It seems like my career is taking a hit every time I think about being Christian... Is there anyway that I can continue my career and still be christian? I find this extremely difficult to do. It seems like every time there is an offer on the table it is something that god would not like.. Help me deal with this please!
I love the "Entertainment Industry" and I love money....Does god?
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It very much depends what your career is! But a pastor I listen to says that there are three options with things of this world. Receive, reject of redeem.
If it's something that honours God and helps us love others, we receive it with a clear conscience.
We reject anything that doesn't have any godly merit. If it's not beneficial to us or others, but only leads to sin, it must go. An example would be porn. It hurts those in the industry (many are abused, and it encourages sexual slavery), and it hurts those who consume it (in their marriages and interactions with others).
If its something that has perhaps the potential for harm, but also for good, we 'redeem it'....for example. As Christians we don't dismiss the movies or TV or the internet. Sure, they have ungodly content on it, but we can use those mediums to spread the truth and love of God as well!
As far as the title of the thread...I would have to say that God created us to be creative, so as long as you 'work' within a frame that is honouring to Him, or perhaps at least not down right ungodly! And money....hmm. Money in itself isn't evil. It's not wrong to have money and enjoy the security it can bring. But if you love money, you'll end up using people. If you love people instead, you'll end up using your money. So earn yourself money...go ahead! But ask yourself if the money you are getting is not just being used for your comfort and indulgence, but for people in need...both physically and spiritually.
Hope that helps you!
If it's something that honours God and helps us love others, we receive it with a clear conscience.
We reject anything that doesn't have any godly merit. If it's not beneficial to us or others, but only leads to sin, it must go. An example would be porn. It hurts those in the industry (many are abused, and it encourages sexual slavery), and it hurts those who consume it (in their marriages and interactions with others).
If its something that has perhaps the potential for harm, but also for good, we 'redeem it'....for example. As Christians we don't dismiss the movies or TV or the internet. Sure, they have ungodly content on it, but we can use those mediums to spread the truth and love of God as well!
As far as the title of the thread...I would have to say that God created us to be creative, so as long as you 'work' within a frame that is honouring to Him, or perhaps at least not down right ungodly! And money....hmm. Money in itself isn't evil. It's not wrong to have money and enjoy the security it can bring. But if you love money, you'll end up using people. If you love people instead, you'll end up using your money. So earn yourself money...go ahead! But ask yourself if the money you are getting is not just being used for your comfort and indulgence, but for people in need...both physically and spiritually.
Hope that helps you!
We face all sorts of predicaments as Christians in this world. It is written " We are in this world but not of this world" We are done away with sin by the sanctification of Christ's blood. Do we still sin ? yes everyday. But do we have to ? no because the curse of sin has no more hold over us, Jesus resurrected and we have the Holy Spirit in us to convict us and if we stumble and fall we could always rely on the blood of Christ to clean us again and again.
But as long as we are still in the flesh, our old nature is stuck with us which means we occasionally give in to temptation. The craving of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is something we all have to deal with not only in the entertainment sector but also in the business field.
For example: if you wanted to be a lawyer would you want to do what ever it takes to get your client off the prosecution stand even if you have to lie, defend, fabricate, antagonize witnesses or simply to exploit all avenues just for the sake of completing your duty: what you have sworn to do, to uphold the ethic code of the B.A.R. ?
Yes just imagine a lawyer with a code of ethics not from BAR but from the Bible, would he/she ever survive the onslaughts in court where lies and deceits are the name of the game? Difficult if not impossible.
Now I have no desire to ask what sorts of entertainment you're engaged in but I can say it's a lion's den. Most of the top Pop artists, in some way or another must make many shady deals or compromises to have reached their stature. Not saying all but most. The anti-Christ connotations of their lyrics, the glamorization of sex and violence...etc.
