While watching The Voice on NBC I saw the preview for Justin Bieber’s upcoming single “Boyfriend.” In a 30 second preview, our students were bombarded with messages about what it means to date. His simple phrase, “If I was your boyfriend,” accompanied by hands touching his body and sexually whispering in girls ears sends a VERY CLEAR message.
It’s time to go to work. While it would be IMPOSSIBLE to address every element of pop-culture that opposes the gospel, starting with poster-boy Justin Bieber is easy. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 is a beautiful way of conveying how pop-culture detracts from our sanctification, our process of becoming holy. It states, “ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”
As Student Pastors, we must help students place everything they do within the process of their sanctification. We need to get them questioning, “Is this making me more holy, set apart for God?” “Does this song, movie, relationship, or action set me apart for God?” “Am I in control of my body or am I letting outside influences impact how I control my body?”
We are fighting an uphill battle, but it’s a battle that must be fought. However, the more fun you can make pointing out how ridiculous pop-culture is, the better. I.e. “I’m Elmo and I know it,” a spoof of “I’m sexy and I know it” by LMFAO.
And that’s all I have to say about that…
As Jay and Erica’s Nana & Papa, we very much appreciate your role in their lives. Jay was thrilled to be invited to lunch with you … he speaks of you often! We are so pleased that our grandchildren love Jesus and follow His word. We agree with your opinion regarding worldly influences that don’t encourage our kids in the pursuit of sanctification. I thought it was time we let you know how blessed we are to know our kids are looking to your ministry for education and encouragement in their walk with the Lord. Thanks also for your blogs…they help keep us current with their lessons so we can ask them more than “what’s new?” Linda