I want to start of this post by saying, “forgive me if I seem heated.” But to be completely honest, this whole “Magic Mike” movie craze really frustrates me. Why? Because once again, the world has taken something that is dark and turned it into something glamorous.
I believe many of us would come to the same conclusion when it comes to discussing the moralistic side of stripping, yet nearly hundreds of thousands of women are cheering to see Channing Tatum strip down naked in his new movie “Magic Mike.”
Making money by taking off your clothes isn’t glamorous, yet hollywood makes it look pretty by casting some good-looking guys and a catchy title. Really America?
DID YOU KNOW?
– There are over 5,000 strip clubs in America.
- The median age for a stripper is 24 years old.
- There are more than nine female strippers for every one male stripper. The industry checks in around 92 percent female, eight percent male.
Don’t get me wrong, Channing Tatum is a good-looking dude. But stripping isn’t a glamorous lifestyle. In fact, 2/10 women currently stripping in the USA wish they could get out of the industry, but they don’t know how.
I’m not here to be legalistic or judgmental. I’m here to be respectful and honorable to the bodies God has given us. If you call yourself a follower of Christ, Magic Mike is not a movie to be written on your “need to see” list.
Dear ladies, if you’re in constant search for a respectful and honorable man, seeing “Magic Mike” isn’t a good start.
- Jarrid Wilson
While I’m totally for everything you just said I’m wondering…why is there a “sudden” need for morality in movies when it’s suddenly guys stripping? If this was a movie about women doing the same thing (Burlesque and Coyote Ugly), it probably won’t garner that much attention but because it’s men it’s raising eyebrows.
My question is why do you think that is?
This is the movie that I found the conviction in. God speaks at unexpected times.
You are totally right, Jherrel. I also agree with your post, Jarrid, (personally I don’t want to see the movie) but I think it’s wrong how people freak out about girls ogling guys, while never saying a thing about guys doing the same thing because of excuses like “they’re just being guys..and that’s just how they are..they can’t help it” and it’s totally wrong. It’s such a double standard. I think it would be great if a guy would stand up against a movie that guys are drooling about watching because of the actress/female content in it, and say how that is wrong. And not just suddenly get enraged because 1 out of 100 movies actually has a guy as the stripper instead. (Also, did it ever occur to you that some of these women are using it as an opportunity to get back at their husband or boyfriend for all the crap they’ve watched that has female nudity in it.)
Totally agree with your points Victoria! I’ve actually done other posts about men engaging in porn and lustful desires as well. This post was directed to both parties, but it definitely had more of a womanly influence due to channing tatum being the main character haha.
Thanks for your reply, Jarrid. I just get frustrated at times because I’m constantly dealing with attitudes of “that’s just how guys are” even from “Christan” men, and I don’t believe this is the way God wants women OR men to behave.
I agree 100%
Jarrid,
Another great blog. I’m not going to lie that I fall under that category of crazed women who wanted to see Channing Tatum. But I actually didn’t know that it contained him stripping down naked. I thought it was just a shirt off type and that was it. I like Channing Tatum as an actor but I will have to agree with you on this one. Thanks for reminding me how demeaning and lustful it really is.
And I like what you said in the end. Thank you, again!
-Karen (Kabochan)
Thanks Karin! Appreciate you.
you’re welcome :)
good thing I haven’t gone and seen it yet XD
don’t think I will anymore. haha
I walked in on 30 seconds of it and walked out disgusted! It is very vulgar. I was interested in seeing Matthew myself, but not when I saw what the movie was about.
Appreciate your input Kathy. Proud you walked out.
And Twilight (young almost naked dudes) came about right when women being “Cougars” did. Coincidence? No! Satan has been a liar from the very beginning, and still uses pride, lust and self esteem to deceive people.
2 Corinthians 4:4 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Father forgive them for they know not what they do? But Christians do! Don’t they?
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Amen Brian, this is awesome. Satan is a liar! Praying for you bro.
Yes! I agree with Brian too! Don’t get me wrong, I love Twilight…the books (even though it is bad to read as well) but I get what he means. lol
I couldnt agree anymore!
Amen!
I completely agree! I have been shocked at the women who think this movie is okay. My 16 year old daughter took a stand against this movie which changed some of her friends minds about going to see it. We need to take more stands against sin.
