Do you guys find it tough to live in a world that seems not be Christ-centered?
In our modern times, I find that it's hard to be a Christian. We feel pressured to conform to society and "play by the game" just to get through the difficulties of life. Society is pushy and to get ahead, we are told by others to think for yourself and not care about trampling over someone just to be successful. Sometimes, it's easy to lie and cheat our way through the little things and feel like you haven't done something wrong.
Just wanted to know if most of you felt the same way - I find that the Word of God transcends everything society tells us.
Is living a Christian life hard in today's society?
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paradigm_shift - Posts: 23
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This is not an easy subject, but I'll just comment one thing (wiser people than me can comment on the rest).
In the words of my favourite lay-theologian GK Chesterton: Only a dead thing goes with the stream, only a living thing can go against it.
We feel pressured to conform to society and "play by the game" just to get through the difficulties of life.
In the words of my favourite lay-theologian GK Chesterton: Only a dead thing goes with the stream, only a living thing can go against it.
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bigsleepj - Posts: 3432
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Since when did Jesus call our earthen bodies to live an easy life? The world hasn't been centered around God for about 7000 years, after the Fall. Ever since Satan was cast out of Heaven, there has been a war going on, and the entire human race was caught up in this spiritual battle. Living a Christian Life will not be easy until His Kingdom Come.
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Slater - Posts: 2671
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bigsleepj wrote:In the words of my favourite lay-theologian GK Chesterton: Only a dead thing goes with the stream, only a living thing can go against it.
Nice
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Mr. Rogers - Posts: 1512
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At no point in history has it been easy to live a Christian life. In fact, Jesus promised our lives would be hard. When hardship comes for the sake of Christ, rejoice.
Yes, I think it is very difficult to live a Christian life. I fail all of the time. But, by the grace of God, each time I am lifted back up, hopefully stronger and wiser. Being willing to talk about your struggles is a good first step in overcoming them.
Paul wrote:To live is Christ. To die is gain.
Yes, I think it is very difficult to live a Christian life. I fail all of the time. But, by the grace of God, each time I am lifted back up, hopefully stronger and wiser. Being willing to talk about your struggles is a good first step in overcoming them.
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termyt - Posts: 4289
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oh! Of course
Christianity is like THE religion with the most enemies, you got all these philosophies that say "there is no Christian God" such as Transcendentalism and Existentialism, you have many Christian enemies such as Neitzsche and Thoreau and Sartre, etc.
Then you have the atheists going "Ew you're so intolerant, stupid Christian" while they go "Oh you're a hindu! Tell me about your faith!"
Of course that's a broad generalization. Not every atheist/agnostic is like that
Christianity is like THE religion with the most enemies, you got all these philosophies that say "there is no Christian God" such as Transcendentalism and Existentialism, you have many Christian enemies such as Neitzsche and Thoreau and Sartre, etc.
Then you have the atheists going "Ew you're so intolerant, stupid Christian" while they go "Oh you're a hindu! Tell me about your faith!"
Of course that's a broad generalization. Not every atheist/agnostic is like that
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Mr. SmartyPants - Posts: 12541
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The bible does promise us that it won't be easy at all. Was the question do you think that it's harder now days to follow Christ than it was back in the day? If so I would say that it isn't a whole lot harder. We have the same temptations that they used to have...The only reason why I'd say that it's harder is because sin's easier to access these days.
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That Dude - Posts: 5226
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Is it hard today? Yes. Was it easier in previous decades or centuries? No.
Even in "Christian" countries like 18th and 19th century England, the vast majority of church-goers were only nominal Christians, and they don't like it when real Christians try to live Christian lives, because it goes against the norm that the nominals have set up. Remember that it was in England that the Methodists were reviled because they tried to "flee the wrath to come," and that the Salvation Army was opposed by taverngoers who would beat Salvationists for preaching to them in pubs.
It hasn't gotten any harder; the challenges and temptations have just changed.
Even in "Christian" countries like 18th and 19th century England, the vast majority of church-goers were only nominal Christians, and they don't like it when real Christians try to live Christian lives, because it goes against the norm that the nominals have set up. Remember that it was in England that the Methodists were reviled because they tried to "flee the wrath to come," and that the Salvation Army was opposed by taverngoers who would beat Salvationists for preaching to them in pubs.
