Recently while reading an article I came across a Christian movie critic that had this to say, “When I’m at church or other Christian gatherings, however, I get two specific and unique questions: What do I think of Harry Potter? (love him) and How do you deal with swearing/nudity/violence/crude humor…how can you stand all that depravity and soul-sucking grossness that Hollywood throws out?
Hmm… That one is a bit harder.
The short answer is swearing, sex scenes, crude humor, and poop jokes don’t really bother me.”
This makes me ask the question, are these things okay to set before our ears and eyes for entertainment sake?
“The short answer is”… “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
A study by Victor Cline shows that what someone views effects their thought process and actions. Is it okay to be desensitized toward sin because we have just viewed it so often we are used to it? I would say not.
Victor Clines study shows that movies have an impact on people’s lives, whether positive or negative.
So what should a Christian’s attitude be towards the movies they allow themselves or their kids to watch?
Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Psalm 101:3 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:1-2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”
The list of verses could go on and on.
Is watching swearing, sex scenes, crude humor regularly or even occasionally helping us do what Proverbs 4:23 says to do? Keeping or guardian our hearts with all vigilance and diligence. This guarding is an active process.
Why not apply what David said to our lives as well in Psalm 101:3.
The movies you let your kids watch, or you allow yourself to watch teenager, are you proving or testing them like 1 Thessalonians 5:21 tells us to do before you watch it? Will it bring an influence of godliness, or worldliness and sin?
New movies and TV shows come out by the week. What will you decide to allow yourself or your kids to watch? I hope we are wise enough to see its effects.
I challenge the parents to… yes keep a watch and guard on what your teenagers or child is watching! Our responsibility as parents is helping guard and keep watch on our children’s hearts and lives. We must be the example.
I challenge the teenagers to keep watch and guard on your mind and heart. If Christ would not sit and listen to or watch what you are, then it’s not something that will push you to godliness. It will pull your thought process and actions. Don’t be desensitized towards what God calls sin.
