Matter of Conscience

Hi.

(Note: I write this assuming the reader believes in God and the scriptures as God's divinely inspired word as the rule for faith).

Recently, I installed Linux but when I did I felt like a burden was placed on my spirit. After I removed Ubuntu, I felt the burden lift off of me. When I had Ubuntu, I would go about my day and every now and then the thought of using Linux came to my mind. Its like my mind has a mind of its own - it seems to seek out Linux. This doesn't happen with Windows XP.

I believe and understand that the human heart is corrupt and has a natural tendency towards things that are selfish and contrary to God. Yet, Paul says, "Everything is permissible; but not everything is beneficial." Yet again, God commanded to the Israelites (of whom we believe are the spiritual descendants of) "Do not have any other gods before me."

Therefore, listing the things above, I am led to believe that God doesn't want me to use Ubuntu.

Any thoughts? Anyone else had an experience like mine? I want to put God first in my life and for Him to be the center.

I am going to be praying about this.

really... Perhaps that is God telling you that you shouldn't be using Windows.

A bunch of possible interpretations of what you experienced come to mind. Keep in mind that these forums are aimed more at the technical side of things than the spiritual. While you're collecting your thoughts on how to interpret what you experienced (which could be an understandable apprehension about trying something new), you might want to consider the possibility of using a LiveCD which will let you try Ubuntu on your system without actually installing it.

dizzle1234 said: Hi.

(Note: I write this assuming the reader believes in God and the scriptures as God's divinely inspired word as the rule for faith).

Recently, I installed Linux but when I did I felt like a burden was placed on my spirit. After I removed Ubuntu, I felt the burden lift off of me. When I had Ubuntu, I would go about my day and every now and then the thought of using Linux came to my mind. Its like my mind has a mind of its own - it seems to seek out Linux. This doesn't happen with Windows XP.

I believe and understand that the human heart is corrupt and has a natural tendency towards things that are selfish and contrary to God. Yet, Paul says, "Everything is permissible; but not everything is beneficial." Yet again, God commanded to the Israelites (of whom we believe are the spiritual descendants of) "Do not have any other gods before me."

Therefore, listing the things above, I am led to believe that God doesn't want me to use Ubuntu.

Any thoughts? Anyone else had an experience like mine? I want to put God first in my life and for Him to be the center.

I am going to be praying about this.

I do see the aspect of Linux that it can sort of waste our time because it's a lot more fun to tweak than Windows (well, you can't do much tweaking w/ Win). And the verse you bring out is a really good and relevant one. We do need to be busy doing the Lord's will and not our will.

Having said that, it is permissible, as Paul said, for us to spend time tweaking your Linux Box for a "hobby." However, as you have, I have been convicted about myself doing this (and in fact, I thought about this today as I prayed). I have been using Linux primarily for 2~3 years now and there have been times when I was busy serving the Lord that I only used my Linux machine for just pure work and no "geeking out." In a way, the simplicity of Debian (my primary OS) kind of helped me focus on work and not the computer (when I was doing spiritually well).

I suppose that it is when I get "greedy" and try out new distros or new unstable versions (like say, Ubuntu 9.04 beta) that I "waste" time that I could've used reading the Bible, praying, or investing in people's lives. So I think there is a way we could have Linux and not be a bad servant of the Lord. But if we feel convicted about having Linux, then we shouldn't. For it says:

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

But if the conviction from the Holy Spirit is about not "getting greedy with or coveting new systems" and not about just having a Linux system, then we can continue to use Linux prayerfully.

Anyways, no matter how much people ridicule you, I commend you in the Lord for having a heart that fears God and wants to obey Him in all things. I will pray along with you both for you and myself.

Love + blessings, Tak

PS Happy Resurrection Day!

Thanks for the replies and patience in understanding.

After some more thought, I went ahead with a Linux install. I've finally made up my mind about the matter. I'm OK with it now.

Zulu-Zeffir: lol

Lisati: I'll be sure to post in the appropriate place next time, thanks for pointing that out.

Tak1150: Thank you for the prayer.

Here is a link to a post I made a ways back: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=931180

I was not sure if it would be relevant to this discussion, but after some thought and praying, I will post the link. I hope that it helps, My intent is to encourage.

to Zulu: I have been there myself :D

I know this is a dead topic already... but I just wanted to weigh in by saying that I'm a pastor and every week I compose sermons, study the bible, minister to people, follow christian blogs and web sites and more all without worrying about blue screens of death, corrupted files, security breaches, viruses, licensing fees and other distractions. Moving to Linux was in a smaller, physical way like being born again... burdens lifted, joy restored, life more productive.

While God doesn't seem to be directly concerned for what OS we use, He is certainly concerned for how we spend our time and live our lives. Coveting, striving and the other stuff mentioned in this thread can certainly be an issue, but using Ubuntu seems to do more to keep me from all that - not feed into it. Windows even tempted me to swear on occasion! :-)

From past user experience, I prefer Mac above all OS's but that is pure vanity for sure! I think Linux tends to be as cool and as stable but not as pretty as the Mac OS and hardware. If we were to assume God had a preference it would be NOT to use a mac I would think! See 1st John 2:16 :-)

1st Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink (install or use?), or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Blessings!

George

Linux or Windows - it does not have to do with what God likes or hates, except if your Windows is pirated. Otherwise, it's a non-ethical issue, not related to sin.

Now I bet what makes God sad is a lame GnomeSword app, that crashes sometimes and that performs searches as case-dependant even if you turn the "Match case" off. That IS an issue, and your liking of Linux over Windows is not an issue (unless you are unhealthily attracted to it) =)

Thread closed.

8. Religion/Politics threads: Conversations about religion are disallowed at all times

Thanks :)