It hasn't gotten any harder; the challenges and temptations have just changed.
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small.
In all life, thou livest, the true life of all.
We blossom and flourish as leaves on a tree
And wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.
--Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
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In all life, thou livest, the true life of all.
We blossom and flourish as leaves on a tree
And wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.
--Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Texan by birth, Yankee by accident of location.
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The Grammarian - Posts: 340
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I think that modern society is indeed difficult for Christians who wish to live faithfully and that it is in fact more difficult in a general sense than past societies. Much of this is due to the spread of relativism and other modern day philosophies that have arisen since the "enlightenment".
Consider:
1) Abortion is legal. A hundred years ago, this would be unthinkable.
2) The increasing acceptance in society of homosexuality as a valid lifestyle to the point where objecting to it is considered by some to be a form of hate speech.
3) The constant push to remove all mention of God and the Christian faith from public life - just look at schools, holidays, and government.
4) The acceptance by our society of casual sexuality to the point that people are sometimes ostracized for not accepting it. The proliferation and government protection of pornography also goes under this heading.
I will agree that there has always been difficulty, often actual persecution. But in terms of simply trying to live in a society that does not overtly persecute us, I would say things have gotten pretty bad. In my opinion, this is a far more dangerous thing than the society that would persecute us with threat of bodily harm. It is a subtle and insidious danger, one which seeks even to seep into our very churches..
To be honest, I feel apprehension when I think about the prospect of someday raising children in this society. It will be a challenge to help them deal with all the corruption around us.
Nonetheless, we should all have good hope. The gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church. I have no intent of giving in
Consider:
1) Abortion is legal. A hundred years ago, this would be unthinkable.
2) The increasing acceptance in society of homosexuality as a valid lifestyle to the point where objecting to it is considered by some to be a form of hate speech.
3) The constant push to remove all mention of God and the Christian faith from public life - just look at schools, holidays, and government.
4) The acceptance by our society of casual sexuality to the point that people are sometimes ostracized for not accepting it. The proliferation and government protection of pornography also goes under this heading.
I will agree that there has always been difficulty, often actual persecution. But in terms of simply trying to live in a society that does not overtly persecute us, I would say things have gotten pretty bad. In my opinion, this is a far more dangerous thing than the society that would persecute us with threat of bodily harm. It is a subtle and insidious danger, one which seeks even to seep into our very churches..
To be honest, I feel apprehension when I think about the prospect of someday raising children in this society. It will be a challenge to help them deal with all the corruption around us.
Nonetheless, we should all have good hope. The gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church. I have no intent of giving in
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"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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Steeltemplar - Posts: 1373
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To my studies certainly not more difficult than that of the early church faced up against. If we have revived abortion, they had not simply abortion, but frequent post-birth infanticide. Or, to use Horace's Satire number two as my example, having sex with married women is a very bad idea says Horace - those sorts of lusts are better taken up with prostitutes, slave girls, and little boys, nor, if statues and other sources are any indicator, was this an unusual position. If we have the enlightenment/endarkenment quarantining us from all influence, they had high treason against the gods and Caesar.
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GhostontheNet - Posts: 1963
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GhostontheNet wrote:To my studies certainly not more difficult than that of the early church faced up against. If we have revived abortion, they had not simply abortion, but frequent post-birth infanticide. Or, to use Horace's Satire number two as my example, having sex with married women is a very bad idea says Horace - those sorts of lusts are better taken up with prostitutes, slave girls, and little boys, nor, if statues and other sources are any indicator, was this an unusual position. If we have the enlightenment/endarkenment quarantining us from all influence, they had high treason against the gods and Caesar.
True enough. In the early days things were bad.
Allow me to qualify my statement. I would say we are on a significant downward turn in general societal morality at the moment. Possibly we are worse off now than we have ever been since Christianity became the dominant philosophy of Western society.
