Dino246]

As Christians, how "in the world" should we really be? Should our lives look visibly different to outsiders?

Regarding this specifically, if our "unsaved" fellow humans can't tell there's anything different, is there really anything different?

That said, the difference may show up partly in which externals we choose to avoid (without being self-righteous) but it should go much deeper. Ideally, if we enjoy a healthy relationship with the Lord, He will shine through us, fairly consistently (not perfectly, though; we're human!). Make your choices to glorify Him, and you'll likely find that you won't need to fuss over the externals so much, for He will be transforming you from within.

Blessings,
Dino

 

[Willie-T]

LOL...I gave up drugs ..fornication..lying ..cheating etc... I was a real sinner when I was touched by God and born-again and in one instant all the power of darkness fell off of me... I knew I was a New Creation and the whole world had changed for me

Glory to God!

We s'posed ta give those things up?

 

[mochi]

Me: i like romance novel and have a bunch collection of it >_< i like to read and watch manga/anime for each season.. i like to watch horror movies+drama too My mind full with those kind each time and everytime.. when its time for me to pray/read bible i always say later, i'll watch anime first,read novel first etc etc...

Theeeennn...
i decided to delete all of my manga/anime T_T and pack all of my novel and set aside..
It was hard at first

 

[cinder]

Are there any things that you enjoyed before, but gave up when you became a Christian?
(Certain TV shows, movies, habits, hangouts?)

What specifically did you give up, if you don't mind sharing?

Why did you feel that it was no longer acceptable? Did you know it was wrong before, or did it suddenly dawn on you after coming into contact with the Lord?

Are there things you feel like you SHOULD give up but haven't been able to yet?

As Christians, how "in the world" should we really be? Should our lives look visibly different to outsiders? Where do you draw the line on what movies, shows, books or language is okay for Christians?

I'd love to hear thoughts on this.

Let's see I was all of 4 years old or so when I "became a Christian". I think I had to give up lying to my parents about whether I'd brushed my teeth before bed or not because I started to feel like there was something wrong with lying.

So from my perspective of being overchurched and overchristianized , I think sometimes our perspective is backwards. I've been wondering about not so much what is appropriate for a Christian, but how to practically engage the world. Because let's face it, ignoring sin and having this attitude of bad things shouldn't happen so we don't have good answers for them isn't very good news for people who've had to live through those bad things. What if instead of making Christian products that deal with appropriate Christian topics, we made Christian products that faced the reality of horrible sins and showed how people in those stories made choices to overcome evil with good. What would this look like? Well instead of a ridiculously contrived Christian romance novel where two practical strangers get married and then grow close and fall in love (but they're married so when they have sex it's ok) what if there was a story about people who had premarital sex that dealt honestly with the emotional effects and the drama and everything else that comes with it in real life instead, and all of that from a Christian perspective that offers hope for healing and restoration.

Obviously exposing ourselves to a lot of influences that glorify sin isn't good, but refusing to ever have sin mentioned or portrayed also severely stunts our growth and witness. We need to wrestle with the hard questions, and we need to give permission to others to wrestle as well. I'm not saying we shouldn't cut out bad influences; but I am saying that maybe we should think more about how we want to influence others than what influence other things are having on us.

 

[phil36]

The one thing I can remember is that I stopped swearing almost overnight.. I think there is probably one thing that stopped and we didn't even realise or try? I can't say I enjoyed swearing , but it was a strong part of my everyday language - nearly every 4th word.

Things that I gave up myself MMMmmmm - Telling lies ... stealing ( as in the odd pen here and there from a colleague, the odd ream of A4 paper from work and things like that), Drinking - as in going out to get drunk.. I still enjoy a glass of wine with my meal now and again. and the list goes on.

There are many things that are a constant struggle and the more I grow the more I see my sin ever before me, but thankfully 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness'.

How long did it take to realise that the thing's I was doing wasn't in step with righteousness and Holiness... well that's a hard one to answer, somethings straight away and others as I grew in the faith..

Ahh things that I maybe should give u? Well, where will I start.. lol, one which is current is that I started playing in bands again. It started of helping and old friend out, now its a regular thing, Money wise I can't complain its £60 in my hand for two hours work on a Saturday night..but that's not the issue.. The issue for me is how do others perceive me and I'm not talking about other Christians, I'm referring to the unsaved.. remembering I live in a small town.. so that's an issue I'm praying about at the moment (And also the temptations that go with the band scene)!

I personally think that our lives when seen by others should be noticeably different. We now have the mind of Christ, we won't see things the same, we won't be doing the same things ... the question I always ask myself is --- do they see Christ when they talk or watch me (I might add that I'm a real work in progress at this). Although we live in this world we are not of it. So how does that look? One thing is we are not to be like the culture we live in, because it actually is of this world..that doesn't mean we cannot enjoy ourselves - but each one of us has to bear our own conscience as to whether what we are doing brings glory to God or not. I think that should invade and permeate our whole lives.