I got carried away but my point is:
No man can serve two masters: Ye cannot serve God andMammon. ~Jesus, Matt 6:24, Luke 16:1 (Mammon=money,material wealth)
My testimony, long story made short: I was once very wealthy. Born with a silver spoon. The wealthier I was the greedier I became. I had no soul, words spoken from my mouth devoid all decency or respect toward those that are regarded as inferior, dressed piteously, less educated or simply poorer. Pride was my paradigm and money had become my double edged sword (not God's Words) to cut down people instead of building them. I was more than self-sufficient because I always thought there is nothing I cannot do or accomplish with money.
This is the part I like to bring in following verses:
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” (Mark 10:20 ESV)
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21 ESV)
Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:22-25 ESV)
The point of this parable is not saying a rich person can't enter the kingdom of God but rather the enticement of the riches is a burden for anyone who wishes to pursue Christ. In my testimony above I didn't not have room for Christ because I was blinded by the glimmers of gold.
The Asian Stock Crash has brought me to the brink of bankruptcy. This vary day, after years of conversion and being born again, I am glad God allowed this to happen. Because if he had not, I wouldn't hit rock bottom, I would never have met him, to see myself who I truly am, and most important, I could enter the narrow gate into His kingdom.
As Rach above pointed out: Money is not evil but the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.
Sorry I couldn't tackle your question head on but hopefully this would bring forth some inspirations.
Blessings!
But as long as we are still in the flesh, our old nature is stuck with us which means we occasionally give in to temptation. The craving of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is something we all have to deal with not only in the entertainment sector but also in the business field.
For example: if you wanted to be a lawyer would you want to do what ever it takes to get your client off the prosecution stand even if you have to lie, defend, fabricate, antagonize witnesses or simply to exploit all avenues just for the sake of completing your duty: what you have sworn to do, to uphold the ethic code of the B.A.R. ?
Yes just imagine a lawyer with a code of ethics not from BAR but from the Bible, would he/she ever survive the onslaughts in court where lies and deceits are the name of the game? Difficult if not impossible.
Now I have no desire to ask what sorts of entertainment you're engaged in but I can say it's a lion's den. Most of the top Pop artists, in some way or another must make many shady deals or compromises to have reached their stature. Not saying all but most. The anti-Christ connotations of their lyrics, the glamorization of sex and violence...etc.
I got carried away but my point is:
No man can serve two masters: Ye cannot serve God andMammon. ~Jesus, Matt 6:24, Luke 16:1 (Mammon=money,material wealth)
My testimony, long story made short: I was once very wealthy. Born with a silver spoon. The wealthier I was the greedier I became. I had no soul, words spoken from my mouth devoid all decency or respect toward those that are regarded as inferior, dressed piteously, less educated or simply poorer. Pride was my paradigm and money had become my double edged sword (not God's Words) to cut down people instead of building them. I was more than self-sufficient because I always thought there is nothing I cannot do or accomplish with money.
This is the part I like to bring in following verses:
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” (Mark 10:20 ESV)
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21 ESV)
Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:22-25 ESV)
The point of this parable is not saying a rich person can't enter the kingdom of God but rather the enticement of the riches is a burden for anyone who wishes to pursue Christ. In my testimony above I didn't not have room for Christ because I was blinded by the glimmers of gold.
The Asian Stock Crash has brought me to the brink of bankruptcy. This vary day, after years of conversion and being born again, I am glad God allowed this to happen. Because if he had not, I wouldn't hit rock bottom, I would never have met him, to see myself who I truly am, and most important, I could enter the narrow gate into His kingdom.
As Rach above pointed out: Money is not evil but the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.
Sorry I couldn't tackle your question head on but hopefully this would bring forth some inspirations.
Blessings!
aspen
“"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few
It is hard for me to answer this question because I have different interests. I think it depends on the quality of your relationship with God - are you suffering from guilt, loneliness, distraction? Does your work get in the way of your quiet and peaceful times with God? Does it interfere with you ability to connect and love people who are Christians? Or those outside your work?
