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By Roger A. Scully, Jr.
- The Bible speaks in terms of fact, not opinion; in terms of absolutes, not possibilities; in
terms of reality, not fantasy; hence the Bible is specific, having a specific meaning by what it says
on all occasions (Rom 3:4; 2 Tim 3:16, 17; Jn 17:17; 2 Pet 1:3, et al.), expecting man to
understand that which is said so that he can live his life in a manner acceptable to the Holy God of
heaven (Col 3:17; Heb 5:9). Too often we find people, brothers and sisters in Christ, approaching
the Bible in a manner of the converse: pretending that God’s demands for obedience, purity,
sanctity, etc. are matters of subjectivity. If this is the case, then who’s right and who’s wrong?
What is acceptable and what is not? Is one thing acceptable for one person, but not for another?
If so, are we judged by different standards? Well, there is only one standard of judgment, the
word of God (Jn 12:48), and it is to be understood alike by all who study it (1 Cor 4:17; Eph 3:3,
4); thus it must be concluded that what is wrong for one person is wrong for another, and what is
right for one person is right for another. That is to say that there is an objective right and wrong.
That is to say that the Bible speaks in terms of absolutes—in terms of facts, not opinions. Let’s
get a little more specific.
Let’s start with the concept of purity and its counterparts, such as purification, purified, holy,
righteous, righteousness, etc. Does the Bible say anything about Christians living a pure life? If
so, what does it say about it, and is what it says about it a matter of opinion, that which is
subjective, or is it a matter of fact, that which is objective? The answer to the first question is: yes,
the Bible does speak about Christians living a pure life. Peter wrote, “Wherefore gird up the loins
of your mind, be sober…as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to your former
lusts…but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all aspects of life; because it is
written, be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet 1:13-16). Again in the same chapter he wrote, “seeing ye
have purified your souls in obeying the truth…” Yet again he wrote, in chapter two, “abstain from
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your manner of life commendable…that they may
see your good works, which they shall behold.” Is it not obvious, then, that the Bible speaks in the
clearest of terms about Christians being pure? Now, is what is said a matter of opinion, or a matter
of fact? The statements “gird up the loins of your mind…etc.” is in the imperative mood, which
means it is expressive of a command. If it is a command, then it cannot be a matter of opinion, but
must be a matter of fact. Thus the answer to the second question is: it is a matter of fact, not
opinion.
Now, let’s take this a step further. The Bible explains that sin starts in the heart (i.e. mind) of
man, “every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (Jms 1:14).
The text continues by explaining that one’s own desire, or lust, leads to sin and that sin leads to
death (cf. Rom 6:23). It is no wonder, then, that Peter commanded the elect to control the mind. If
sin starts in the mind, then I must be careful as to what I allow in the mind, because what I allow in
the mind will eventually influence my attitude and my actions. For this cause Paul commanded
Christians to “think on these things,” explaining “these things” to be things that are
“true…venerable…just…pure…lovely…of good report…” (Phil 4:8). The Bible also gives us the
example of Mary who “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Lk 2:19). We also
have the words of the Psalmist who wrote, “how love I thy Law, it is my meditation all the day” (119:
97).
Now, let’s get a little more specific. How can Christians honestly justify watching movies with
cursing, crude behavior, sexual content, homosexual content, disrespectful attitudes, et al? I know
that what I am saying, and about to say, will not be popular, and may upset some, but I am only
concerned about the spiritual well-being of God’s children (1 Cor 4:14; Gal 4:16). Consider two
movies of which I overheard several Christians speaking of having seen, or wanting to see: (1)
The Bucket List, staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The movie received a PG-13
rating. Screenit.com had this to say about it, “1 F-word, 12 S-words, 7 D-words, 16x God’s name
was taken in vain, 7 sexual scenes and or references.” (2) Cloverfield, staring Michael Stahl-David
and Mike Vogel. This movie also received a PG-13 rating. Here is what Screenit.com noted about
it, “35 S-words, 45x God’s name was taken in vain, 1 complete scene of sexual videotaping.” I
cannot help but think of the words of Paul when he wrote, “being filled with all unrighteousness,
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, evil, full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, bad
character, slander, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, who think of evil things,
disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, unloving, lawless, unmerciful:
who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not
who do them, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Rom 1:29-32). How can a Christian
take pleasure in that which God hates and call himself one who is a follower of God? How can a
Christian take part in that which God hates, and say that he is holy as God is holy? Those who will
try to reason these issues, seeking self-justification, are in need of self-examination (2 Cor 13:5),
for there is no justification; there is only an objective matter over which we have control.
