As I read the account of Dinah, I've almost been tempted to wonder, 'So what's the big deal? The son of Hamor loved her.' Can't you envision Hollywood making a movie of this story? The movie producers would have us cheering for Dinah and the son of Hamor to "live happily ever after", and Dinah's brothers would be portrayed as the bad guys.
Now I am not condoning Simeon and Levi's actions; their scheming, deception, and murder is definitely wrong and not part of God's plan. But my initial reaction causes me to realize how polluted I am by our culture and the world, and by Hollywood who would have us believe that anything is okay if it is for love.
But God called His people to be separate; they were not to intermarry with the Caananites because God knew how easily they would become polluted by people who have no relationship with the One True God.
I find myself challenged by this...to be in the world, but not of the world; to not let our culture, Hollywood, etc, pollute me, or change my 'moral compass', and thereby, water down (or nullify) my witness to those around me who do not have a relationship with the One True God.
Where are you at in this never-ending battle? How do you keep yourself from being polluted? I'd love to hear what works for you, and if you are willing to share, what hasn't worked for you.
I'm reading the Resolution for Women book right now by Priscilla Shirer and last nights reading was on exactly this. It was on integrity and integrity means purity in all areas. Most of us it seems can remain pure in many areas but the one we struggle with is entertainment. What we allow our minds to be lost in for hours. I always rationalize thinking it doesn't affect me and I know what they are doing is wrong and I would never do it but what I have been convicted of is doesn't just mere watching it mean in some ways I am accepting it as normal and ok.? I've really felt challenged to be way more choosy in this area. Not just watch whatever movies everyone else says is good.
ReplyDeleteas far as what helps to avoid it is
ReplyDeletePhil. 4:8..
"whatever is right, true, honorable, excellent or praisworthy think about such things." That will a lot of times stop me in my tracks.
"Resolution for Women" sounds like a book I need to add to my reading list for this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Phil 4:8 reminder. That is a powerful verse that too often I neglect to keep running through my mind during the day. You are right in its ability to stop us in our tracks!
Thanks for posting, Hannah!