Headbangers United
"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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Steeltemplar - Posts: 1373
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Actually-- I'm going to say something a bit different from what the rest of y'all have said. I think that we as Christians have it extremely easy here in America. Think about it, I mean, we're allowed to believe whatever we want to believe, we can worship however we want to worship, and we can do it whenever we want and wherever we want. I mean, sure, there are some of the more rare cases here in the US where people are persecuted for their beliefs, and there are the occasional martyrs, but in general the worst thing most of us will ever have to face is someone telling us we're weird because we believe the Bible. Comparing that life to those in which it's illegal to choose what you want to believe, and having to suffer major consequenses if someone finds out you've done it anyways-- we should kiss the ground we're living on and thank God that it's free.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
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Yumie - Posts: 1939
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yeah it's definitly harder being a Christian today than in years past. America as a whole has become worse than Sodom and Gomorah in less than the past 100 years. Also keep in mind that demons aren't like God; they aren't perfect... but they've been "perfecting" their art of temptation. They were good at it thousands of years ago, but they're much better at it now than then, and they have more tools (internet, for example) at their disposal.
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Slater - Posts: 2671
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Slater wrote:America as a whole has become worse than Sodom and Gomorrah in less than the past 100 years.
I'm gonna have to disagree with this statement. In Sodom and Gomorah, there was NO ONE righteous. God said He would spare the city if even TEN righteous people could be found, and ultimately, they couldn't even find that many.
America has its problems, yes, I don't deny that, and there are some laws that are very much against what we believe morally...however, I'd say there's a lot more than ten righteous people in this country, and probably more than ten in any city in America you can find (I said probably, now, lest you get on my case about generalizations).
And rape is illegal in America, whereas if you noticed in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, they didn't seem to be particularly concerned about it. I'd say that alone qualifies America as being better than Sodom and Gomorrah.
Ezekiel 23:20
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Nate - Posts: 10725
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Slater wrote: America as a whole has become worse than Sodom and Gomorah in less than the past 100 years.
Um, when was that last time that you had a guest over for dinner and all your neighbors gathered around your door and demanded you hand your guests out in order than your neighbors could rape him?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
Aside from the fact that I would STRONGLY disagree with those who would agrue that God owes Sodom and Gomorah an apology, honestly, I think we in America have it much easier than many have in times past. We are given the freedom to worship in whatever way we want (unless that worshop violates common standards of decency, of course.) Yes, our beliefs are, in many circles, unpopular, but we are not killed for our beliefs. That, in and of itself, is an advantage we are vastely unworthy of. The only real hardship Christians in most modern societies face are belittlement from those around us and temptations from within ourselves.
We should thank God, daily, for how truly merciful he is in placing us where we are and we should live in accordance with that blessing.
Every year in Uganda, innumerable children simply. . . disappear. These children all stolen under the cover of darkness from their homes and impressed into the guerilla armies of the LRA [Lord's Resistance Army]. In the deserts of Uganda, they are forced to witness the mindless slaughter of other children until they themselves can do nothing but kill. Kill. These children, generally ranging from ages 5-12, are brainwashed into murdering in the name of the resistance and into stealing other children from their beds to suffer the same fate.
Because of this genocide of innocence, hundred and hundreds of children live every night sleeping in public places miles from their homes, because they know that if the do not-- they will disappear. They will become just another number in this genocide to which the international community has chosen to turn a blind eye. They will become, in affect, invisible-- Invisible Children.
But there are those who are trying to fight against this slaughter of Uganda's children. They fight to protect these "invisible children." Please, help them help a country full of children who know nothing by fear. Help save the innocence. For more information concerning how you can help and how you can get an incredible video about this horrific reality, visit the Invisible Children home page.
Because of this genocide of innocence, hundred and hundreds of children live every night sleeping in public places miles from their homes, because they know that if the do not-- they will disappear. They will become just another number in this genocide to which the international community has chosen to turn a blind eye. They will become, in affect, invisible-- Invisible Children.
But there are those who are trying to fight against this slaughter of Uganda's children. They fight to protect these "invisible children." Please, help them help a country full of children who know nothing by fear. Help save the innocence. For more information concerning how you can help and how you can get an incredible video about this horrific reality, visit the Invisible Children home page.
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Mangafanatic - Posts: 4918
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I think that today's permissive, secularist society is more dangerous to souls than an openly oppressive one would be. Sure, we have freedom and it is unlikely we will be killed for being Christian, but we live in a society that constantly tries to persuade us towards sin and denial of God.
Headbangers United
"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
Loyal subject of Sakura-hime, the RP Princess.
