When you come home from work after a long day – what show do you unwind with before bed?
Is it a scandalous drama full of cheating spouses or an alleged “comedy” with same-sex couples becoming parents for the first time?
You might think that if you aren’t living “that lifestyle,” it’s okay to watch these shows for “entertainment.” But before you turn on your TV or computer tonight – please consider these important questions.
What Is Your Motive?
Are you simply looking to “relax”?
Or are you perhaps seeking a thrill from watching worldly shows and their shocking and immoral plot lines?
Sadly, many men who struggle with lust can watch what seems like a “harmless” movie – only to discover the movie is full of sexual content with women in revealing clothing.
Not only can such movies tempt a man (or woman) with lustful thoughts – but they can lead to pornography – or searing the conscience of what is good and pure.
As Christians, we are called to FLEE from temptation – not expose ourselves to it daily.
Before you watch a questionable movie – consider meditating on 1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.”
What Example Are You Setting?
If you have children in your home – what example are you setting if you teach them not to curse – yet spend the next two hours watching an “action movie” full of curse words and scantily clad actresses?
Not only is this confusing to children – but it teaches them it’s okay to say one thing – yet do another.
Your children are watching you!
Instead, you can teach them how to truly live out their faith.
If you’re watching a movie as a family and it begins to take a dark turn, use it as a teaching-moment; explain why it’s best to leave that show and find a different choice.
This choice is not about being “legalistic” or “living in a bubble” – it’s simply aligning your entertainment choices with the faith you profess.
Would You Watch This Movie with Your Pastor?
If your Pastor were next to you, would you be embarrassed by what’s on your screen?
Or even more important – if Jesus were sitting next to you – would you still watch what you’re about to put on the screen?
Remember – God sees all that we do; it grieves His heart when we willfully choose to watch shows that either mock him – or tempt and indulge our minds toward sin.
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” Psalm 101:3
Keep your mind and eyes pure; don’t waste time indulging on trashy shows or movies. They affect your mind more than you imagine.
So Now What?
Watching TV or movies isn’t in itself – “bad” – but what you watch matters.
There are plenty of family-friendly movies that are wholesome – and safe for the entire family.
Instead of Netflix, full of pro-LGBT plotlines and secular material – consider a subscription to PureFlix, which provides a more wholesome experience.
PureFlix even has a Christian homeschool curriculum!
Finally, make sure you aren’t binge-watching movies to “escape reality.”
If you are neglecting home responsibilities or not spending time with God – all the wholesome movies in the world won’t make up for ignoring your obligations.
The good news is, as you continue to draw near to God and meditate on His word, He will change the desires of your heart; as you renew your mind each day and take every thought captive – the “lure” of secular shows will lose their appeal.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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