Amen Denise. This is awesome!
I actually had no desire to see this movie and was even told I was a prude that needs to laugh and have fun more often because of it. I heard Joel Stockstill teach one night and he opened my eyes to a lot of things. One being what we read or watch or listen to feeds our spirits. He asked the question, “What are you feeding your spirit? That which is pure and righteous or that which is worldly and junk food? ” I want to feed my soul that which is pure and righteous. God Bless
Thanks for this post! It is awesome! A friend asked me to see it with her and a few other girls for her birthday and I have been iffy about it but decided that it wasn’t that big of a deal and I’d see it since she asked me to. This post reminded me that it is a big deal, what goes in comes out as they say. Why would I do deliberately something that I know is not honoring to God. Needless to say, I will not be seeing it with them!
Thank you!
I don’t think watching a movie would make me less godly… I don’t understand why it would, I’m sure striping isn’t glamorous or entertaining but it’s a movie not a documentary.
Hey Chelsea, I am a strong believer in what we feed our hearts will undoubtedly affect who we become.
Colossians 3:1 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”
This is true thanks!!! P.S I wasn’t interested. In waching this movie I was just wondering I acutely think watching men I don’t know would be weird.
I can’t lie and say that I wasn’t momentarily caught up in the hype for this movie. I have watched Channing Tatum movies in the past, but until after looking up the synopsis of the movie I didn’t see the harm in watching it. Initially I allowed myself to want to be like everyone else and be swept away with the hype and the hunk. However, God slapped me in the face with the truth- I found out it was about strippers and had excessive nudity (I should have known). How could my future husband ever measure up after seeing Tatum on the big screen? I would certainly be comparing my husband to Tatum even if it is just subconciously. Why should I sacrifice one of the most important relationships in my life for a movie (trashy movie at that)? Women and men alike need to stand up against movies like this. Whether it is about men or women it really doesn’t matter. When we create such high expectations for our future spouses, our spouses can’t measure up and it creates tension and strife in a relationship (some of which can be avoided if we avoid movies like this). We cheat ourselves out of a beautiful relationship with God and our spouse when we subject ourselves to these kinds of movies and shows. It is a struggle to fight against conforming, but blog postings like this help to make it feel like I am less alone and gives me strength to do the right thing. Thank you!
I agree with you! I also just think that when you’re in that theatre, lost in what’s happening in front of you, it’s easier to fall into temptation, to idolize, to idealize, to have your heart lust after the man on the screen, or the uninhibited lifestyle that’s been glamorized so much it isn’t true to reality. It’s best not to put your heart in that situation, and wise to avoid anything that could crane your head even a little bit to desire the things of the world. Why even take that chance?
Hey Elizabeth, love your response. It’s definitely an opportunity for increased temptation. No need to put our hearts in those situations.
Guard our hearts, remember that in the garden eve “saw” that the tree was good first… The eye are the door way to your soul… Abs, butts, buns and the rest aren’t what God intended for you to put before your eyes, not does your spouse. The fact that the world is doing something is a good sign of what we are not to do. †
Amen Brian! I love it.
Besides, this IS Hollywood. Just like images in the fun house mirrors, body parts are not exactly what they seem to be. There is a such thing as camera angles and tricks, as well as hair, make-up, personal trainers and the occult—oh yes, you’d be surprised the length some are willing to go for eternal beauty and youth. Not saying this particular actor represents that fact, but it happens. One of the guys in this movie I read is actually involved in a same sex partnership with his lover. I used to dance, albeit short time. Please. Its a fantasy. Strip clubs are rampant with low self esteem for dancers, especially the ladies and a lot of the fellas are gay. Its a fantasy. Our souls are too important to be getting entangled with spirits of perversion. Been there, done there. And spirits travel from movie theaters. Not worth it.
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
This goes for us ladies, too. I certainly don’t want my husband looking at porn. How is this much different? Between “Magic Mike” and “50 Shades”, Satan sure has his eyes on the ladies this summer. Please, ladies. For the sake of your marriage or future marriage, don’t be tempted. Keep your eyes on Him and feed your spirit with that which is good and righteous.