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FF-chan's NiichanB.
"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
Loyal subject of Sakura-hime, the RP Princess.
CR-chan's faithful PNC.
FF-chan's NiichanB.
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Steeltemplar - Posts: 1373
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Steeltemplar wrote:Sure, we have freedom and it is unlikely we will be killed for being Christian, but we live in a society that constantly tries to persuade us towards sin and denial of God.
And there is some society which people of the past lived in that WASN'T that way? The Devil has always used society to distract believers, hasn't he?
Every year in Uganda, innumerable children simply. . . disappear. These children all stolen under the cover of darkness from their homes and impressed into the guerilla armies of the LRA [Lord's Resistance Army]. In the deserts of Uganda, they are forced to witness the mindless slaughter of other children until they themselves can do nothing but kill. Kill. These children, generally ranging from ages 5-12, are brainwashed into murdering in the name of the resistance and into stealing other children from their beds to suffer the same fate.
Because of this genocide of innocence, hundred and hundreds of children live every night sleeping in public places miles from their homes, because they know that if the do not-- they will disappear. They will become just another number in this genocide to which the international community has chosen to turn a blind eye. They will become, in affect, invisible-- Invisible Children.
But there are those who are trying to fight against this slaughter of Uganda's children. They fight to protect these "invisible children." Please, help them help a country full of children who know nothing by fear. Help save the innocence. For more information concerning how you can help and how you can get an incredible video about this horrific reality, visit the Invisible Children home page.
Because of this genocide of innocence, hundred and hundreds of children live every night sleeping in public places miles from their homes, because they know that if the do not-- they will disappear. They will become just another number in this genocide to which the international community has chosen to turn a blind eye. They will become, in affect, invisible-- Invisible Children.
But there are those who are trying to fight against this slaughter of Uganda's children. They fight to protect these "invisible children." Please, help them help a country full of children who know nothing by fear. Help save the innocence. For more information concerning how you can help and how you can get an incredible video about this horrific reality, visit the Invisible Children home page.
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Mangafanatic - Posts: 4918
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Mangafanatic wrote:And there is some society which people of the past lived in that WASN'T that way? The Devil has always used society to distract believers, hasn't he?
Well, yes, that has always been the case. However, I believe that we have reached a low point for Western society which we have not seen since Christianity became dominant in our societal values. See what I wrote above.
Headbangers United
"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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Steeltemplar - Posts: 1373
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Each era has it's own challenges. It wasn't any picnic being a faithful Christian when the majority of Christendom was professing Arianism.
However, persecution does tend to bring the faithful together, while times of safety and prosperity tends to make us lax.
America is free, yes, but it is largely apostate, where believers are considered intolerant zealots who are considered a danger to society that needs to be contained. Evils are now called rights.
To debate which era is worse is a distraction I think. The Christians of past eras faced their challenges. Now it is our turn to face ours. How will future Christians view how we handled it?
However, persecution does tend to bring the faithful together, while times of safety and prosperity tends to make us lax.
America is free, yes, but it is largely apostate, where believers are considered intolerant zealots who are considered a danger to society that needs to be contained. Evils are now called rights.
To debate which era is worse is a distraction I think. The Christians of past eras faced their challenges. Now it is our turn to face ours. How will future Christians view how we handled it?
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Arnobius - Posts: 2870
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AnimeHeretic wrote:Each era has it's own challenges. It wasn't any picnic being a faithful Christian when the majority of Christendom was professing Arianism.
However, persecution does tend to bring the faithful together, while times of safety and prosperity tends to make us lax.
America is free, yes, but it is largely apostate, where believers are considered intolerant zealots who are considered a danger to society that needs to be contained. Evils are now called rights.
To debate which era is worse is a distraction I think. The Christians of past eras faced their challenges. Now it is our turn to face ours. How will future Christians view how we handled it?
I can't deny your logic there.
Headbangers United
"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
Loyal subject of Sakura-hime, the RP Princess.
CR-chan's faithful PNC.
FF-chan's NiichanB.