Now, what of things about which we have no control? There are many things over which we
have no control. I cannot make people dress the way they should, act the way they should, speak
the way they should, etc. However, I can control certain things, and the things that I can control
must be kept in line with the straight and narrow (Matt 7:13, 14). Here is an example: one morning
when arriving to my study, I saw there was a message on the answering machine. When I pressed
play, the person who called leaving the message began using some of the most obscene
language, even calling God a homosexual. When I pressed play, as I most always do, I began to
walk across the room to get certain books that I would be using that day; hence I heard almost all
of that which the caller said. Was this something over which I had control? Not hardly. However,
when attempting to watch a DVD movie, just recently, about 1 minute into the movie there was a
curse word. Was this something over which I had control? Absolutely, hence the movie was
stopped. Everything I do, as a Christian, should be to glorify God (Rom 12:1, 2), thus everything
over which I have control should be kept in harmony with his will (Col 3:17). It may be cliché to say
it, but if not, then someone please explain why not?
The true question we have to ask is: Who is my standard? Is it the popular social culture
whose values are tainted and views of God are injurious, or is our standard supposed to be God’s
word, the Bible? Is doesn’t matter who thinks that certain things are right or wrong, it only mattes
what God says is right or wrong (Ex 23:2); hence God’s word, the Bible, must be our standard.
“Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil that put light for darkness and darkness for light;
that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and
prudent in their own site!” (Isa 5:20, 21). Other good questions to ask are these: Would Jesus be
a participant in this? Would I do this if Jesus were with me? Do I want my children seeing these
things? Will I have a hard time explaining to my neighbor why it’s OK for me to do this and be a
Christian at the same time? Let us get a little more specific.
What of certain friends we have? We have to ask, are they going to help me go to heaven,
or are they going to help hinder me from going to heaven? If one answers the latter, then those
“friends” should be made acquaintances at best, “be not deceived: evil companions corrupt good
manners” (1 Cor 15:33). So often Christians “fellowship unfruitful works of darkness” attempting to
justify their fellowship by saying, “these are my friends.” Some Christians need new friends. It is
much easier to be pulled down, than it is to pull one up. Though Jesus had some dealings with the
sinners of this world, one can quickly see that His constant fellowship was with the apostles, and
those who had a spiritual mindset. Getting yet more specific, let us consider the Internet.
I know David did not have a computer, but I can’t help but apply his words, “I will set no
wicked thing before mine eyes” (Psa 101:3). You see, the Internet can be another purification
damaging realm. This really isn’t going to be popular to say, but have you really considered the
garbage that is on the Internet, even sites we often frequent, and especially on MySace.com?
Note what the Washington Post says about MySpace.com: “MySpace is filled with profanity,
dangerously personal information, sexually explicit pictures, drug references, and, in some cases,
even pornographic videos…MySpace [has] gone wrong…anything goes on MySpace.”
Obscenitycrimes.com says, “MySpace is one of [our] biggest problems and concerns.” The House
of Representatives calls MySpace “a haven for online sexual predators [not only for the under-
aged].” The Attorney General is presently investigating MySpace.com for “promoting and
participating in illegal pornography, including that of children.” What Christian would want to be
associated with this?! It is sad to see how Christians are participants in the Star Bucks boycott,
but say not one word about the MySpace.com scandals. TMZ reports that MySpace is one of the
easiest for hackers to hack, because of its weak protection.
