Where do we draw the line?

I have been thinking a lot about the narrow path and what that means for my soul. I can't help but ask myself what does Jesus mean when He says the path is narrow? How narrow are we talking? Because Jesus is clear that the narrow way is hard and that few find it. Then to top that with Jesus telling some at the gate of heaven "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness."

I have had a few conversations about the question of "where do you draw the line?" which is basically asking "how far is too far for a Christian?" It seems we live in a culture that likes "line dancing", and I think we are in danger of destruction with that mind set. As Christians we are to be different from the ways and values of this world. Our thinking should be more on God's righteousness and kingdom. Mainly the things above in the 'heavenly places'. It is living on unseen things rather then on what we have in this world. How will I be light in this fallen world or salt of the world if everything I do is just like the people of this world who don't know God personally?

Just take a minute and think about the entertainment we watch and engage in. While this is only one angle to this topic it is worth thinking about. Where do you draw the line in the things we watch with our mind, heart and eyes? Are we allowing our souls to be entertained by something God would find sinful and offensive towards His holiness? Do we view our entertainment from a stand point of what Scripture says about sin? I mean if we we understand that one lie is enough to send someone to hell for all eternity and that God's standard is perfection (just read the Sermon on the Mount and Romans 12 for starters and you will see what kind of life God calls each one of us too live, today) then why would we be ok with watching what would not be profitable for our souls? I mean Paul tells us over and over again to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12).

So think about it: Why would we want to be entertained by movies that is full of sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these if we are told in Scripture that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God? Is it wrong to practice these things, but ok to be entertained by them?

I don't watch a lot of movies, and its because most of what is on the local "Hollywood Video" shelf is not good for my soul. I don't want to become calloused to sin in my heart and life. I want to make war against sin and all ungodliness in my heart and life. I must be proactive in killing sin and not allow it to grow and fester and take root in my heart. If I am to stand with Christ then it is wrong to become someone that is ok with sin in me or around me. Sin is what keeps me from seeing the importance of the gospel. If I lose sight of that my world is over as I know it. There is treasure in the gospel, and I have seen it and want it more then anything else. My desires are Christlike because of the gospel. I already know the sinner that I am....only the gospel is my hope for salvation from my sins and the wrath that is to come. Christ died for sinners. He took upon Himself our sin and wrath that we might become His people. In light of the gospel we will live differently. Its transforming. It changes hearts towards God.

I need to watch movies in light of what God thinks about sin and ungodliness. God has given me a cross to bear, and that includes that I "abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good". Even thinking about Habakkuk 1;13a which says, "Thine eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor". I want my eyes to see the beauty and glory of His holiness. May God give me a heart after His own heart so I can see my sin for what it is. There is no middle ground in this matter. Is it possible to have a divided heart? Its unthinkable in light of Scripture! A disciple of Christ is a new creation, a new man. They no longer walk in the futility of their minds, they put off the old self, and put on their new self. When they say no to sin, they are saying yes to who they are in Christ!

So where do we draw the line? We can't. God has already told us how a disciple of Christ ought to live. From eternity past the line was drawn. It is between good and evil, God and Satan, heaven and hell. There is no middle ground. We are either for God or against Him.

What side are you playing on?