Thank you for posting this! I am SO sick of seeing commercials and all the hype. Personally, I felt convicted the moment I saw the clip and I can’t bring myself to get into the hype. I’ve heard many of my friends (some I go to church with) wanting to go see this movie. Hollywood will certainly not be getting my money out of this film!
Amen Lexi.
I agree with your opinion about the movie, and that it would be an unwise choice for a woman to choose to go see it. On a side note, there are a lot of folks (mainly guys) that have been saying things along the lines of if you are a married woman and go see this movie then you have no right to say anything to your husband about a porn addiction. (Mainly this was a statement made by a group called XXXChurch, but also from individuals.) I was just wondering what your thoughts would be on that? My first thoughts are that comparing a one time movie with a life shattering addiction are two completely separate things. One could argue that the movie could be a door leading to further problems (which are still hypothetical), but someone’s husband that is immersed in the addiction of porn has a multitude of other heart problems going on besides just lust. So, what is your take on this?
XXXChurch is doing incredible things! Totally agree.
Rebecca – I will say that my church just talked about something like this two weeks ago. The explaination we were given is that sin is sin. It doesn’t matter which one, they are all bad. There is no degree to sin. Lying is as bad as lust is as bad as same sex is as bad as murder. They are all sin, they are all equally bad. One murder isn’t less worse than ten. They are all equally sinful. To cast categories is to live by our own rules and not Gods. (hope this helps a bit, I know it was eye opening to me)
Sin is a sin in that all of us son and fa short. But there are levels of sin as well as levels in hell and in heaven.
It’s sad to see the porn and stripping lifestyle affect both men and women.
I wonder if a woman’s husband is immersed in porn on a continuous basis, how that feeds into the woman’s heart- in this sense; if my husband were into porn, I would instinctively want to find any way possible to give him the same “dose of medicine”. Being a Christian, I am held to a different set of “rules” (not going to get into the rules except to say, God knows best and I don’t, so I don’t mind him leading).
Yes, the porn industry for gentleman is definitely a huge issue. It’s sad that the media plays into both sides.
Thank you Jarrid for preaching truth. I found it more than a little disturbing when I saw so many Christian women excitedly planning GNO and MNO (girls night out and mom’s night outs) to see this movie.
I also whole heartily agree with Brian and the relation to Twilight and the uprising of cougars.
Keep releasing the truth!
TonyR
Boom. GOOD WORD, the ladies about to stepping up, need good and specific guidance to know what to do!
Okay so you have just made me feel totally ashamed. I’m 17 and I really wanted to see that movie and if it wasn’t for my mom I probably would’ve already seen it. You have made me rethink my decision. I don’t know whether to thank you or not ha
Ambrosia, please do not be ashamed. I do not see Jarrid wishing to shame anyone, only to use truth to convict and conviction brings forth repentance. You have learned, willingly, and that is awesome!
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
I agree with you a hundred percent. The media glamorizes many things that should be deemed unacceptable. Moreover, when we go to see these movies, as Christians, we are basically saying that this is okay and that we embrace/accept this type of lifestyle. Although it is just a movie, when we watch these type of things we are letting it into our hearts and it can cause us to sin. Satan uses these types of movies and things of this nature to pull us away from God. By watching this movie we are basically pulling ourselves into a trap to be used by Satan.
I also agree with you on the fact that this movie does not show the dangers of the stripping world. Many people do not see that some of this strippers do not choose to be in this industry but are forced into it. Or how this lifestyle is a gateway into sex trafficking. This lifestyle is not what Hollywood paints it to be. This lifestyle leads to many people being hurt just not physically, but emotionally and mentally. These men and women have a hard time figuring out their self worth and who they are as a person. I believe if Hollywood wants to make a movie on this subject matter they should do it the right way by showing how these people hurt from this lifestyle.
Good post Jarrid. Where as I don’t think we can stop Hollywood from making these kinds of movies, I do believe we need to be teaching people what honoring our bodies means and showing them what that looks like. It is a sad industry that many women find themselves in because they feel they have no other way. It also teaches men (& women) to look at those stripping that pieces of meat instead of the beautiful image God created to be like Him. So how do we show this desire to people in love?
Amen! Be change.