Still not convinced? Here is what blogsafety.com says about MySpace: “MySpace is not safe!
[Here are] two reasons that will shock you: (1) The contract states that MySpace collects your
information like name, e-mail address, age, personal interest and info, and has the license to use
and publicize your information in any way it chooses. This is how the free website makes some of
its money. It sells people’s information to other sites. Often times, it sells to sites that are
pornographic and suspicious that you wouldn’t visit. It also makes it very easy for sexual predators
or computer hackers to find your personal information. (2) Tom Anderson, the co-founder and
president of MySpace, ran a pornography site before launching MySpace.com…He was the
photographer of the pornography, and was almost sued for sexual harassment.” (They settled our-
of-court). It has also been proven a reality that even with your page set on private anyone can
see it. Here is what purposedriven.com says about the site:
The Dangers of Myspace:
- Myspace is full of (about 90%) advertisements that are sexual and pornographic. There is always
lots of skin showing on about every page you look at. These advertisements primarily are adult
websites that “connect” singles together. In other words it’s a web dating service. Other
advertisements that I often see are generally very adult related yet targeted towards teens such
as (rated R) movies and (Mature rated) games.
The problem is that you can be 14 years old and use myspace. Although many students use
myspace who are not 14 they just lie about their age. There is no way to check. Even at 14, it is a
young and inappropriate audience for the advertisements on myspace.
2. Porn Friends
Friend requests that link you directly to porn sites. I have accidentally clicked on these in the
church office with my secretary in the room, “a little weird”. When I surveyed my students 90% of
them including myself have accidentally fallen for these friends. That means that 90% of our
students have seen pornography through myspace. They were probably in their room alone…
you get the picture, you see the danger.
3. Dirty and Pornographic Profiles
The myspace rules say that no image can contain nudity or pornographic material on their profile.
This is a great rule, but it is impossible for myspace to enforce. After surveying our students again
about 90% of them have seen nudity of pornographic pictures on peoples (oftentimes their
friends) profiles.
4. Sexual Predators
This is the scariest of all. Sexual predators are using myspace as a tool to find and connect with
children or teens and it is working for them. It is so bad in our area that the Chief of Police created
an entire unit of police just for myspace and tracking sexual predators. There are a reported 3-
5 cases a month of molestation, rape or abuse that occurs because of sexual predators
targeting teens on myspace. [Is this not shocking?—RS]
After reading #4 what Christian would want to associate with this site? One may say, “Well, if
I can’t be a part of MySpace, then I can’t be on the Internet at all.” Is that true? If so, then
consider: Wal-Mart has a liquor section. Christians have no business being in it. Does this mean
that I cannot go to Wal-Mart at all? Another may say, “If A is wrong then B is wrong.” OK! What’s
the problem with that? It is often true that if you cannot do A then you cannot do B either. Does
not Paul speak of things that are characterized as “such like” in Galatians 5:21? The Internet in
general, and a specific part of the Internet in particular are two different things; any sensible
person knows this! Another person may say, “Does this mean we have to live in a bubble?” If I
have to live in a bubble to go to heaven, then point the way to the bubble. In reality, only the
senseless would suggest such. Again, we are speaking of things over which we have control, and
living a life that is pure and continent.
- Note: I am not picking on MySpace.com. I am simply stating facts based upon research, out
of concern for God’s children (cf. Gal 4:16). This article is not about MySpace.com, but
about the general problem of Christians lacking in purity. MySpace.com so happens to fit
into the discussion, and the items here presented should be heavily considered.
Does the Bible speak of purity? Most certainly, it does! Then let us strive to be pure. No, it is
not an easy task, especially in our present society, but it is a task that can be accomplished with
determination and diligence. Remember, you are loved.