Contemplating Sin

The following comment was received by “Imma Hypocrite”:

We view sin as entertainment when it comes in the form in movies, books, TV and music.

I, too, believe this. My question for God is... what are my options?

Do I completely shun worldly entertainments and give up time with my husband and friends who love movies?

Tho my circle of family and friends are dedicated Christians, workers in the church they are not as contemplative of these things.  It is contemplation which grows the hatred for sin simply because...it is not something the one I love foremost, enjoys, likes, tolerates, etc

The only way I can condone 'Hollywood entertainment' is to engage in it for the sake of developing a friendship with a lost one or newly saved one---the meeting at the well or the eating with Zacchaeus?.

It's a lonely place to be.
 
 
Dear Friend,

In looking at your blog…I see that you too contemplate the things of God. 

Indeed Jesus reached out to those who were unsaved or those young in their faith.  He would talk or dine with sinners whom society or the religious leaders shunned.  Praise God…He is still the same yesterday, today and forever.  Because Jesus is still reaching out…I was saved from the consequences of my sin.
 
When Jesus met people…He challenged them, He confronted their sin, He caused them to, “Choose this day Whom you will serve.”  He encouraged them to repent, to turn their back on their sinful ways and walk in a manner worthy of their high calling.
 
Some examples that come to mind are the woman at the well, Zacchaeus, the rich young ruler, Nicodemus, and the woman caught in adultery.  Not everyone repented…but it didn’t keep Jesus from confronting them with the truth from God’s Word.  It’s ironic that it was the religious leaders who couldn’t see past their own self righteousness and recognize their own sin. 
 
Jesus may have dined with them or talked with them, but He never joined them in their sin.  Instead Jesus confronted sin…be it overt sin or the sin hidden in the thoughts and intentions of hearts. 
 
One reason it’s hard for Christians, including me, to feel comfortable talking with someone in a very straightforward manner about sin is due to our own sin and past failures.   We feel like damaged good…but praise God He uses broken vessels to accomplish His purposes and plans.   God can use those who walk in obedience to be salt and light where He has placed us. 
 
We will never regret walking a life of obedience and holiness.  But there will come a day when we will regret not taking a stand, or compromising what we know is right.  It may not be easy and sometime even lonely, but compared to the rich rewards in heaven, to quote the Apostle Paul…it’s not even worthy to be compared.
 
Jesus gave His all…what should I withhold from Him?
 
We are cleansed by the washing of the Word.  It’s there we are confronted with our own sinfulness and with God’s perfect standard and the requirements of the law fulfilled only in Jesus Christ.  It’s through prayer that our relationship is strengthened and our love for God grows as we come to know Him more.   
 
The more I read God’s word…the harder it is to look upon that which Hollywood and the recording industry try to pass off as entertainment.  What’s funny about adultery?  What’s amusing about women or men displaying their bodies in a way that is meant for private intimacy within marriage?  What’s entertaining about murder, or stealing or drug use and alcohol abuse?  What’s edifying about filthy language? 
 
It’s hard to see the sin that Christ died for as entertainment. 
 
My dear friend…surely you aren’t the only one in your circle of friends that feels uncomfortable with Hollywood’s entertainment.  I’ll bet if you voiced you feelings….not in a condemning or arrogant manner, but heartfelt…you might find others feel likewise and are just looking for someone to stand with them. 
 
Thankfully these days, we are offered more choices in the Christian community.  I’m so grateful for the work of Christian filmmakers like Provident Films which offers good Christian entertainment.  Perhaps a place to start is by finding some good, clean entertainment alternatives for family and friends.
 
It’s my prayer that we will have the courage as Christians to live each day in the light of eternity.