The Ideas to which we are exposed, good or bad.

Recently I have been reviewing some literature, authors, and work that I had read in my youth. Works that I have not revisited in well over two decades and did not memorize for recall and use. I realized when I reviewed these works exactly how profound and deeply the ideas to which we are exposed and choose to adopt or reject influence the way we behave.

I have faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, as the Son of God, who died to atone for our sins and was resurrected as proof of authority to forgive sins. Jesus is Lord. 

Aside from that proclamation of faith, though, there are so many ideas that have influenced the way I follow the teachings of Christ.

Those who know me personally and have a close relationship need only see this piece by Miyamoto Musashi, whos work "The Book of Five Rings" I first read when I was 16 years old to see how it has shaped my personality.

"1. Accept everything just the way it is.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
21. Never stray from the Way." 
― Miyamoto Musashi

For good or ill these behaviors listed and many other ideas I've been exposed to have become part of my personality and part of my life. My faith remains unchanged and is strong but the way I practice my faith and see the world has been shaped by the ideas to which I have been exposed.  I see this as neither a phenomenon good or evil in and of itself, but it is certainly something all Christians should be aware of and to vigilantly pay attention to the ideas that are making their way into the Church and how they effect our mission.