I have a question.  I was thinking about getting into modeling because my friend is into it, and she is trying to get me to.  She wants me to be a ring card girl with her, but my family said that it is a sin to show off my body like that and to be around that kind of environment.

Sincerely,
Looking For Career Advice

Dear Looking For Career Advice,

Your family is right.  The women that “prance” around boxing rings with the cards that indicate what round of the match it is are only there for one reason – to feed the lust of the flesh (1 Jn 2:16).  Dressing immodestly is a sin (1 Tim 2:9).  Furthermore, being around people that promote provocative sinful attitudes will corrupt you (1 Cor 15:33).  We are affected by those we are around, and our friendships and work environment either build us up or tear us down.  Listen to your family; they have your best interests in mind.

I am afraid of the end time; I don’t want to die and go to hell.  I don’t want to burn forever.  I want to wage war on the evil new world order.  I am with sin and am lost on a path which once was clear.  I know Jesus Christ, but I am consumed by hatred.  My judgement is clouded by alcohol; I love my girl and my family so much; I feel like a piece of paper that can be folded no more.  I hope it isn’t too late for me; please help me.  I don’t know how to repent.

Sincerely,
Battling Demons

Dear Battling Demons,

We've thought very long and hard about how to answer your question, and the more we think about it, the more we cannot give you any answer that the alcohol wouldn't corrupt.  You've got to get help.  God talks about the destructive effects of alcohol in Proverbs 23.  Alcohol brings sorrow, anger, suffering, and health issues (Pr 23:29-30).  Alcoholism is such a horrific disease because it deceives you into thinking that one drink (or one more drink) will make life easier... but it never does (Pr 23:31-32).  Alcohol distorts our view of life and perverts our emotions (Pr 23:33).

You need a new beginning.  We would be happy to help you find support in your area and a facility to help you start fresh.  Until then, you won't be ready to handle the other issues of life.  It isn't too late.  You can conquer this.

Is it necessary to change for the good, or would it be better to be accepted for who you are?

Sincerely,
Just Me

Dear Just Me,

When we change for the good, we uncover who we really are.  God tells us to purify our hearts and lives (Jas 4:8).  When you purify something, you take all of the dirt and pollutants out of it.  Sin is a disease that corrupts our lives and contaminates our souls (Gen 6:12).  When we grow in faith, our love increases (2 Thess 1:3), and our joy increases (Php 1:25).  Our lives improve as we purify them.

I believe in God and believe He loves me and has a plan for me.  But what if that plan is for me to be miserable?  What if my loneliness and suffering serve His greater plan for the world?  Are there any Scriptures that say God wants us to have a good life?

Sincerely,
Down In The Mouth

Dear Down In The Mouth,

God’s plans for our lives may often involve trials and tribulations, but we can learn to have contentment in all circumstances.  Paul warned the early christians that God’s children will be besought with troubles (Acts 14:22).  However, no trial will ever come upon us that is too difficult to handle (1 Cor 10:13).  As we learn and grow, God promises that we can learn to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves in (Php 4:11-13).  God desires for us to love life and see good days (1 Pet 3:10).  This life is full of simple pleasures that are God’s gifts to us (Eccl 3:13).  There may be times when our trials seem never-ending, but remember… even Job eventually saw a happy ending to his tale (Job 42:12).

This is sort of difficult.  It concerns my uncle, who, over the last few years, has... rediscovered his faith?  I suppose that works.  He's completely changed his lifestyle, which isn't a bad thing.  No smoking, no drinking.  Fantastic.  However, he's also completely changed his personality.  He has a growing list of things he can't watch, listen to, or say, all because he's “christian".  He's become so... judgmental of everyone around him and is alienating his family.  I wasn't under the impression that to be "christian" you had to give up everything in life that you enjoyed.  He doesn't laugh anymore; at least, he doesn't around us.  Can you give me any guidance on how to respect his faith and understand his choices?  He was always a good man… an EMT, police officer, husband, and father.  He's always believed, but he also lived.  Now, it's like he's set himself, and everyone else, to standards that can't be met.  And he's very vocal with his views.  I just don't understand him anymore.  Any advice or insight you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Disheartened Niece

Dear Disheartened Niece,

There is a fine line between removing worldliness from our lives and secluding ourselves from life – it sounds like your uncle may be having trouble finding that balance.  Jesus clearly tells us to purify our hearts and minds (Jas 4:8).  However, we are also told to enjoy the wholesome blessings of this life (Eccl 3:13).  Christ lived a perfectly sinless life (Heb 4:15), and yet, he was often accused of being too friendly with the lost (Matt 11:19).

There is a balance between living in the world, but not being of the world (1 Cor 5:9-10).  If we remove ourselves from all society, we will never be able to reach those who so desperately need God’s Word (Mk 16:15).  We are warned against religion that finds its strength in self-deprecation (1 Tim 4:1-5).  Our strength should be found in the love of Christ (Jhn 3:16) and in His Word (Rom 10:17).  Hopefully, some of these verses might allow you to have a dialogue with your uncle.