In the world but not part of it

Last week I was at worship and the message prompted me to look at myself and my life. Really to look at my life and evaluate what I do in my life and does it reflect Christ and Christianity. As I look at my life I see that there are some things that I do that don't reflect Christ, and in fact hides Christ from others in some instances. Also it is not necessarily what I do but what I am watching and listening to.

Here begins my quagmire. Does watching things and listening to things that are contrary to what I believe hurt me in my Christian walk with Christ or by not watching these shows am I isolating myself from the world at large. I know that I am called to be in the world but not part of it. I also know that what goes into me does not defile me but it is what comes out of me. However what goes into me, what I see and hear, effects what I say and do, even if I don't realize it. With this being said does watching shows that shows casual sex and drunkenness as a norm hurt me by simply watching it, or does watching these shows allow me to see a glimpse into the world, albeit a dramatized and exaggerated glimpse.

Where do you draw the line. Here is my current conclusion, that is that if you can watch these shows and be sad for the people and revolted by their actions then the actions here are not blinding you. However if you become desensitized by what happens then it is time to let that thing go. We are able to be in the world, to see what is going on, and we are able to separate our actions and discern what is right and wrong in our hearts for only so long before we have to retreat, and regroup. When a group of Christians go on a retreat one goal should be accomplished always, that is a refocusing on what matters. Jesus Christ. As long as that goal is accomplished then the retreat was a success and as newly refocused Christians we can go back out and be in the world and work for Christ.

The world pulls us in, says come be a part of this wheel that is grinding away at life and towards death. We are called to jump on this wheel and show people who are stuck on the wheel how to step off. However sometimes we become stuck ourselves and need others to help us off again as well.

We cannot do this on our own, Christianity is community, a community of people who believe that Christ died for their sins, a community that struggles together, a community that loves together, and a community that rejoices in the glory of Yahweh. This community is in the world but not part of it, do not think you are alone... ever... for when you are stuck on that grinding wheel of the world you can always call on your most powerful God for help because he is there ready to help, all you have to do is ask. You never know salvation can come from the most peculiar direction.

***UPDATE***
I have been thinking more and more about this and really the question that I think we should all be asking ourselves is are we setting a good example for others. Do our actions reflect what Christ had in mind for our lives. My solution to this question is: Judge yourself, truly judge yourself. Have you become part of the world and become accustom to its ways or are you simply living in the world trying to act as an agent of change for the better. And even more so are your actions leading others (and believe me people are following you) towards Christ? If you have become part of the world retreat and find some accountability. If you are simply living in the world also find some accountability so as not to fall into the trappings of the world. Continue to work for change and lead others to Christ by the way you live your life.