Matthew 6:22
The eye is the light of the body: so if your eye is good, your body will be full of light.
In a world saturated with media and entertainment, Christians face the unique challenge of discerning what is pleasing to God and what is not. Our choices in media consumption can greatly impact our spiritual well-being and relationship with the Lord. Media holds tremendous power to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and values. It can either strengthen our faith or undermine it. As Christians, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), and this includes the media we engage with. Ungodly media often promotes violence, immorality, materialism, and other values contrary to the teachings of Christ.
Guarding Our Hearts
Proverbs 4:23 wisely instructs us to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it. What we watch, listen to, or read has a profound impact on our hearts and minds. By avoiding media that glorifies immorality, we create space for the Holy Spirit to shape our desires and direct our thoughts towards things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Reflecting Christ
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in all aspects of our lives. Consuming ungodly media contradicts this calling, as it can desensitize us to sin, compromise our moral standards, and lead us astray. By avoiding such media, we demonstrate our commitment to holiness and our desire to honour God with our choices.
Protecting our Witness
Our choices in media consumption can either enhance or diminish our witness as Christians. Indulging in immoral entertainment can undermine our credibility and hinder our ability to share the Gospel effectively. By consciously avoiding media that contradicts our values, we maintain consistency between our beliefs and our actions, presenting a compelling testimony to the world.
Seeking Discernment
To make wise choices in media consumption, we must cultivate discernment. This involves seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, studying God's Word, and being aware of the content and values promoted by various forms of media. By actively dividing the godly and ungodly, we develop a discerning mindset that helps us navigate the vast sea of available entertainment options.
Accountability
The people we surround ourselves with can significantly influence our media choices. Choosing friends and companions who share our commitment to godly entertainment can provide mutual support. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who share our commitment to avoiding ungodly media can provide encouragement and accountability in making wise choices.
Evaluating the Content
Before engaging with any form of media, it is crucial to evaluate its content for themes, values, and messages that may conflict with biblical principles. Parents have a crucial role in guiding their children's media consumption, ensuring that they are exposed to age-appropriate, morally sound content that nurtures their spiritual growth.
Reducing Exposure
Limiting the time spent on media consumption and actively seeking alternative activities that edify and inspire can help reduce the negative impact of ungodly media on our lives. Exploring media options that are aligned with Christian values, such as uplifting music, inspiring books, educational documentaries, and faith-based films, can be a fruitful way to replace ungodly media in our lives.
Getting Involved
By supporting media outlets and content creators who uphold moral values and produce edifying material, we contribute to a culture that promotes wholesome entertainment. Engaging in respectful conversations and advocating, or even producing media that promotes godly values can have a positive impact on the industry and society as a whole.
Extending Grace
While it is important to avoid ungodly media, we should also extend grace and understanding to those who may not share our convictions. Our focus should be on encouraging and inspiring others rather than condemning or judging them. By intentionally prioritizing prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship, we deepen our relationship with God and become more sensitive to His leading, making it easier to discern how to better align with His will.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the world (Romans 12:2) and to live lives that honour and glorify God. Avoiding ungodly media entertainment is an essential aspect of our spiritual journey. By guarding our hearts, reflecting Christ's character, protecting our witness, and seeking discernment, we can make informed choices that align with our faith. Let us embrace the light of Christ and walk in obedience, remembering that our media choices are not just personal but also have the potential to impact our relationship with God and the world around us.