Christians: so I have this problem. Can you advise me?

Question

Ok, this is probably lame in your opinion; but it's become a real struggle for me. I really like Japanese culture and particularly the Samurai traditions, costumes, Bushido, etc. However, as a Christian, I realize that we must be separate from the world. How can I detour my interests and focus more on Christ?

Answer 1

Christians are allowed to have interests besides the Lord Jesus. He just has to come first and an interest in things like the things that you mention cannot become "controlling" interests that take up all of your time and money and leave no room for Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:12  "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.

Mark 4:18  Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word,  19  and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Answer 2

Separate from the world? There's only a very small minority of Christians that are separate from the world, and they're called "cults".

Answer 3

Open a sushi bar in the Bible Belt:)

Answer 4

Take away all that is fun in life.  If it is interesting to you and it ain't illegal, I say do.  The bible is chalked full of stuff that goes against human nature.  You can do both.

Answer 5

I am not very famuilar with Japanese culture, but I do have an idea for you.  Ask your self this:  "Does this culture that I am from and I love separate me from Christ?"  Or you could ask yourself this one:  "Does following in this given tradition_____________(fill in what ever) make me loose sight of who I am to be worshiping.  Lastly does what I want to do measure up to this Bible verse?  Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

I believe that as you get closer to Christ that the things that seperate the two of you will become less and less desireable for you.  Its like the chorus of the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" says:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full into His wonderful face

and the things of earth will grow STRANGELY DIM

In the light of His glory and grace.

I sure hope I've helped.

Answer 6

Pray about it. Seek the wisdom from His Word, the Bible

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong with having interest, studying things, in Christianity. It is the things that would make us do unrighteous things that we should avoid, not knowledge.

Answer 8

Pray and confess these things to God and ask His help, read your bible and faithfully attend a good Holy Spirit filled church.

Answer 9

There's nothing wrong with an interest in other cultures.  We don't have to be THAT separate from the world that we give up all interests.  Go ahead and have your interests but just don't get into Buddhism if you are a Christian.  

Answer 10

Paul said find a reason for your faith.

There is nothing wrong with learning about another culture.

I love Japan, and the Japanese (lived there 3 years). They are very spiritual people.

Who knows, it may fit in his plans for you!

Ganbatte Kudasai! (Good luck)

God bless.

Answer 11

I'm an agnostic but i'll offer you my opinion which is probably the same for Christians ... pretty much it's okay to like something... just don't get attached to it (as in don't like it so much that it will interfere your life)

Answer 12

I think what you mean, is to be in this world, but not of it.

There are many views on this.  Try this site.

http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-o...

I don't think we are asked to give up everything of this world; but to not let it distract you from your purpose here on earth.  

Romans 12:1-2

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

See also John 17

I think you can do this and still enjoy other traditions.  I think you will find that the Samurai's also seek a similar way of being; but expressed in non-christian terms.

I don't think we are called to delve into world of spirit forgetting that we here physically in material form. We were given bodies and Earth as home for a reason.  To be "In this world but not of it" means, we assume responsibility (ability to respond to this world) but are not controlled by this physical reality. We do not base our idea of who we are according to what our mind or ego mind tells us, but we base it on our connection with the divine. We base our "self" on the universal whole of awareness for a greatly expanded view of intelligence, love, passion & compassion for all of life, which is God. We don't "have" a life.  Life is what we are.

Answer 13

Wow, you bring a whole new meaning to "mindlessly religious".

Answer 14

I believe Christ meant to separate ourselves from the ways of the world - greed, self-centeredness, etc. That doesn't mean we can't have interests other than Christ. We do still live in this world and, unless we go live in caves, we can't really escape having interests. I think what matters is the essence of the interests - as in, they shouldn't be things that would be harmful to us or others.