By Emilie Gruben.
Photo Credits: Ann.
In our world, today, there is no shortage of evil and wrongdoing (Rom. 3:23). And just as much, if not more, there is a problem of embracing such. To stab a person in the back for their wrongs is seen as an inspiring action of self-preservation and courage. To abandon responsibilities and take a time of relaxation is not seen as lacking self discipline so much as self-care and “awareness of one’s limits.” We make many excuses for bad behavior, and perhaps the biggest excuse we make is ignorance. Today’s subject is that of influences in media, and its subtle grip on our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Why it is necessary to look at the world with discernment and not acceptance.
“It’s me, hi// I’m the problem, it’s me// At teatime, everybody agrees// I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror// It must be exhausting always rooting for the ant-hero.”
These are the words to the chorus of the song “Anti-hero” by Taylor Swift. An anti-hero is defined as “a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities.” Bravery and morality to be a few. In songs like these, we see a person who is being “open” and “vulnerable,” seemingly putting all flaws and shortcomings out there for the public to see. This is not an admirable thing, nor is it humble or honest. There is no indication of apology or a want or need to change; instead there is only an acknowledgment of self and wrong doings with little thought. Songs like these cleverly sweep up the people of today with catchy tunes, vivid sounds, meticulously made music videos, and repeated publicity. The lyrics are blasted on trending videos, grocery store speakers, and in the backgrounds of car rides. It’s hard to go a day without somehow hearing the trending songs of the world. And that’s exactly its purpose.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a writer. A reader. A story enjoyer. I am always one to say that a book needs a good villain, or a morally gray character. Growing up, and still to this day, some of my favorite characters are Edmund Pevensie and Eustace Scrubb. I would get very frustrated and annoyed when I would hear people say that “no one should write characters who made bad decisions and were bad people, who ended up saving the day.” Many times I would listen in horror, thinking about how wrong that sounded. I enjoyed flawed characters-seeing how they could be wrong and still do good-still have chances to change for the better. As I grow, I realize just what those people meant, and how wrong I was. This comes with spiritual and emotional maturity, as read in 1 Cor. 13:11. “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
There is a dire difference between glorifying and embracing evil, and delicately and intricately describing evil. C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are perhaps two of the most credible people for making this distinction in their literature. I would say that more recent authors whose writing I hold dear is that of S. D. Smith and Andrew Peterson. There is a difference between “the bad guy” saving the day with no need to change who he is; and a person who has made bad choices and decisions, putting off the wrong for good. The difference is seen in lyrics like Taylor’s, with no want to change, compared to Edmund who was cleansed of his sins and betrayals by the almighty Aslan, then sent forth with a new purpose and redeemed life.
When we come to Christ, there will be a change in us which none can deny. To put off the old self for the new. Being ‘born again,’ partaking in the attributes of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17 reads: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Not only will the Holy Spirit be within you, convicting a change of character, habits, and way of life, but you will wish to please Him. Your change of self is not an “obligation” but a continuation of your desire to live as a Christian.
In Christ, you will be led by the Holy Spirit to pursue what is good and beautiful in His sight. Philippians reminds us of these commands, telling us on which things we should center our thoughts, attention, and actions towards. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
As you become centered in Christ, the more you will begin to see the corruption in our world. The world will only become more disgusting to you, the closer you draw to Christ. In this way, however, the world will try to destroy you. Evil seeks what it hates, doing all that it can to take control. Life will not always be easy. Temptation will never cease. As we recite in the Lord’s Prayer taken from Matthew 6, “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” In our redeemed state, there will still be trials if not more than before our conversion. We must focus on what is pure, good, and righteous in the Lord’s eyes.
As we see in Taylor’s lyrics, she knows that people view her in a negative light. She states so. “At teatime, everybody agrees// I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror.” The thing is, we know we are sinful. No one recognizes their sin more than someone who is truly thankful for their salvation, and in awe of what Christ has done for us. We know how horrid we are, without Christ. Why would others not hate us? Why would we not hate ourselves? But that’s not how people think. Sin is only embraced and applauded.You look everywhere but in the mirror. Flaws are to be accepted and praised. Yet, when you don’t see bad as “good,” then you are looked down upon. Humiliation, anger, and persecution are directed to Christians when they bravely set themselves apart from the world. In this way, be not discouraged, for Christ Himself told us in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.’”
A world of sin will never willingly embrace good. You will be set apart from the world for a reason-your salvation. You won’t be able to be the same as the world after coming to Christ, nor should you want to. Your decisions and actions will determine who you are, inside and out. Our bodies are not our own, and neither are our thoughts. 1 Cor. 6:18-19 reads “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Your thoughts, words, and actions must emulate Christ. We are not our own.
The media we consume, whether in books, music, or social media is influential to our growth as Christians. When we normalize pride, ignorance, and glorify sin, we will push ourselves further and further away from God. Even if this normalization is just subtle acknowledgement of the world in a sense of “I can’t do anything about it.” We are not helpless people with no power. The creator of the universe is our friend and Father! He has given us every instruction that we could ever possibly need. His Word. Written in Prov. 23:12, “Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge.” We cannot accept our sin and normalize it through prideful lyrics and twisted fairy tales. We are to change everything about ourselves to glorify God, no matter what. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God-” (Rom. 12:2).
The fruits of our lives are reflections of what is planted in our hearts. Have you sewn verses and the Word, or have you planted selfish tales and lyrics of falsehood and pride? Your heart is not to be trusted. No matter how catchy the song is, how much your sinful soul can relate to it, or how interesting the character appears. You have been told. Do not listen to the world. Do not follow your heart. Do not disobey the Lord your God.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings-” Jer. 17:9-10.
What fruit are you producing? What is your heart reflecting and dwelling upon? Do you find yourself relating to lyrics and characters of ungodly values and attributes, or do you find refuge and life in the Word? I urge you to take a look at your life, and find out the answers to these questions. I pray that you only grow closer to Christ. This world is not our own. Secure your treasures in heaven. He is coming soon.
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