"There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt." - Niccolo Machiavelli
"But even as Josue and Caleb declared that the Land of Promise was good and fair, and that the possession of it would be easy and pleasant; so the Holy Spirit, speaking by all the Saints, and our Blessed Lord Himself assure us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." - from An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales
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Steeltemplar - Posts: 1373
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I say that it is worse because of deception. I live next to San Francisco, the homosexuality capital of the world. Here, my fellow students aren't ashamed to be in clubs such as one named "The Queer Alliance." They don't realize that these are truly horrible things that they're in, even by name.
And even those who should be upright have failed at what they should be. A study was done that shows that there are many pastors, priests, etc in the Church who are into having sexual relations with children which they meet on the internet, and that's just one category.
As far as proportions go, I don't know how many righteous ones there are as compared to the unrighteous, but I wouldn't be surprised if, as Paul wrote, Sodom were a more inviting place during its judgement day than SF will be during The Judgement Day.
The enemy has become more deceptive in disguizing darkness as light. In today's world we see numerous cults arise that claim that Christ is God... even the Hindu religion today adopts Him as one of their countless gods. Today in America, there are similar cults that are just as deadly... spiritually and physically even. And even not taking them into account, our Christians today compromise on far too many Biblical principles such as by homosexuality and evolution (I'm happy that today the Catholic Church is cracking down on this so much). Living the Christian life today should be the same as it was nearly 2000 years ago, but it can't be when newborn Christians try to define what that walk is by what their dead flesh tells them.
There are many in this world who appear to walk truly for Christ, and to them should we give more prayer. It is true that we will never be able to stop sinning until the day that this greatest of wars is over, but let us not simply accept what sins we do as "part of who we are." There is strength in prayer... if we have faith, God can cure us from even the deadliest of spiritual poisons (as he has for most of us here today by providing His Son's Blood so that we may be forever forgiven from sin). We can become mighty warriors for God, and we must... because the moment we stop growing spiritually is the moment we start weakening spiritually. Evil continually grows in this world; the question is this: will the righteousness of God's chosen people do the same?
Ask, and it shall be given unto you.
And even those who should be upright have failed at what they should be. A study was done that shows that there are many pastors, priests, etc in the Church who are into having sexual relations with children which they meet on the internet, and that's just one category.
As far as proportions go, I don't know how many righteous ones there are as compared to the unrighteous, but I wouldn't be surprised if, as Paul wrote, Sodom were a more inviting place during its judgement day than SF will be during The Judgement Day.
The enemy has become more deceptive in disguizing darkness as light. In today's world we see numerous cults arise that claim that Christ is God... even the Hindu religion today adopts Him as one of their countless gods. Today in America, there are similar cults that are just as deadly... spiritually and physically even. And even not taking them into account, our Christians today compromise on far too many Biblical principles such as by homosexuality and evolution (I'm happy that today the Catholic Church is cracking down on this so much). Living the Christian life today should be the same as it was nearly 2000 years ago, but it can't be when newborn Christians try to define what that walk is by what their dead flesh tells them.
There are many in this world who appear to walk truly for Christ, and to them should we give more prayer. It is true that we will never be able to stop sinning until the day that this greatest of wars is over, but let us not simply accept what sins we do as "part of who we are." There is strength in prayer... if we have faith, God can cure us from even the deadliest of spiritual poisons (as he has for most of us here today by providing His Son's Blood so that we may be forever forgiven from sin). We can become mighty warriors for God, and we must... because the moment we stop growing spiritually is the moment we start weakening spiritually. Evil continually grows in this world; the question is this: will the righteousness of God's chosen people do the same?
Ask, and it shall be given unto you.
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Slater - Posts: 2671
- Joined: Sat May 22, 2004 10:00 am
- Location: Pacifica, Caliphornia
I can agree that Christian life is definately as hard as it was 2000 years ago.
But I was more specifically asking how you guys are able to cope in such a world today.
For me, I find myself getting out of the house feeling more sad and disgusted with the things I see. Even things as small as common courtesy, treating people with kindness is something that I see once in a blue moon. And then you have the more "larger" moral implications of those who follow secular beliefs or relatism (homosexuality, promiscuity, abortion, etc) and treat it as the norm. I pray all the time for these people to turn away from such behavior and find Christ in their lives. Though my list of prayers grow with more and more people that I meet.
