As a Christian woman I am trying to live the life Christ wants me to live, while also living in a world full of sin. Of course, it is difficult when most of the world relies on sinful things to live, and Christians, as well as non-Christians, are affected by worldly doings. The media often uses sex in order to make a profit for themselves, because they know people are drawn to this worldly pleasure. Soap operas are often described as sexual dramas because of the emphasis the directors and writers place on sex within the storyline.
As Christians, we learn that sexual lust is wrong. First Peter 2:11 says, ”Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” Although we know the sin involved with lust, most everyone struggles with this to some degree because of the way God designed our bodies for marriage. Sexual images are everywhere, feeding the world’s sexual appetite in an unholy way, which is discussed in Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
A example of lust is the recent movie The Other Boleyn Girl. Although this is not the typical soap opera, many reviewers have referred to it as the 16th-century soap opera. The story is not historically accurate, and the immorality discussed continually throughout the movie creates a very sin-filled film. However, it has become a popular film, and many Christians are recommending it to others. I have not seen it, but the Christian reviews concerning the film prove that Hollywood has struck again in its attempt to fill our hearts with sinful thoughts.
Many Christians believe that as long as they aren’t the ones active in the sin, they aren’t sinning. But watching soap operas and other immoral shows or movies can be committing sin in our hearts. In Matthew 5:27–30, Jesus talks about not only committing adultery, but having lustful thoughts in one’s heart, and explains that it is a sin. Also, by allowing ourselves to view the act of sin (real or fiction), we are making ourselves vulnerable to the present sin, which could have long-term consequences. Hebrews 3:13 says, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Now that school is ending for the summer, many of us are left at home, without parents, eating and watching television. If we follow what God has commanded, hopefully we will all exercise our ability of choice in what we watch and will follow the Biblical examples of purity while exercising our thumb on the remote.
Trying to stay pure is a continual process and is never easy; however, with prayer, persistence, and the help of fellow Christians, our walk with Jesus will be more fulfilling than we ever imagined.
By Sarah Brown
Did you know that people spend more time reading books about the Bible than they spend actually reading the Bible? Reading books about the Bible are wonderful if you want to study a specific Biblical topic in depth, but books about the Bible don’t replace the Bible. The best way to gain Bible knowledge is to read the Bible! Bible classes, sermons, and Pierce My Heart articles are wonderful, but they are to accompany daily Bible study, not take the place of it.
Now let’s begin!
3) Have plans for any time you will be spending together. For this tip, I will use my own relationship as an example. Whenever I go out to my boyfriend’s farm, we always have a basic outline for the day. Nothing ridiculous—just something simple to go by. One day’s plan may go something like this: we can ride the dirt bike, play football/baseball in the front yard, go on a walk down the driveway, and watch a movie with his family. Now this does not mean we can’t stray from the plan by playing basketball or swinging in the hammock, but it does mean that we won’t come to a point with spare time. It is kind of like saying that idle hands can lead to mistakes. Just be aware of what you are doing so that no slips occur.
Many Christians would love to start helping other people who aren’t able to do certain things. However, many don’t know where to start, or are too shy, and they often ask, “How do I start?” or “What if I can’t afford it?” There is one place we can begin. We can start by encouraging our shut-ins and the sick in our congregations. We can let them know that we’re there for them, that we miss them, and that we can’t wait to see them worshiping with us again.
Our first project—and a great way to kick off the summer—is cleaning out one of our closets. Since I (Alyssa) came up with this idea, we cleaned out mine—and what an adventure it was! It was like Christmas! We found things of mine that I forgot I had!
Pierce My Ear, Oh Lord, my God
When we sing the song “Pierce My Ear” we are telling God that He is a good master and we love Him and want to serve him forever. We no longer pierce our ears as a sign of devotion, but we can absolutely have our hearts pricked, or pierced, for Christ, who died to save us, as the Bible says in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
It is summer! No school, no homework, just free time to relax, kick back with some friends, and …have a beer? Smoke a joint? It will help pass the time, right? Or will doing those things just make you lose your sense of time? I mean, who wants to remember their summer anyway? There is nothing better to do…or is there?
Making the decision to quit drinking or doing drugs is usually easy, but following through is not. It involves removing something you have become dependent upon from your life. Sometimes this involves an inpatient treatment center, counseling, and even moving to remove yourself from situations that could cause you to backslide. If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol and would like help, there are many places out there to turn to. 
God Cares About Your Health
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