For me, I value peace of mind over anything else and it only happens when I can spend a lot of time in meditation and prayer. If I am plugged into TV or an Ipod or getting too wrapped up in external activities - movies, entertainment - my inner life and relationship with God become shallow and I can feel my peace of mind slipping away.
Only you can know the quality of your inner life and relationship God. For me, I choose to live simply - I work with street kids / got rid of my TV years ago / and limit my entertainment activities - curtailing the white noise in life has improved the quality of my life immensely. But, everyone is different. I have a friend who is a writer for a sitcom and he is a strong Christian.
I will pray for your discernment in the area of your career and your relationship with God.
For me, I value peace of mind over anything else and it only happens when I can spend a lot of time in meditation and prayer. If I am plugged into TV or an Ipod or getting too wrapped up in external activities - movies, entertainment - my inner life and relationship with God become shallow and I can feel my peace of mind slipping away.
Only you can know the quality of your inner life and relationship God. For me, I choose to live simply - I work with street kids / got rid of my TV years ago / and limit my entertainment activities - curtailing the white noise in life has improved the quality of my life immensely. But, everyone is different. I have a friend who is a writer for a sitcom and he is a strong Christian.
I will pray for your discernment in the area of your career and your relationship with God.
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24[/background]
Trust what Christ says...
Trust what Christ says...
I'm planning on writting books, creating video game ideas, and making a trading card game. Although I am not rich yet and have no projects out on the market yet, I do realise that if the Lord is going to bless me with scucess, that the scucess if going to cause both a potentual problem with sin nature, the Love of money, and with being prideful. I don't have much expearence in money, but the best way to avoid the love of money is to keep the excess money flowing into something productive, such as charaty and saving money for the next project.
I want to meet some Christians that like making money. I'm sick of Christians that like being poor!
Not all Christians are poor. But if you meet a Christian who loves being rich more than he loves Jesus or other people...you have not really met a Christian, you have met and idolater. Use money to love people, or you'll end up loving money and using people. It's that simple. If you want to be wealthy, make sure you have a sound grasp on Christ like love for others.
I'll stand in that line. I'm not there yet but I am not opposed to trying life abounding. I've got the abased part down pat
For the love of money is the root of all evil. Consider the problems in the world today, it all points to money... I would rather see the complete and utter downfall of money than to pursue riches.
Remember it is easier for a camel....
Remember it is easier for a camel....
Read Genesis after the fall....life is supposed to be miserable and for most of human history it has been,the non stop torment and misery of nature with its countless ways of inflicting pain and suffering,it's only now here at the point of final judgement that ilife is easy and relatively free of the torments of creation...its all about misery here that is temporary vs misery later that is eternal that is the choice we are given.
Too bad we are not acquainted. I know a few self-proclaimed Christians who not only like to make money, but are filthy rich. The problem is, most exhibit little signs of the fruits of the spirit. I'm not judging but merely observing so don't get me wrong.
Luke 8:4-6
[4] "While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: [5] 'A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. [6] Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. [7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. [8] Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.' When he said this, he called out, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear
For those who seek for material wealth, from what I learned they usually end up facing the issue of verse 7:Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
I've been there, done that, now I know why Jesus gave us the parable about the needle/camel metaphor. I admit I am still an opportunist and often pray that God would provide for me so I can make ends meet. But I can't hide the fact that in those prayers three are wants more than needs. But if one day God gives me a second chance and grand me the wealth once again I would know my place, stand firm, share my bundle and be humble among my friends. Now that is hard to do because if it isn't, Satan wouldn't have taken the fall out of Pride! B)
Its also common for Satan to offer us the 'pleasureable' things in life. Remember, ;Yea hath God said..."
