Previously if I was to write a blog like this, I would begin
with a disclaimer of apology, and tell everyone that I was only talking about
myself, and to not feel convicted over my convictions. Not doing that today-so
we shall see how this goes.
I have been a movie person for a long time. Movies are my
go-to entertainment item. I have also been a Harry Potter ‘fan’ since I was
about 16. I own all the Harry Potter movies, and they are my go-to movie when I
have nothing else to watch, because quite honestly I find them entertaining no
matter how many times I watch them. I took my Harry Potter-likeness up a notch
this Christmas. Before I returned to Burundi from the US, I purchased the first
two books to read while I was here. Harmless entertainment. I read the first
book. I was so excited about the new details I was getting that I did not get
in the movies. The foreshadowing was so much fun. Onto the second book. As I
began reading, I started to think in my head “Rachel, you need to rebuke
demonic activity in your house while you are reading this book, just in case.”
Yes, I actually thought that thought on several occasions, as I continued
reading. Perhaps it was because I now live in a country where witchcraft is out
in the open, and where witch doctors are easily and often accessed. I continued
reading, and continued getting these thoughts in my head. Then came the night
when we had no electricity, and I was in my living room reading Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets by candlelight. As I read, I grew fearsome of
demonic activity taking place in my living room. I kid you not, I literally
threw the book down. I just sat there for a few minutes, thinking on these
things, and I made the decision to dispose of my books and movies. My mother
was here a few weeks ago, and I told her of my decision. She has been
disapproving of mine and my sister’s enjoyment of the Harry Potter series since
the beginning, so I guess I felt the need to tell her as an almost-apology. I
also disposed of several movies, rated R, PG13, and PG alike, that I was
letting into my thought life for “entertainments sake”. Um, I guess this is my introduction for this
blog. Next paragraph.
In January, I reread Kenneth E Hagin’s book ‘How You Can Be
Led by the Spirit of God’. The beginning of the book seriously emphasizes that
we, God’s creation, are a spirit, have a soul, and live in a body. 1
Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Peter 3:4, Proverbs 20:27. I could go
on. I was really challenged and began to seriously think of myself as a spirit
being, because well, that is what I am. (For all of my fellow Rhemanites: yes, I
realize that I should have learned all of this while at bible school. I am
grateful for mercy.) Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God..” As a biblical and general
world concept, in order for things to grow or even stay alive, we must feed
them. This applies to all earthly and spiritual beings. To get right to the
point, I refuse to feed my spirit and mind garbage any longer. It is not okay,
for the sake of social interaction, boredom, ‘fitting in’, entertainment, or
even to ‘open a door to ministry’. I am about to get specific. Any ‘comedy’
that is rated R for really, ANYTHING, can in no way edify, build, or strengthen
my mind or spirit. Not only does it not edify, but it is harmful. Use your own
discretion on movies rated anything less than that, but it is getting to the
point where most of the ’13 and over’ movies are all garbage. My brain cannot
handle this garbage. It gets stuck in my thoughts, and stays there for weeks
until I renew my mind enough to forget about it. Not worth it. Now, maybe you
are not as sensitive as I am with these things. Maybe you can go participate in
such activities and forget about them minutes later. To this I would say, as
children of God, we are called to be Christ-like. Jesus ate and drank with
sinners, but did not participate in their activities for the sake of ‘ministry’
or entertainment.
Romans 8:12-14- “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors- not to
the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the
flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put the death the deeds of the
body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are
sons of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31- “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
So- read the Word- the life-giving, God breathed Word of
God, and judge for yourself what needs changing, deleting, adding, in your
life. Evaluate what you deem “harmless” and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. It
is so worth it.