I’m not going to try to make a case for it being okay, but I saw Magic Mike. It’s Channing Tatum’s life story of getting out of that lifestyle and to be honest, it doesn’t make any light of the industry at all. It shows a good bit of the rough and dangerous side of it.
Ya, the sad thing is that most people weren’t seeing the movie to watch Channings life-story. 99% of the audience was there for other reasons haha. But yes, I did read more to see the not so glamorous side of the movie.
So many teenage girls that are Believers that I know were posting about Magic Mike on twitter, instagram, ect. I posted part of this article as my facebook status recently. A few hours later, I received a facebook message from a friend that is a Believer. She said, “So I’m going to be honest sometimes I feel somewhere in between living for the world and living for God. Your status made the decision for me not to go see that movie. It’s comforting to see real Christians taking a stand. Thankyou” This a such a praise and thank God that one person was able to open their eyes.
Hey Kelsey, I really appreciate your response. It’s sad to see how many people were going to see this movie for the purpose of seeing skin. It goes for both men and women. (Coyote Ugly, Burlesque, Magic Mike)
Ladies, you are beautiful. You deserve a man who is seeking after Gods own heart. That’s what God wants for you too. Seek the One who gives you life, love, mercy, forgiveness…..the One who will direct you to the one that He has for you. Don’t let the world tell you that you have to look a certain way or be with someone just to make you happy..ALL YOU NEED IS GOD.
EXACTLY! Had this very conversation with a friend, and with my husband as well. It’s a slow fade, folks. Satan sure knows how to pretty up sin.
I like how you mentioned “slow fade”. It is so true. That song really puts it in perspective too. The little ones watching our every move. I don’t have kids myself yet, but I do have friends who have kids who watch us all.
Ill have 2 admit when I was invited by many facebook friends to come watch the movie with them…I was like I’m sure it should b fine…(I didnt know all the details I just new My favorite actor was in it” We just finished a series on Guardrails at church n how we should have them in our lives) So when I saw previes of the movie I was like hmm “Maybe I should talk to my husband about this one, (I should have went straight to God about this one :} I said, honey would u mind if I saw theat movie with a couple of friends, he said uhm its up to u how do u feel about it? “so I knew his opinion :} I prayed about it and thought it was simple “If I had to think about if I should put guardrails up for this movie” than it shouldnt be something I should watch….n Yess friends think wow really???
I totally agree with you! If that movie was based the other way around, I’d still be posting this blog post. It’s frustrating to see a world so focused on sex and immorality.
Tabitha, more power to ya and your husband! He did great leading you as a spiritual leader by not making a fuss, but making it your decision and making you look closer to the reality of the situation. That is awesome!
Amen Jarrid! It frustrates me to high heaven!
I agree with your post, but it also works the other way. So many guys LOVE those movies that are all about drugs and sex and guys being stupid and naked fake girls running around in them and they find it all so funny and entertaining. It breaks my heart that so many men love those movies. What it does to us females when our spouse or boyfriend or what have you, watches those movies is so damaging. We see that they love those movies and it can make us think that we need to be like those girls. My husband is a fan of those stupid movies (that make you lose so many brain cells as you watch), but I recently brought to his attention a question for him to contemplate. I asked him, “Is watching those movies honoring to your wife/me?” He finally saw it from my point of view after talking about it with him for a minute and he agreed it was not honoring to me and that he probably shouldn’t watch those movies anymore. I gave him the example of movies like magic mike and how I am SURE he wouldn’t be less than pleased if I went and watched those kind of movies. There are way too many movies like that that are just not worth wasting your life over.
I appreciate hearing fellow Christians taking a stand. Lust is lust. Sin is sin. Yes, Satan is going to try anything to separate husbands and wives and try to deceive us. Seeing this movie would be a Huge double standard. I value my husband and my marriage more. I am not a prude, I just choose my husband. I was told to “grow up” because I believe my husband or myself looking at anything that is pornographic is wrong and an attack on my marriage. Keep standing strong and be the disciple of Christ, not just a convert.
Hey Jaenette, I completely agree with you. It’s sad when people defend something that is inevitably wrong. But at the end of the day, none of us are perfect, and we all have flaws. :) Praying God continues to bring our darkness into light, and that we can find hope in his love.