Look I have nothing against Socialism.. and I think Stalin did a lot of wonderful things for the planet! I really do...I really do. I don't really want to get into exactly what I do on here..however, there are very lucrative opportunities that I am missing out on. I cant help but to notice all my friends/colleagues that already have a girl friend, or, are married. They have the finer things in life. Some even have nice fancy cars Totaling $35,000 each. Some even have babies now. My point is this, others are getting more richer while I am getting poorer. What can god do for me about this? I feel like my only choice is to make a deal with the devil!
I'm living on a farm after ten years of the worst drought in our history. So yeah, we're struggling financially as well and yeah, I can say that it would be very nice to not worry if next week I can buy groceries or not.
But do you know what else? I'm not foolish enough to believe that if I only had a million or two, that everything would be peachy. If I had more, I'd want even more still. It's the way of human nature. So while it would be nice to be financially secure, I can honestly say that I'm happy now. I have a family I love very much, I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and I find a quiet joy in living this humble life to the full for Jesus, right now. It may be that in years I will be able to do just that with more money, in a different place...who knows what Jesus has in store for us. But if I, for one second, put money and the 'good things' of this life, above Jesus, then I have lost my way.
Your friends may have money now, but what does that truly mean? Tomorrow they could wrap that $35,000 car around a tree and loose their family....and all their money won't bring them back. The only true and enduring treasure is Jesus....do not loose sight of this.
I just don't think life is supposed to be as good as some seem to think it should be...heaven is something to look forward to,with that said i don't like pain and suffering anymore than anyone else currently living in a house of flesh.
I think we are blinded by the old 'good is evil and evil is good' cliche. People don't believe they can get by without money, and just this alone creates a drive to keep that job, or work for that promotion. Afterall, itll gain you respect...in this world. Now, Abraham was a wealthy man, blessed by God for being righteous, so we cannot say that having wealth is a sign of an antichrist. But its when you allow money to come before God that you are then creating an idol.
There is a very antichrist band, Korn, that lost their primary guitar player several years ago. He goes by the name 'Head', and he recently converted to Christianity! Praise God, he has subsequently taken ALL of his riches and gave them over to charity and missionary work worldwide. While I think we should do missionary work here in our land BEFORE we take care of the rest of the world, this is a very noble and selfless thing that he did. Anyway, he wrote a song called 'money'. Look it up.
I have found the true peace at heart that Yahweh God blesses us with when we pull away from the world. I have little room for moral corruption as I don't watch TV, rarely if ever listen to the radio, and even in general could care less about our pagan government and its workings. I live for Christ, and know in my heart that God knows the things that we need, so why worry about where clothes, food, and shelter comes from. He know that the birds need these things and he provides it, so why would His highest creation go without it?
It can be hard at times, seeing everyone else in the world having 'fun', but to me, they spend their times at festivals of 'trees' 'white squirrels' renaissance, etc. All the while NEVER holding a public festival such as Feast of Trumpets or Tabernacles. And before any of you come to me with 'those days are for the Jews', go study the Jewish religion, and see if it points to the same god. Jesus says that without Him, you DONT have the Father. And those that deny the Christ are antichrists. The people concerned in Scripture are "Israelites" not "Jews", but that will need to be another topic.
My point is, many Christians just follow the world, accepting every new doctrine as if it is law. isn't this the same things the Pharisees, the Jews, did in Christs day? Put forth mans law as THE LAW. Sure, give to Rome what is due to Rome, and to God what is Gods, right? What if that very system made it illegal to own a bible? How many of you out there in Christendom would willingly let them take one of our most vital parts of the Word from us? Are there still Christians soldiers today that would lay down their lives for their God? I believe it, God blessed Phinehas with an everlasting covenant, and eternal priesthood. If you don't know Phinehas, i recommend a study on him and just to why God chose to bless him. It wasn't for following the ways of man, thats for certain.
I pray for any Christians ability to overcome the obstacles of this world, but at the same time, i pray that we are kept shielded from the deceptions of our enemy.
