The dangerous allure of the Gray

I recently watched Skyfall, the new 007 James Bond movie. I saw it twice actually cause it was that good. I love a good action-packed Daniel Craig movie! This one was especially thought-provoking. It seemed to have the theme "tradition" strung throughout it. James Bond is getting older and isn't as fit or sharp as he was in younger years. Plus, the new "management" wants out with the old ("M") and in with the new younger, fresher-faced crowd & ideas. A more hands off/technology approach rather than face to face combat as is tradition in Bond movies. M's character is always one of my favorites. She's hard on the outside but maintains a motherly, protective side for 007. She stands for justice and getting the job done no matter what the cost. Evil will not prevail.


All that to say, it got me thinking.... In our world today, we don't want to pick sides. We don't want to ruffle people's feathers. We want to avoid confrontation and patriotism to what we in our heart of hearts hold dear. For example: I witnessed (well, kindof eavesdropped on a convo), at Publix the other day between a woman whom I see at church (but don't know) and another woman. Theywere discussing their children's extra curricular activities (soccer, cheerleading, ballet) and then the woman whom doesn't go to our church started cursing up a storm talking about one of her daughter's coaches. F**ing this and D**m that. And to my sad surprise, the church woman was agreeing and nervously laughing along with her. My impression of the church woman was tainted from that happening but I thought, "wow, how often do I do that?".... Do I join in and "participate" in ungodly conversations b/c I'm too afraid to stand on the side of righteousness? Am I ashamed of the gospel? Now, this woman at my church may not be an unbeliever but in that moment she was acting as if Christ was not the Lord of her life. I was convicted and began to think about how many times I (without even realizing it till later) fall into those situations. It's not ok. It's not God-honoring. I can, very respectfully, say "you know, I don't think we should talk about so & so that way. It's not right." or just walk away.

This is just a small example of what I mean by "the dangerous allure of the gray". The Gray is the place that's comfortable. A place that strives not to offend anyone else and certainly not to put self in the hot seat. I think we, as believers, need to be aware of the devil's efforts to draw us into the "gray". I know in my life, I am tempted to downplay God's wrath and upplay His love. I think, "Oh Jesus (and my husband) will forgive me if I choose to spend 2.5 hours on myself today instead of cleaning the house." Boy, am I good at that one! Not that getting your nails done, exercising, or going to Starbucks to read are poor ways to spend your time but we all know when we are neglecting responsibilities that God has given us in order to feed our selfishness. Just last week, I had the vacuum out, coffee table pulled back onto the tile and everything off the floor- ready to vacuum my dog-hair covered house when.... "SQUIRREL"... I was distracted by a text message sound which sent me into texting mode then to Instagram mode, then to "I'll just check my email real quick" mode and before I knew it, it was time to head out the door for work. Chores neglected again. This is what the devil does. He makes you think that it's ok to just sit down for 5 minutes and instagram- or it's ok to eat that sleeve of cookies or it's ok to just look at one picture on the internet. A tiny trail of enticing morsels that leads to a steep drop off. Spiritual warfare is real. Sisters (and brothers), we need to be aware of where we are vulnerable to temptation and sin. Is it hanging around a certain person that always ends up talking about other people in a negative way? Is it standing in your pantry telling yourself you'll only have one cookie? Is it sitting at your computer when no one is home and spending your day away on social media sites or inappropriate sites? Where are you "prone to wander"?


In Skyfall, M's speech towards the end is one of the most relevant I've heard in recent hollywood movies. I think it's right on:

"Today I've repeatedly heard how irrelevant my department has become. Why do we need agents in the double O section? Isn't it all quaint. Well I suppose I see a different world then you do. And the truth is that what I see frightens me. I'm frightened because our enemies are no longer known to us. They do not exist on a map, they're not nations, they're individuals. Look around you, who do you fear? Do you see a face, a uniform, a flag? No. Our world is not more transparent now, it's more opaque. It's in the shadows. That's where we must do battle. So before you declare us irrelevant; ask yourselves - How safe do you feel?"

"The shadows", "the gray" is our vulnerable spot. That's where we must do battle against the great Liar, the devil. He would have us believe that it's ok to compromise here and there and before you know it, you're staring into the mirror at someone you never wanted to become. Don't allow him to win. Pray incessantly for our gracious heavenly Father to make you aware of your temptations. He is faithful to provide a way out, that you may stand up under them! God exists in the light. We must choose the light side every minute of every day. Not just in the morning when we walk up and read our Bible. But at the traffic light, when the cute guy next to you is smiling at you. Will you look away? Every decision matters. Every decision is an opportunity to please God or please Satan/self.

I pray that today you will choose the Light!!