“It’s only 12 seconds.”
Every day situations arise that test our faith. Some are obvious. Some appear small and innocent. We tend to overlook them, simply going along with society. Many decisions need to be made quickly in our fast-paced culture. We decide things under pressure. We make decisions as to not disappoint friends, family, bosses, co-workers. We put our job, societal pressure, fear of being disliked or shunned above our beliefs far too often.
I recently read an article concerning the upcoming Dr. Strange marvel movie. In it, a 12 second scene is under scrutiny in many countries. Content, in reference to LGBTQ, in the film has led some countries to issue bans on the film. The popular theme is, “Its only 12 seconds.” Why make such a fuss over 12 seconds. It sure would be easier to simply look past and conform to societal norms and simply agree.
Now going out, getting angry, protesting the film, or the growing number with similar content, and causing a commotion is not the answer. “Be angry and do not sin” (Psalm 4:4). However, if asked by your boss, co-worker, friends, would you lean more on “its only 12 seconds?” OR would you use this moment to share God’s Word? “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) Would you look past the issue and spend money to support content such as this? Does supporting content and products such as this help further the Gospel message? OR does it hinder God’s Word from advancing?
This is only one example of the many decisions we are faced with every single day. They appear to be small, yet quickly add up to derail our transformation as a Christian and the advancement of God’s Word. If asked why, as a Christian, you are supporting with your time and money content such as this, how would you respond? We are to walk as Christ walked (1 John 2:6). Is supporting companies, content, people who go against God’s Word walking as Christ walked? Is the easy path, going along with society, simply letting 12 seconds not hinder your pleasure of entertainment and enjoyment walking as Christ walked?
Jesus says, “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it” (Matt. 7:14). The gate to eternal life is narrow. The path that leads to eternal life is difficult. Walking as Christ walked comes with hardships. Jesus says, “Pick up your cross daily” (Luke 9:23). When challenges arise, decisions are to be made, how will you answer and respond? Jesus tell us, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). The transformation, sanctification process, of one’s life by the Holy Spirit is how we are able to do the Will of God the Father.
Before I was born again, being transformed by the Holy Spirit in a lifelong sanctification process, becoming more like Christ each and every day, I would have had no issue with content such as we see daily in our culture. I may have not agreed with it, but would often look past for my own desire of pleasure and entertainment. I chose my will over God’s Will. “As the Truth is in Jesus, to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the Truth” (Eph. 4:21-24). The Holy Spirit, upon our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as savior, transforms our minds into Christ-likeness.
“Therefore, be imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1). “But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you” (Eph. 5:3). “Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Eph. 5:5). Making decisions for your own desire and will over God’s will is idolatry. Self-will over God’s will is idolatry. 12 seconds may seem just that. No big deal. Jesus says, “Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!” (Matt. 7:23).
I too was on the wide path. The easy path. I felt moral, good, saved. I thought I did mostly right; I am ok. I made decisions for my will, not God’s. I lessened the severity of sin. The severity of accepting. Accepting sin, from myself and others. Just a little sin, nothing major. My will, not God’s. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image” (2 Cor. 3:18). As we walk like Christ, transformed by the Holy Spirit into his likeness, we take off the old, sinful self, and put on the new. The new self that is offended by anything that offends the Truth; the Truth of God’s Word and His Will.
Jesus says, “let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Deny your will, your wants, your desires, your pride. When decisions that seem so simple are in front of you, will you follow the wide path, or the narrow path? Jesus says, “For whoever is ashamed of me and my Words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Glory and that of the Father and the Holy Angels” (Luke 9:26). Transformation is picking up the cross daily, unashamed of God’s Word, following Christ; not the fallen world.
Jason Pauley