Jeanette, isn’t it crazy how the enemy has blinded, fooled, or otherwise caused God’s children to compromise!?! Like I said, this movie didn’t interest me at all, but there are plenty of others I have screwed up on. We do need to take a stand against Satan and his kingdom by not watching these, as well as speaking out – as long as we do it by leading of God and in love.
I just read your review on the Unveiled Wife Facebook page. I am sad to say that many women in defending their decision to see this movie became aggitated and a bit agressive stating that us women who have chosen not to see it were being judgemental. I find this sad and a sign of the world we are living in. I have no desire to see another man nude. Visions like that stay in my minds eye and are forever there. The Lord tells us if we even look at another with Lust in our hearts then we have already committed adultery. This is very serious and scary to say the least. I love my husband and wouldnt want him watching a striptease movie! This is all a part of guarding your hearts ladies and gentlemen. 25 years ago this would have been considered a porno movie…we are changing quickly, drastically and for the worse. Keep your eyes on Christ. Blessings to you all,
Thanks for saying something! As a woman of God I don’t want to go to a strip club! So why would I go see a movie set in one! I don’t care who the actors are we need to examin the context and content of what we are watching, not justify it because it’s a movie. I’m so glad there are Godly men out there to advise women and other men.
Appreciate your responses Janna. This post was for both men and women. I am praying we can find direction and guidance to get our mind out of the gutter.
Seriously?
The very notion that one will lose respect for real-life men, become sinners and all the other negative things being bandied about just for seeing a movie tells me that some people are not real secure in their faith.
It also tells me that maybe some people protest too much about how they are appalled at the notion that this even goes on.
Channing Tatum WAS a stripper to pay the bills for a while when he was younger and he never claimed it was a glamorous job. He tells people that there are bad things about it and that he was happy nothing bad happened to him.
Yes, there is stripping in the movie, but there is also a storyline about how/why these men do what they do and it does include the negatives. Funny thing, though–I’m still looking for the protests against every show/movie out there that shows completely naked women at the beck and call of clothed men.
Hey Mimi, this post was actually for both men and women. I totally understand where you are coming from and agree with all your points. What this post was directed towards were the people seeing the movie for the sexual content, not the storyline ;) If this movie was about women, I’d write the same post for men. In fact, I’m going to write a post about men engaged in pornography and other lustful activities. None of us are perfect, but we will never find change unless we bring to light what is in darkness. :) Appreciate your input!
Mimi, it is obvious by your statement that you are convicted, even if you do not see it. I am sorry you feel that us against this movie are not secure in our faith. It is because I am secure in my faith and the direction the Lord gives that I believe the way I do. I know full well this movie falls into the category that God would be well pleased if we (anyone) did not waste our time with.
Another point to everyone who says “what abou the other movies/what about the movies of Hollywood for men”; critical thinking 101- just because someone makes a point/stand against one thing, does NOT negate the point/stand of another.
Thank you for keeping it real! Your post was passed on to my fb page which in turn created atleast 90 comments about the movie. This was my comment regarding the movie. AGAIN…THANK YOU!!! It was exactly what i was feeling!!!! my fb comment:
I saw the tweets before I fell upon the trailor which actually disgusted me. As a follower of the Gospel I have a choice to make, I am for him or against him. There is no grey area!! My love for God and my spirituality cannot allow me to give into my fleshly desires. This movie is filth!! I choose to walk a different path then the “world”. For those of you who do choose to watch this, I will pray that God opens the eyes of your heart that you may truly see him!!!
God does not approve…absolutely not….but who am I to judge….the good Lord above knows that I’ve sat and watched so many things that weren’t good for me. That aside….people need to realize that all these movies are horrible for marriages…especially if they are lacking to begin with. I do not have one friend who is married to someone who looks like Channing Tatum….and I’m sure women are leaving this movie….thinking to themselves…”man..I wish I had a husband like that.”….Movies like Titanic and Notebook aren’t much better….with their messages of “how love should be” …. women leave movies like this thinking….”why isn’t my husband like that”….”why doesn’t my husband do that”…”why doesn’t my husband treat me or love me like that.”…..it’s because IT’S A MOVIE!! IT’S NOT REALITY!! IT IS FANTASY. Rose and Jack knew each other …what….2 days? But the love they showed in that movie….left many female viewers disgruntled with their own marriages. These movies do not show the warts and scars and trials of marriage…..all they show are the googly eyed men…worshipping the ground that these women walk on….that is just not reality…there are so many movies that are horrible for marriages.