>Slater: Well said! I understand where you are coming from as a Californian. It is really a liberal state and it's hard to find schools that don't submit to humanist teachings. I am trying my hardest to cope as a CS major here at UC Berkeley (which, if some of you don't know, is known as the "Hippie Capital" of the US by some of the folks here).
But I was more specifically asking how you guys are able to cope in such a world today.
For me, I find myself getting out of the house feeling more sad and disgusted with the things I see. Even things as small as common courtesy, treating people with kindness is something that I see once in a blue moon. And then you have the more "larger" moral implications of those who follow secular beliefs or relatism (homosexuality, promiscuity, abortion, etc) and treat it as the norm. I pray all the time for these people to turn away from such behavior and find Christ in their lives. Though my list of prayers grow with more and more people that I meet.
>Slater: Well said! I understand where you are coming from as a Californian. It is really a liberal state and it's hard to find schools that don't submit to humanist teachings. I am trying my hardest to cope as a CS major here at UC Berkeley (which, if some of you don't know, is known as the "Hippie Capital" of the US by some of the folks here).
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paradigm_shift - Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:31 pm
All the question seems to ask, is "Is living a Christian life difficult?"
I think that in today's society, and any society, it is always difficult to overcome temptation to follow Christ, whatever the price.
As for whether or not our society is somehow worse than others as far as living a Christian life goes, I think I agree with AnimeHeretic on this one. Arguing about it is pointless. Even if we agree that it is or it isn't, that really isn't going to help us resist temptation and live out the lives Christ wants for us. It's a bit of a distraction.
As for American society, at least we aren't being thrown to lions (Ancient Rome), tortured (China), or outright killed (Muslim converts to Christ in some heavily Islamic countries). We have it pretty good in America so far as not needing to fear bodily harm.
For better or for worse, whatever society you happen to live in, God has put you there. And He hasn't put us in our own times and places for us to curse our circumstances (or societies), but instead to make the best of them. Wherever you are, try your best to seek Christ and to follow Him, and whatever your persecution, rejoice in it. For whatever reason, it is part of God's plan for us to endure discomfort, hardship, and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Not only that, but He will reward us for enduring these things.
Be strong my brethren, build up one another, and endure hardship with joy and thanksgiving, for what we have been given is worth more than any price that men could make us pay.
That is my prayer for myself, and for you all: That you might be strong in the Lord, build up your brothers and sisters, and endure no matter what comes.
EDIT: As for HOW I'm able to endure: The strength and wisdom of God's timeless Word, the counsel and encouragement of fellow Christians, and by taking enough time to really seek God and fellowship with Him. I find that if I start to slack in that last area, life starts to fall apart in a myriad of small ways (and sometimes a few big ones). Even though God is always faithful to bring me back, I find that whenever I have strayed from actively seeking Him, I've always always paid the price for it. It isn't that I've always even felt the discipline of God for straying (often He just lets me go), but I'm always left with feelings of disappointment and regret, knowing that God wanted to do so much more for me, but that I was too self-seeking to let Him lead. Despite those times, He is faithful to keep bringing me closer to Him.
I think that in today's society, and any society, it is always difficult to overcome temptation to follow Christ, whatever the price.
As for whether or not our society is somehow worse than others as far as living a Christian life goes, I think I agree with AnimeHeretic on this one. Arguing about it is pointless. Even if we agree that it is or it isn't, that really isn't going to help us resist temptation and live out the lives Christ wants for us. It's a bit of a distraction.
As for American society, at least we aren't being thrown to lions (Ancient Rome), tortured (China), or outright killed (Muslim converts to Christ in some heavily Islamic countries). We have it pretty good in America so far as not needing to fear bodily harm.
For better or for worse, whatever society you happen to live in, God has put you there. And He hasn't put us in our own times and places for us to curse our circumstances (or societies), but instead to make the best of them. Wherever you are, try your best to seek Christ and to follow Him, and whatever your persecution, rejoice in it. For whatever reason, it is part of God's plan for us to endure discomfort, hardship, and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Not only that, but He will reward us for enduring these things.
Be strong my brethren, build up one another, and endure hardship with joy and thanksgiving, for what we have been given is worth more than any price that men could make us pay.
That is my prayer for myself, and for you all: That you might be strong in the Lord, build up your brothers and sisters, and endure no matter what comes.
