The following article
http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/26/news/economy/jersey_shore_tax_credit/index.htm?iid=HP_MPM
is a great example of how judgment calls are a good thing.
One of the most misunderstood passages in Scripture is “do not judge.” Many people, Christians and non-Christians alike, take this to mean, “Keep your opinions to yourself.” Yet, that isn’t what “do not judge” means. It means God will judge (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37; Romans 2) and only God knows the heart (1 Kings 8:39-40). We aren’t to think of ourselves as being more valuable in God’s sight than anyone else (John 3:16; Romans 2:11; Romans 12:3; 1 Timothy 2:3; 2 Peter 3:9). We are to pray for the lost and those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44; Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 10:1-3; Romans 12:14;1 Timothy 2:8). We are to be forgiving, understanding that those we forgive must face consequences for their actions, just as we, too, are forgiven by God when we repent yet will face consequences for our actions (Proverbs 3:11-12; Mark 6:12; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Hebrews 12:6; 2 Peter 3:9).
The Bible, however, says we are not to love the things and ways of the world (John 15:18-25; John 17:24; John 17:14-15; Romans 12:2; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17), and is full of verses that talk about discernment and correction and having nothing to do with false teaching (1 John 2:18-26; 1 John 3:1-6; 2 John 1:7-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; 2 Peter 3:17). In fact the book of Jude devotes itself to warning believers how close to the brink of destruction they are by allowing “teachers” who mishandle the truth and lead others astray to enter the church. Jude implores the believers to compassionately rescue these apostates if they can, all the while being very careful that they don’t fall into the false teaching themselves. The Bible tells us to be on our guard and to wear the armor of God for protection to stand strong in our faith (Ephesians 6:10-18). The devil, it says, prowls like a lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Yet, even in the hostile picture of the world that the Bible portrays, we are to admonish in love and gentleness as we stand on the firm foundation of what we believe (2 Thessalonians 3:14; 2 Timothy 2: 25-26; Colossians 3:16-17). I believe Chris Christie did exactly that. He is standing for what he believes in (and represents many others in agreement with him) and matter-of-factly taking action to remove support for an entity that is derogatory and not worthy of positive recognition or support. Oh that more would follow his lead.
Some are sure to criticize Christie for his actions, saying that now production companies will go elsewhere to film. Let them. There’s a thing in this country called prerogative. Just as Jersey Shore producers and actors have the prerogative to make a tasteless program, politicians have the prerogative to say "not with my tax money" (in the case of Italy, "not in my country," which is basically the cool reception Jersey Shore is getting there. That country doesn’t want the show, or any money it might bring in, either).
I find it incredibly refreshing that Christie has made a judgment call. We hear about the “culture war” all the time. But how can it be fought if everyone is afraid to ruffle someone else’s feathers? Is it only okay for a shoddy program to have its say, but not anyone else? The only way we’ll start winning the culture war is if we actually enter a battle! I thank Chris Christie for doing exactly that.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world..." Romans 12:2
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
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