I don't think you or anyone else proclaiming the name Christian should go see Magic Mike.
In case you haven't seen the trailers, Magic Mike is a movie coming out starring many of today's top male actors as male dancers/strippers. They hint at some parts of romance, but the trailers are essentially little 30 second snippets of half-naked men dancing.
Now, some of you might say that this is just fun and entertaining and shouldn't be taken too seriously. After all, it's just a movie.
My first instinct is that to watch this movie is disrespectful to our husbands. In the same way that we wouldn't want our husbands going off to watch half-naked women swing around a pole, we should offer them the same respect and honor. I've talked about honoring husbands in regards to actors/celebrities before so I don't want to beat a dead horse in sorts. You can find that post here.
But then I know that some of you are not married. What's the harm then? Surely you can enjoy the single life and go watch some eye candy? After all, it's not like you're going to act out the lust that the movie seeks to inspire.
Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
-Part of the chorus in Song of Solomon
To the single ladies I would implore you to refrain from stirring up any additional desire before the time comes that you are able to fulfill those desires with your husband. I know that this is hard to do when our society surrounds us with sexual images, but this is one image you can keep from seeing.
To guard our eyes and minds is but one way in which we are able to live out the name Christian in a world that seeks to distract us so often.
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel"
-Philippians 1:27
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
-Philippians 4:8
Paul not only instructs, but almost pleads with the Philippians to focus their thoughts and their lives around the gospel and the virtues of faith. This isn't just so that they will be good little Christians and march off towards Heaven, but this is so that the witness of their lives will reflect the glory of Christ and the will of God.
Perhaps you have been invited to go see this movie as part of Girl's Night or a Bachelorette party. Well, now's the time to stand firm in your convictions.
"Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
-Ephesians 5: 15-16
As hard as it may be to follow the way of the gospel and as tempting and fun as the way of the world seems, I beg of you to think through your movie-watching plans. Pray for the Spirit's guidance and honestly ask yourself if it would be wise for you to see this movie.
Thanks for posting this. I totally agree with you! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt always rubs me the wrong way when I see people quoting scripture just to make their point. That being said, I do agree with most of your post, and we must always be wary of temptation.
ReplyDeleteBut I also think that by avoiding all things 'sexual' we have created problems for ourselves that lead to things like breastfeeding in public being viewed as 'sinful'
I don't think we should avoid all things sexual, and was definitely not just quoting scripture to make my point. I'm sorry if you read it that way.
ReplyDeleteI do however believe that those who call themselves followers of Christ should be wary of what they allow into their minds and lives and that this movie does not show sexuality in the ways that God has planned it.