EDIT: As for HOW I'm able to endure: The strength and wisdom of God's timeless Word, the counsel and encouragement of fellow Christians, and by taking enough time to really seek God and fellowship with Him. I find that if I start to slack in that last area, life starts to fall apart in a myriad of small ways (and sometimes a few big ones). Even though God is always faithful to bring me back, I find that whenever I have strayed from actively seeking Him, I've always always paid the price for it. It isn't that I've always even felt the discipline of God for straying (often He just lets me go), but I'm always left with feelings of disappointment and regret, knowing that God wanted to do so much more for me, but that I was too self-seeking to let Him lead. Despite those times, He is faithful to keep bringing me closer to Him.
Our lives are but a vapor, let us not let waste our time and breath on vanities, but let us spend ourselves for the Kingdom, seeking a better resurrection.
Preaching the Bad News
My Live Journal
Preaching the Bad News
My Live Journal
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Saint Kevin - Posts: 975
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:57 pm
In a way, I wish I had lived in Rome when Christians were persecuted as such... Physical peril is so much less than spiritual peril. Today, it is so easy to struggle with pornography, as I do. Is it not a misery to know that I've looked upon the bodies of countless other women without knowing so much as their names and lusted after them while the relationship that I hold with who I believe to be my future wife is so fragile? That is a pain that I still can't live down...
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Slater - Posts: 2671
- Joined: Sat May 22, 2004 10:00 am
- Location: Pacifica, Caliphornia
kaemmerite wrote:I'm gonna have to disagree with this statement. In Sodom and Gomorah, there was NO ONE righteous. God said He would spare the city if even TEN righteous people could be found, and ultimately, they couldn't even find that many.
Even the Amankeletes (spelling?) was more worse than America
And yumie does have a point. While some people end up dying for Christ (like Iran or North Korean) we are called to live for Christ, generally speaking that is
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Mr. SmartyPants - Posts: 12541
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2004 9:00 am
Well it depends alot on what type of christian you are say if you are a fundamentalist,you will have a hard time but if you are moderate or more liberal like me it will be easier.Also you must remember it is always going to be hard to be a christian because of how people think christian's are all right wing nuts.And by all the temptation our media spreads.paradigm_shift wrote:I can agree that Christian life is definately as hard as it was 2000 years ago.
But I was more specifically asking how you guys are able to cope in such a world today.
For me, I find myself getting out of the house feeling more sad and disgusted with the things I see. Even things as small as common courtesy, treating people with kindness is something that I see once in a blue moon. And then you have the more "larger" moral implications of those who follow secular beliefs or relatism (homosexuality, promiscuity, abortion, etc) and treat it as the norm. I pray all the time for these people to turn away from such behavior and find Christ in their lives. Though my list of prayers grow with more and more people that I meet.
>Slater: Well said! I understand where you are coming from as a Californian. It is really a liberal state and it's hard to find schools that don't submit to humanist teachings. I am trying my hardest to cope as a CS major here at UC Berkeley (which, if some of you don't know, is known as the "Hippie Capital" of the US by some of the folks here).
hope this helps.
- Shepherdmoon
- Posts: 106
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 12:00 pm
Slater wrote:Berkeley? You are a braver man than I to go there as a Christian.
What can I say? A fine computer science program in the midst of anti-Christian bias. At least it's way better to commute there and leave when classes are over.
Well it depends alot on what type of christian you are say if you are a fundamentalist,you will have a hard time but if you are moderate or more liberal like me it will be easier.Also you must remember it is always going to be hard to be a christian because of how people think christian's are all right wing nuts.And by all the temptation our media spreads.
I think even the most liberal Christians can be labeled as "right-wing nuts." Fundamentalist or not, the belief in God in today's society isn't exactly in the mainstream (such as what you said about the media).
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paradigm_shift - Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:31 pm
paradigm_shift wrote:What can I say? A fine computer science program in the midst of anti-Christian bias. At least it's way better to commute there and leave when classes are over.
I think even the most liberal Christians can be labeled as "right-wing nuts." Fundamentalist or not, the belief in God in today's society isn't exactly in the mainstream (such as what you said about the media).
I know it is sad but that is why we christians must stand up.
- Shepherdmoon
- Posts: 106
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 12:00 pm
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