There is a very antichrist band, Korn, that lost their primary guitar player several years ago. He goes by the name 'Head', and he recently converted to Christianity! Praise God, he has subsequently taken ALL of his riches and gave them over to charity and missionary work worldwide. While I think we should do missionary work here in our land BEFORE we take care of the rest of the world, this is a very noble and selfless thing that he did. Anyway, he wrote a song called 'money'. Look it up.
I have found the true peace at heart that Yahweh God blesses us with when we pull away from the world. I have little room for moral corruption as I don't watch TV, rarely if ever listen to the radio, and even in general could care less about our pagan government and its workings. I live for Christ, and know in my heart that God knows the things that we need, so why worry about where clothes, food, and shelter comes from. He know that the birds need these things and he provides it, so why would His highest creation go without it?
It can be hard at times, seeing everyone else in the world having 'fun', but to me, they spend their times at festivals of 'trees' 'white squirrels' renaissance, etc. All the while NEVER holding a public festival such as Feast of Trumpets or Tabernacles. And before any of you come to me with 'those days are for the Jews', go study the Jewish religion, and see if it points to the same god. Jesus says that without Him, you DONT have the Father. And those that deny the Christ are antichrists. The people concerned in Scripture are "Israelites" not "Jews", but that will need to be another topic.
My point is, many Christians just follow the world, accepting every new doctrine as if it is law. isn't this the same things the Pharisees, the Jews, did in Christs day? Put forth mans law as THE LAW. Sure, give to Rome what is due to Rome, and to God what is Gods, right? What if that very system made it illegal to own a bible? How many of you out there in Christendom would willingly let them take one of our most vital parts of the Word from us? Are there still Christians soldiers today that would lay down their lives for their God? I believe it, God blessed Phinehas with an everlasting covenant, and eternal priesthood. If you don't know Phinehas, i recommend a study on him and just to why God chose to bless him. It wasn't for following the ways of man, thats for certain.
I pray for any Christians ability to overcome the obstacles of this world, but at the same time, i pray that we are kept shielded from the deceptions of our enemy.
Im sick of christians that dont like money. I mean im like finding an endless amount of christians that dont like money..There are just too many missed oppertunities not only for me but for others.
I didn't know this forum had people that listened to Nu Metal. Thats cool..but..Your going to give head props right now though? Seriously? When im asking about money....You sound like fox news BS.. Johnathan Davis the lead vocalist of the band KoЯn has a long and tormented history. Some band members aswell. Johnathan went through abuse with his mom.. He also suffered from asthma as a child, and I have also suffered from asthma before in the past, as well. How dare you! Not to mention his earliest musical inspiration was Jesus Christ super star by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The only thing you could possibly be hating on with johnathan is that he attended school in frisco to learn about mortuary Science for a period of time.
You choose to attack the fact that I gave 'props' to an artist?I was merely pointing out that someone WITH riches gave it up because he 'woke up'. And what difference does it make if John Davis had a rough childhood, we are all still given a choice! And, the children will suffer for the parents mistakes unto the 4th generation. [background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD [/background]thy[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] God [/background]am[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [/background]generation[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] of them that hate me; [/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]So if he was raised by an antichrist 'god' hater of a mother, of course that is all he knows and accepts. That is part of this apostasy we are in today. [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Again, if you are only going to attack someone because you got offended for the sake of some perverted, media controlled rock singer, then have at it. The idea of a Christian loving money is silly, we can see how that very thing betrayed Christ through Judas Iscariot. The love of money is the root of all evil, are you going to take the bibles word on that, or are you going to make up your own version of what you want to hear? What part of a camel passing through the eye of a needle before a rich man enters the gate do you not understand? There is a reason many Christians have a sort of 'hate' of money. We have this aversion because we see the evils in the world created BY money. So don't be so quick to think that Christians are by any means in the wrong on this matter. The Word says that YOU are wrong in your paradigm, so i would strongly reconsider claiming to be a Christian if you are going to choose just part of the Word to guide you on your way.[/background]
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