December 15 | Standing Against Evil Entertainment
Matthew 5:29, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Did you know that the average American spends almost 34 hours each week watching TV? That is around 5 hours a day! Plus, most Americans spend another 17 hours a week online, which is an average of about 2.5 hours a day. Certainly, some of this time is spent “multi-tasking” by surfing the Internet while watching TV, but nonetheless the time we waste every week is staggering! Not to mention the time spent at the movies, sporting events and concerts each year.
Also, did you know that much of what is viewed on primetime TV used to be considered pornographic or horrific just 50 years ago? For example; (1) Two girls (or guys) kissing on a sitcom is now the new norm for our culture. (2) Seeing a couple make love under the sheets exposing almost everything for extended periods of time is common. (3) Excessive blood and guts being splattered all over the screen has replaced the “ole’ western one shot to the chest.” (4) The use of many vulgar words that once were taboo in public now come from the mouths of babes!
From graphic sex scenes, to open homosexuality and everything in between- we must take a stand to not allow perverted entertainment to cause us to sin.
With all the perversion, death and godless living in entertainment, along with all the sinful content found in much of today’s pop songs, it’s hard to escape and find a safe place to enjoy art. Today’s disciples have to war against the spirit of perversion and violence in this age in the places they used to go for solace. Let us remember the words of Jesus found in the prayer He taught us, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). And what King David said in Psalm 101:3, “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.” Likewise, we would do good to heed the ole’ saying, “Garbage in, garbage out!”
As Jesus taught in today’s passage, we must be vigilant to cut out the things in our lives that cause us to sin. For what in this life is worth going to hell for? I’d rather never watch TV again or see another movie than sin one more time against my Lord and Savior. Though Jesus used a metaphor to make His point- the point still remains powerful- cut out of your life whatever causes you to sin!
Therefore, here are three ways we can stand against evil entertainment; (1) Cut off all forms of entertainment that entice and tempt you to sin- including TV shows, movies, social media, music and video games. (2) Only watch and listen to that which is good and wholesome. We can change what Hollywood produces if we reject the bad and keep choosing the good. (3) Pray for actors, producers, entertainment companies and musicians to get saved and produce godly content.
Reflection
Do you believe evil entertainment can negatively impact people’s walk with God?
Action
- Explain from the Bible why evil entertainment is sinful.
- Pray that God will use you to reach out to those who enjoy evil entertainment.
- Resources: “Meaning at the Movies,” by Grant Horner & “Hollywood Worldviews,” by Brian Godawa.
One Year Reading Plan
Micah 1:1-4:13, Revelation 6:1-17, Psalm 134:1-3, & Proverbs 30:1-4. Click here to read online.