Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus said that what
comes out of the mouth is a reflection of what's inside the man. If that is
what is constantly coming out of the mouths of the people you're watching on
TV, then that's what's in their heart and by definition that is what you're
going to be ingesting into your brain (and heart). Sooner or later that is going to have an
effect on you. If you begin to think that you're immune, be careful that you do
not fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
I heard a believer one time tell me "well, if you're going to
eliminate all the cursing and dirtiness you see on TV, you'll never be able to
watch TV at all." Well, why is that a problem? If it takes not watching TV
in order to avoid the constant barrage of filth that some shows are known for,
then stop watching. You wouldn't watch an X rated show, would you? If so, where
exactly will you draw the line if you start watching things that base their
stories on garbage. It's one thing to watch something that now and then has
some questionable things in it (although even that should be subjected to our
censorship). But it's another all together to watch things that make it their
aim to scandalize the viewer as much as possible! Television producers are humans like the rest of us. In most cases, sad to say, they are depraved human beings who are out to push a particular agenda on the viewing public.
We need to be discerning. As a famous preacher once said,
"don't watch on TV things that could place your soul in jeopardy." I
don't think it can be said any better.
And by the way, I don't want any of you to think that I'm
directing this personally at you because I believe you're engaging in such
behavior. I don't know whether you are or you're not. I simply want to call your
attention to something that all too often goes unchecked because we
just don't think about it often enough. The key here is to follow the
injunction in Philippians 4:8 and think on things that are edifying.
Blessings to all.
I agree with what you wrote, and what the "Wretched" man said. Perhaps it is easy for me to agree because I do not have cable TV and have zero interest in contemporary TV shows. To my view most are garbage with generally a not-so-subtle anti-Christian worldview. To the degree I watch TV at all, I tend to watch old Westerns, where at least there is a fairly sound distinction between basic good and evil. By the way, I have no idea what the "Game of Thrones" is (if I am hearing the name correctly) and feel my life is pretty full w/o it. Anyway, I pretty much reject modern TV, I do not attend movie theaters, and I'd be the first to admit I am perplexed by Christian people championing such things under the guise of "liberty." I do no think investing our time and minds in moral relativism (and filth) is a "liberty."
ReplyDeleteGood post.
David, for the last few years we have not had broadcast TV. We do now because it is part of our apartment lease. However, we seldom watch anything on broadcast TV other than sports. As you correctly point out, TV has become more and more slanted in its distaste and outright rejection of all things Christian. It is unfortunate that we have come to this point. But, we should not be surprised considering that The Way is never popular with the crowd!
DeleteThanks for the reply Ginger. Actually, I don't care about Christians having TV of any sort from any source IF...IF....the Christian watcher exercises at least some basic discernment. Not every program is wicked, but this propensity for Christians to exonerate evil, or minimize it perplexes me, even as it likewise appears to the "Wretched" fellow. My view is that if a company of your saintly grandmother, your 5 year old child and your pastor would make you uncomfortable watching your TV shows, maybe you ought to rethink what you are watching.
DeleteAgain, appreciate your reply.
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