AMEN!!!
It disgusts me when people who call themselves Christians (myself included!!) FORGET that we are SET APART! It doesn’t matter if we “think it isn’t a problem”. Yeah? Are we willing to say that to God Almighty, the I AM? Cause that is what we are doing. “Yo God, I love you when it is fun; but, when you get in the way of “cool” movies, plays, parties, etc. I think you are a prude. You just don’t… STOP IT PEOPLE (trust me, I tell myself this – rarely. But, I do have a few good friends who hold me accountable to God- and not just what I want to hear). There are two sides: God=godly and Satan=ungodly. With everything we do and everything we see and everything we say, which category does it fall into? There is ungodly, and those SET APART for godliness. Personally, I don’t believe we Christians should have the idea of holding those who aren’t Christians accountable to loving God, which is obeying him. It is US that need to hold ourselves and each other accountable. We suck at it (a lot of us any way). I am soooo incredibly grateful for the friends I have that don’t have a problem encouraging me when it is good to do so and convicting me when it is good to do so. They help me stay on the right path (as much as possible- it is my decision in the long run).
Thank you Jarrid for doing this. I personally was disgusted with this movie. But put paranormal activity in front of me and I need some butt kicking!
I totally agree with you. We all struggle with lust an insecurities, and I am praying God continues to give us guidance on how to smother this flame.
First, I appreciate everything you’ve said. Thanks for the post.
I sense I’m probably the “old lady” commenting here, but I find this discussion interesting. I have a 14-year-old daughter, who absolutely adores movies. She would never want to see Magic Mike because of it’s blatantly sexual theme.
However, the struggle I have is this: there are dozens of movies out there, rated PG-13 for “sexual references” and billed as a “romantic comedy.” But the theme in each is basically the same. It’s always about a young man and a young woman who both view sex as a funny, recreational sport. They find it normal to objectify the bodies of the opposite sex and find it equally normal to be objectified. Having sex with a stranger is no more impactful than having a cup of coffee. Then, at some point, they wake up naked in bed with someone they don’t know and think, “Oh – this is getting complicated because I’m having an emotional response to this person.”
We avoid these movies, but sometimes something sneaks into a movie I thought would be okay and it gives us an opportunity to talk about the world’s view of sexuality and God’s plan.
I agree that a movie that glamorizes stripping is best avoided; but there’s more to it. There are so many movies and TV shows that glamorize sexual sin. We see it so much that as a society it seems we’ve become inured to the sexualization of almost everything.
Appreciate you LaRae.
LaRae, thank you for your insightful comments. I will relieve you of the ‘oldest’ title by telling you that I have an 18 year old granddaughter. Thank you for your contribution to this conversation.
I’ve not read all the comments, so you may have already answered this question. Did you see the movie, Jarrid, or are you just going on the TV trailers and reviews?
I ask because I refrain from judging a film or book before I have actually read it or seen it.
I did not see the movie, but I read a detailed synopsis of the movie from the director.
Jarrid, I can appreciate your honesty about not seeing the movie. And I appreciate your honesty in making others aware of the possible pitfalls in viewing it. Each of us has to find our way in this process of discernment and pastoral care.
I haven’t seen the movie either and really have no desire to see it, but I can imagine that a discerning person who is spiritually mature might be able to find something that is socially redemptive in the show. And having seen it, that person can begin a conversation from that common experience with one who is seeking. We should not quickly ‘write off’ the ones who have seen it.
By no means am I suggesting anyone go out and see this movie–but I am suggesting that those who have seen it can provide insights that you and I can only imagine.
P.S. I am an old woman and my resolve to refrain from commenting on a movie or a book without having first seen it or read it stands firm. But as I said, each of us comes to our own process of discernment & pastoral care.
Appreciate your insight Barbra! Really means a lot. I know at the end of the movie they briefly touch on the darkness of the stripping lifestyle, but it’s very brief and in short.
