While these verses were written primarily regarding
prophecy and the need to weigh carefully what is said, they can be applied to
all statements which people suggest are reflecting what God would say. For this
reason, Heather used these verses when asking about writing some guidelines for
“critical thinking for testing what one reads to see if it is godly
thinking”
Being able to discern “godly thinking” presupposes
some knowledge of how God thinks or what kind of thinking would be pleasing to
God. A definition of the word “Pure” may be helpful here since purity is the
subject of this whole presentation. “Pure” – not mixed with any other
materials – free from polluting matter.
This points up the fact that so much of
what we read is not pure but a mixture of godly and secular thinking. Even
Christian literature is not immune to this syncretism…secular philosophy has
invaded our lives to such an extent that it can be hard to separate pure
unadulterated truth from that which pollutes. The alarming fact that
there is no difference in statistics of young people’s sexual lives between
those of Christian and non-Christian background should alert us to the fact that
most of the literature available is not making the impact we would expect. While
I don’t claim to be the last word on how to choose the best books and articles I
hope to give some guidelines to help you make good choices.
Proverbs 4:23 says “ Above all else, guard your
heart,for it affects everything you do”. Choose writing which talks about
heart attitudes before God and towards others. Purity is about attitude more
than action – our motives more than behaviour. God’s word is all about attitude
– get that sorted and right living will follow. Just because literature is
sprinkled with lots of bible verses doesn’t necessarily mean it is getting to
the heart of what pleases God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were very
diligent in doing the “right thing” but were severely rebuked because they
looked in the wrong place – they would not go to Jesus for their answers for
daily living.
Another stumbling block is under-estimating human
sinfulness. We can imagine that teaching what are “right & wrong” behaviours
will guard against the subtlety of he human heart. The first step towards true
purity in thought and action is the recognition that without God’s grace we
would all lead very“impure” lives.
Avoid books which speak more about wrong teaching
than encouraging positive right beliefs and actions. We can become experts in
what is wrong but still miss the best that God has for us. Just like the lawn
principle….better to fertilise and grow astrong lawn than spend all our time
digging out weeds. Weeds don’t get much chance to grow in a healthy lawn. Better
to go for words that build upand promote healthy living in all areas of life.
God’s principles for relationships apply in all situations of life including our
sexuality. Jesus words in Matthew 7:12 apply here:“Do for others what you
would like them to do for you” Micah also has something to say about what
God requires….”dojustly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God”
(chapter 6 verse 8)
One of the best statements for relationships comes
fromEphesians 4:32 “Be kind, tender-hearted to one another, forgiving one
another just as Christ hasforgiven you”
Look to see how much of a book or article contains
extra-biblical material. It is amazing how so many Christian authors draw
heavily on the writings of secular researchers including those who believe that
humans are just a superior form of animal. Observing animal behaviour and
transferring those observations to humans denies the uniqueness of men and women
made in the image of God. Along with this comes a certain kind of humour which
makes light of God’s wonderful creation. Any writing which demeans people or
makes jokes about relationships in a derogatory way shows a lack of honour to
those whom God has created
Some other concepts which have been included in
manybooks regarding relationships are…
The suggestion that life is divided into two sections
– sacred and secular – spiritual versus earthly – spirit and body. Anything
which talks about the body and sexuality as anything less than God’s good
creation will not be helpful.
Statements which teach that even in marriage the
sexual act is only legitimate for procreation are usually accompanied by other
rules and laws which are very human in origin. This is another area where
secular philosophy has been mixed in with biblical thought and without realising
it readers can bedrawn into a legalistic lifestyle.
Another area of extra-biblical thought is comparisons
between female and male persons – generalisations regarding howpeople think and
feel depending on their gender. Once again….secular thinking has tainted the
pure word of God which shows us how to live with one another in1 mutual respect and love regardless of personality, ability, status or
gender. While some statements regender-specific behaviours may strike a chord
with our own experiences, the general instructions in the bible are for all
people with no exceptions. Even the thought that purity is more of a “girl
thing” is strongly tied up with ancient religious traditions rather than the
bible. Statements which attribute blame or responsibility to one gender over
another in sexual matters are not reflecting God’s heart for his
creation.
All of God’s instructions re sexuality andpurity are
directed to all of us and in the context of God’s intention always being for our
own good and protection.
When looking for books suitable for young people,
choose those which promote relying on God to fulfil needs and desiresrather than
other people - articles which promote the truth that finding alife-partner is
not our first calling from God. Much of recent literature inour Christian
bookshops gives teens instruction on how to be “dateable” including some rather
dubious ‘hints’ on behaviours which will attract the attention of girls or guys.
A healthier focus would be to encourage teens (andthose of all ages) to look at
the list in Galatians 5:22,23 of the fruits of the Holy Spirit…patience,
kindness, goodness, self-control, gentleness,faithfulness, love, joy,
peace. As daughters and sons of God, living by the Spirit should be our
primary concern and then the fruits of the Spirit will grow naturally in our
lives. Thinking of each other as “people” goes a long way to treating others as
you would like to be treated, whether they are of the same gender or potential
“marriage material”
A final word…when it comes to matters of the heart,
we all have existing mindsets shaped in part by our life experiences. So as you
evaluate material which deals with the most intimate of human relationships, ask
God to renew your mind and prepare your heart to look at these issues from God’s
perspective.
The last verse of Psalm 139 has this
tosay…”Search me O God and know my heart - test my thoughts. Point out
anything you find in me that makes you sad and lead me along the path of
everlasting life.”
Prove it!
