Are You Wearing Your Spiritual Haz-Mat Suit?

The other day I wrote a blog about the current hysteria over Twilight since the release of Eclipse, the third film in the series based on the outrageously successful books by Stephanie Meyer. I'm not going to rehash my thoughts or concerns about Twilight other than to direct you to the three blogs I've written on the subject:

Twilight Calling

Considering Twilight

Twilight Inspired

However, a comment left by Sue Bohlin (author of the article which inspired me to post my latest take on Twilight) really stood out to me and so I thought I'd post my thoughts about it here.

Sue said she always reads materials such as Twilight or Harry Potter with a Holy Spirit filter, a kind of "spiritual hazmat suit", which allows her to read something like these books to review and still be able to do so with discernment rather than getting caught up in all the hype. 

Amen sister! 

Isn't that what we ALL as Christians should be doing?

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-4

As Christians we should always be checking what we read, see, hear, or "upload" into our brains by scripture and prayer to be sure we are not falling into temptation or being drawn into something which God deems better left alone.

Now, will we all come to the same spiritual conclusions when it comes to entertainment through books such as Twilight or Harry Potter? Probably not. First of all, as Christians we are all at different levels of maturity and what may be tempting to one person may have no affect on another. Even more importantly we should be utilizing such filters when it comes to our children but within reason. We don't necessarily want to isolate or shield children from everything (this can lead to culture shock when they become adults or strong temptation for everything they "missed") and we certainly should pay attention to what is being "fed" to them through popular media. We should be talking to our kids and if we do decide to let them read or view Twilight, Harry Potter, or any of the other myriad fantasy or occult type genre books or movies available help them see what is real, fictional, and what God has to say about such things.

Now comes the part where we often hit a snag up: being willing to accept an opposing view without all the vitriol that comes to be associated with hot button topics within the church.  We all need to learn how to respect our differences of opinion or where we are at spiritually and act accordingly rather than pointing fingers or arguing.

In all things love, people, first and foremost.

Having said that, those Christians who are more mature should always watch out for their brothers and sisters in Christ. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." 1 Corinithians 10:23-24 . If we know a friend who is a Christian and has a strong sense of discernment regarding something then honor what God is telling them. What may be okay for you may not be for them. Additionally, understand that while all Christians can "test the spirit" through scripture and prayer, there are some who God has uniquely gifted with a spiritual gift of discernment. 

Maybe it's time as Christians we start paying attention to such folks as mature Christians and discuss our viewpoints without getting heated or nasty. A good start is to do everything by seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and therefore if you have any "red flags" or someone you know has a gift of discernment confirms what you already suspect, then trust that leading. Don't be swayed by popular opinion or go along with something because "everyone is doing it". 

Even if that means not going to see a movie or reading a book you're best friend thinks is amazing.

You know, as uncomfortable as it may be to admit some times, as followers of Christ we are meant to be different from the world around us. Set apart as IN the world but not OF the world. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

It can be a tough balance.

One which is nearly impossible if we do not press in close to God and use those spiritual filters. So…check it. Do you have your spiritual "hazmat" on? If not, go find it quick because in this day and age you are surely going to need it.

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