I have to comment. I am one who has often said, “how can I counter something if I haven’t seen it (read it, whatever)?” The thing is, that can get us into real trouble. Do we really need to see something to know it is bad? What about tasting something? I mean, the bottle says “poison” but I’ll bet someone out there just wants to spoil my fun. Satan is a LIAR! He will tell us over and over that these are our lives and we can do what we wish. But, when we accept Christ our bodies become a temple of the Lord. Do we go into a church and paint graffiti? Why would we want to fill the temple of the Lord with things that aren’t God-honoring?
I am NOT perfect. Nor to I expect others to be, but we need to stop saying “I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve experienced it” and realize that once you’ve experienced it, it is part of you. You can never “unsee” the things you have seen.
Dawn, I hope you can see my comment to Jarrid. It addresses your concerns also.
I agree with you Dawn. God has given us believers, the Holy Spirit to lead us toward God- away from evil. He gives us the discernment to stop us short of sin or bad decisions that will hurt us, others, and therefore the kingdom of God.
Barbara ~
You must evoke some sense of discernment prior to making decisions. You can’t just go see an X-rated kill flick or read 50 shades of whatever color and then say, “Oh My, perhaps I shouldn’t have seen/read that.” What you fill your mind with is what permeates your heart and soul. Please be careful about what you allow yourself to witness because ALL of it affects you … even if you don’t want to acknowledge that. Choose to experience only what is right and true and Godly.
Felicia, if I discern that a movie is not something I want to put into my thoughts and in my mind–then I will also choose not to comment on it. That is the point I am trying to make.
I am an old woman and I have worked out this process of discernment and pastoral care over the years. If you can see my comment to Jarrid perhaps it will be clearer to you. I think of myself as a very discerning Christian.
I would just like to share my little story about this movie. First off, I didn’t know anything at all about this movie’s existence until it started buzzing around twitter lol As it has been my own conviction to stay away from the media and tv, I usually am not up-to date with the latest releases anymore… but I just wanted to share and acknowledge how great God is at definitely sharing with me that it probably isn’t such a great movie for me to be fixing my eyes on. So as I seen tweets going on and on about Magic Mike I then tweeted myself “whats all this magic mike talk?” I didn’t get any responses and forgot about it but about a couple of days later I got an email from Jarrid here titled “Magic Mike” I was interested right away read this post and thought wow… so now I kind of have an idea what this “Magic Mike is all about” I didn’t feel any conviction because I didn’t know about the movie or have a desire to see it, but God had confirmed with me that Jarrid post was right when my mom was feeling convicted. As I had a discussion with my mom , who is 40-years-old and has just began to re-new a relationship with God Dec 2011, she brought up Magic mike in our conversation ( I thought wow this is just the topic of the week! haha ) But she mentioned some of her friends invited her to see Magic Mike, but she had told them no because she felt it wasn’t right for her to put herself in position where she would have thoughts of lusting over Mr. Tatum in that movie. That as a child of God it just didn’t feel right to her. Her friends couldn’t believe what she was really saying and laughed it off and thought it was kind of ridiculous. I am very proud of my mom for taking that stand for God. As for myself, I thought God thanks for answering me even when I least expect it. He is always with us its amazing :) Thanks Jarrid for this post your on the right path!
i love everything about this. Satan is gonna use this movie to attack so many Christ-followers (and non-followers as well!). We should all be praying for the minds of these viewers.
i read this awesome blog about this movie as well as “50 Shades of Grey”. super super good. you all should read it.
http://melissajenna.com/2012/06/30/50-shades-of-magic-mike-in-which-i-am-very-uncool/
How about we stop blaming God and Satan and take responsibility for ourselves?
How about we realize that God is obviously not to be blamed, Satan goes about this earth (and his cronies) SEEKING to devour those he can, and it is our decision who we follow and how we use who we follow to lead others.
Amen. Love the word usage (Cronies). Remind me of Matt Chandler. :)
Okay, this is what I did. I got curious as to what this movie is about, so, I googled it and founf it on IMBD (you know) and the wikipedia. Wiki pedia gave a detailed description about the movie, thereby satisfying a need to see it in person. It sounds like a decent topic, but it’s the sensationalism that gives it it’s je ne se quoi. I didn’t need to see anyone’s nude body. I know what it’s about, now, on to the next topic.