Chris' Christian Blog

January 15, 2019

"January 15, 2019" 

Prompt: A man at church is fond of saying "Jesus tells us we cannot judge. However Jesus did say we could be fruit inspectors."
By this he means that while Jesus tells us we are not to judge, Jesus also tells us that we will know a tree by the fruit it produces. If a tree produces good fruit it is a healthy tree. People can ne known by the fruit they produce. If they produce evil then it is safe to say that person is evil. What is your take on this?"

I personally have to agree with this brother. It is not my place to judge anybody but I can choose whether to allow myself to be influenced by people's behavior. If I hang around corrupt people I will eventually become corrupt. The college I attend is a secular school. Therefore the beliefs of that college are questionable. While I want my degree I can choose not to model my behavior after them. I choose to stay grounded in God's word and associate primarily with people who produce the fruits of the Spirit. This does not mean total isolation from sinners because I'd have to leave the world to do that. However I can choose not to associate with evil.

(image:1971183-25%} "Prompt: “I had read with equal voracity the ‘good books’ in the library and the ‘low-class material’ in pulp fiction. What was it that influenced me in my writing, then?
I’m sorry. It was the pulp fiction.”
Isaac Asimov, from I, Asimov
If pulp fiction influenced Asimov the most, did any unusual or unexpected event, experience, or type of reading also influence your writing? And are your reading choices eclectic or specific?"

My writing was influenced by Robert Frost, who gave me a love for poetry, particularly sonnets. It was also influenced by Gene Roddenberry of Star Trek fame and the producers of Buck Rogers and Battle Star Galactica. I also love history and extensively read biographies as a child, which also influenced me.

"Prompt: "You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate."
— Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
Why is it important to learn how to select your thoughts?"

Our thoughts usually determine our actions. If my thoughts are pure my actions are usually also pure. As a Christian I struggle with impure thoughts. I try to dismiss them before they develop. Thoughts are not sin unless we allow them to develop. We all have thoughts and natural desires. When we dwell on these and don't control them they become evil.