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NASB | John 17:15 "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 17:15 "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. |
Bible Question:
As I was surfing the web one day, I came across an invitation to join in on a boycott. It was reported that a big company was planning on supporting the Olympic games for homosexuals and lesbians. The person, or organization, suggested that we, as Christians, should boycott this company that was supporting this event. It sounded like a good idea to me. I have been thinking about this for sometime now. The conclusion I came to is we daily face the possibility of supporting and propagating the promotion of things that do not fit who we are in Christ. We give our money to purchase a product or service. The businesses we patronize maintain operations with the support we provide. Many of the corporate organizations partake in and promote ungodly practices for greedy monetary gain. Below is a list of examples of products/services and unchristian practices: 1. Cable or satellite television services--unacceptable language/violence/porn 2. Theaters and movie rental stores----gratuitous language, sex and violence 3. Grocery stores----tobacco products and alcoholic beverages 4. Super centers----products from foreign countries (possible sweatshops) (support of foreign people serving false gods) 5. Postal and parcel services---porn and ungodly items are shipped daily 6. Any foreign material products; automobiles, electronics, household items, ect. -----possible sweatshops and support of foreign people serving false gods 7. Internet services---promote unchristian ideas and products, gives access porn and other unacceptable practices I thought I had resolved this issue within myself. I thought "I give my money to them. What they do with it is between God and them". This idea was short lived. I thought again "But, if I know for sure that this company I am supporting is practicing ungodly deeds, then it is unchristian of me to do so". Ok, here, finally, are my questions: Is there any merit to what I have thought through and concluded? If so, then how is a Christian to survive in this world without supporting those who are going against God's guidelines? |
Bible Answer: These issues are things that I think about as well. I live in Canada, recently the marriage act in Canada was redifined and made into law, that the act now states: Marriage is between two persons. No longer is it a man and a woman. This new law is sad for our country and what that will do for the families of our country. Does that mean I move out of the country I was born in? No, I pray for our country and our leaders. God uses everything for good. Look below at 1 Timothy 2. This is what Jesus says, Matthew 22:17-21 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Romans 13 1-2 1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 1 Timothy 2 1-4 1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I know in my life when I go to the video store I seek out movies that are true stories, like 'In my Country', or stories with a message - you have to look for them and read the back. The Lord gives us discernment through the helper, the Holy Spirit. I don't watch on TV reality shows that are filled with inappropriate content. I don't always do the right thing, but with Jesus' help and being in the word I can. We are not of the world, but we must live in it until Jesus comes again. For me I find just sharing my testimony with people in my life who don't know Jesus helps me to survive in this world. Being involved in my church community helps as well. Also helping those who are less fortunate, like a orphaned child in a third world country is another good way to share the hope of Jesus. Matthew 19:16-22 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,'and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. I hope this verses give you some comfort, Jesus is with you. God Bless - TK |