That's not wrong or reckless on my part if you can't control yourself in this environment. I'm not going to punish myself on behalf of your lack of self control. If that was the case, we all couldn't go anywhere. Temptation is around all day everyday. I've been to Vegas, so I can say that there's more to Vegas than just the casinos. I was there for a whole week, and not once did I spend any money in the casinos. Not because I didn't have the money, it was because I consumed with other sight seeing adventures. See, what I'm noticing is that people are trying to say what others will feel because they themselves feel or associate something with. Because your mind associates a song with going to club, doesn't mean that the next person will, or if you have a bad gambling habit, that going to Vegas is temptation.
i think u missed the whole point of the Vegas example. yes YOU know that there's more to Vegas and AC than casinos and other gambling venues and you may be consumed with other things, but for someone with an
addiction or the process of recovery, those things he has a problem with will stand out. Same way a dude with lust issues isnt gonna go to a church womens convention and be so focused on talking with the old church mothers who have a lot to teach about the Word and other very interesting topics. You know who he scoping out, and even in a crowded room, they catch his eye easily.
but if you know they cant control and subject them to it anyway, that is irresponsible. whether we want to believe it or not, we do have some accountability for one another, especially if you say you care about them. So how could a pastor not care about his flock? How could we not care about our brothers and sisters in Christ? And you can duck and dodge responsibility for certain actions, but if you are in a position of LEADERSHIP, you are held accountable. But forget the leadership position thing. Whatever happened to looking out for one another?
Music is powerful. People forget that because its enjoyable. But its enjoyable because it is powerful. Music does more often than not invoke nostalgia and memories. And while a song jogging memories about Uncle Fred in the dance contest at the family reunion years ago may be harmless, memories of particular events of a sinful lifestyle that you are trying to come away from is not a good thing.
What it partially comes down to is knowing your audience. Just because something is done in one place without adverse effects, doesnt mean it doesnt have any adverse effects at all. Just because you think about something, doesnt mean you gonna now go out and paint the town red and just abandon God. But if any of you know about spiritual warfare, all it takes is just one point of vulnerability to fall to an attack by the enemy. So while at one church something may be done, the same thing at another may set several people up for a point of weakness. And especially as a pastor, if he/she knows that about their congregation (as they SHOULD), and still do certain things, yes, thats irresponsible and reckless.
What some dont want to admit or come to terms with is that in certain occasions we do have to
limit and censor ourselves and what we do for the sake of others who arent as strong as we are. You might not like it, probably hate it, but thats reality. and its not about punishing yourself, its about better judgment. You may just have to do that particular activity either by yourself, or with another group that can handle it. Its worth that if you dont cause someone to stumble.