I try and remind myself of 2 Peter 1:5-12 especially verse 8 'For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ' Interestingly v5 'make every effort' and v10 'therefore brother/sisters be all the more diligent' reminds us of the need renew our minds daily and to wash in the gospel daily and to live for Christ daily and love binds all this together... I also at times fail miserably at this...but as Peter says in v12 'I intend to always remind you of these qualities', So I pray daily to remind myself of these things!

Regarding movies.. MMmm, well I'm going to sound like a right bore here.... put it this way...if your neighbours where having sex in their back garden would you pull up a seat infront of them and watch? And think to yourself this is a good scene..or would you pull up a seat and watch people having a violent fight? But yet because its in a 'movie' we rationalise it in our minds that it is ok to watch? I'm not saying we should not watch Tv or movies, but be careful what you feed on!

Anyhow... Im going to shut up now..

BTW Grace..your turn to answer

 

[jaybird88]

i still have issues with keeping sunday holy. 2 weeks ago a worked all afternoon at my moms. the culture in the US makes it tough sometimes.

 

[NarrowRoadDisciple]

As a new creation, we die to the former self indeed. The bible says to not be dismayed when people ask why you no longer do the things you once did. As the bible says, we are to seek that which is pleasing unto God and walk in those things when we have given up the former man

That being said I did give up quite a few things in my life including some deeply ingrained practices.
I no longer participate in or practice things from my pagan Chinese background (culture, traditions). This has been particularly difficult when it comes to my extended family. They ask us to participate in Chinese New Years traditions out of respect to where I come from and my culture. However in Christ, I am a new creation, joining into a culture of Christ. He has shown me and my family that we are not to participate in these things as they are against His word, and a life we are to live as ambassadors of Christ. We just had to obey

Part of seeking out what is pleasing to God and walking in Him is also understanding what He no longer wants us to do. I did give up secular music and many music genres that the Holy Spirit led me to walk from based on their origin and discernment.

Entertainment with themes and leanings toward things contrary to the bible. Someone before said horror films and I did give these up as they simply were not edifying to the Spirit. Music was said before. Video games with themes including magic and demonic activity and zombie games too..

To be honest the simple answer is yes. We do give up things as we walk in Christ and He reveals to us these things so our walk may be pleasing to Him. As we walk in discernment, He will show us what is pleasing to to Him and what is not. In addition, what God cuts away from us is oftentimes replaced with things that are far more worth it spiritually in our lives. We need to trust and obey Him and know that what He has planned for us even without things from our past is worth it

 

[Hepsibah]

Please read the post. " if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation "

You will find Scriptures explaining how Christ makes our mind, will and emotions new.

 

[MollyConnor]

I used to be a huge Grey's Anatomy fan. No offense if any of you like that show, but when I started reading my Bible about 7 years ago, I realized that it wasn't a very good show for me to be watching. I threw out all the seasons I had on DVD.

That show is all about sex. I just felt sad knowing how many sexual partners each character had and how casually they treated it. I felt sad knowing that my classmates were all fans of the show and that they could get ideas of what sex is supposed to be like from this tv drama. I decided I didn't want to watch it. I just didn't find it entertaining anymore. I was honestly a little disgusted with it.

That also came with the show Friends and The Bachelor. I will admit, I still watch Friends on Netflix sometimes, but it's rare. It is difficult to completely forget a show you grew up watching.

For music, I used to listen to a lot of pop songs by Britney or Lady Gaga. Their lyrics made me uncomfortable too so I stopped listening to them.

I wish I could dislike Harry Potter. But I honestly love it. My family thinks it's really bad of me to be a fan but I grew up reading the books and watching the movies. I love Harry Potter and I think it has a great message. But I do not like that it has witchcraft. I guess time will tell if I can stop being a fan. I try to think "there's magic in Narnia, so why can't I like HP?"

My brother had this collector's edition of Pandora's box from the video game God of War. He threw it out when he starting getting closer to God. I'm proud of him for doing that because he could have sold it but he didn't want to do that. Look it up if you want, it's a really scary looking box that I am not willing to post.

I think it all depends on our personal relationship with Jesus and the Spirit. Some of us could handle shows like Grey's Anatomy and be fine while others would be repulsed by Harry Potter. I think Christians should stand out from the crowd, but I don't think we should be legalistic about things either because that's when we start taking pride in ourselves and judging others.

I think we should focus on ourselves and taking our relationship with Christ seriously. This meaning, we are willing to let go of anything that comes between that relationship.