Today I want to discuss why I believe Christians should be careful of what kind of Television/Video games they watch/play, as well as how often they enjoy them. I believe that this is an important study because the bible teaches that the light of the body is the eye, if your eye is evil your whole body will be full of darkness (Mat 6:22-24), and scripture also instructs us to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
Point # 1 We are not to regard those that have familiar spirits or seek after wizards (Lev 19:31). Do you watch shows that feature the hero's as wizards/witches such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Bewitched, etc. Do you enjoy Magic shows? What about Ghost hunters? (Deut 18:10-12).
As Christians we are to hate evil. (Psa 97:10, Pro 8:13).
Point # 2 Do you watch shows or play games for the violence?
What does scripture teach about those that love violence (Psa 11:5)? Harbor hatred (1Joh 3:15) or seek revenge(Rom 12:19)? What kind of music do you like? Rap?
Is it about hatred, violence? (Pro 22:24-25)
Point # 3 As believers we should be careful of what we set before our eyes especially if it's wicked or even just vanity. (Psa 101:3, Psa 119:37, Isa 33:15-17)
Point # 4 We must not spend too much time in front of the TV because abundance of Idleness is iniquity (Ezek 16:49). It would be different if it was something educational, but 5 hrs a day binging on teenage mutant ninja turtles...uh,no. Is what you are watching considered redeeming or wasting time (Eph 5:16)? Are you able to watch TV/Videogames and still maintain good works (Titus 3:8, Tit 3:14, 1Co 3:10-15)? I will also mention here that while abuse is doing evil to someone, neglect is the failure to do good unto others. While not always the case, husbands and wives may have different interest. For example those husbands who are addicted to videogames are in danger of neglecting their wives and children if their family doesn't share the same interest. It's not enough to say that you love your family you must show it in deed and truth (1 Joh 3:18), by being there for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually!
Point # 5 Immodesty runs rampant in many TV shows and movies nowadays, causing a lot of temptation for Adultery (Matt. 5:28, Job 31:1-4, Isai 47:1-3, 1 Tim 2:9).
*Point # 6 According to a scientific study located in Parma, Italy, there was someNeuro-scientist that were working with monkeys; They discovered that the monkey's brain cell neuron (motor neuron) would fire when it went and grabbed a peanut. So what? That same neuron fired also when the monkey just saw a scientist grabbing the peanut. This suggest that the neuron couldn't tell the difference between seeing something and doing something.
To further prove this point, I will mention that a man what put in a FMRI brain scanner and was told to look at and imitate some pictures of people making faces. The same part of the brain that was working when he made a face was the same part that got busy when they told him to just look at the faces without moving a muscle. See also (Isa 55:7, Zec 7:10, 8:17, 1Cor 13:5-6).
To further prove this point, I will mention that a man what put in a FMRI brain scanner and was told to look at and imitate some pictures of people making faces. The same part of the brain that was working when he made a face was the same part that got busy when they told him to just look at the faces without moving a muscle. See also (Isa 55:7, Zec 7:10, 8:17, 1Cor 13:5-6).
Point #7 Much of what we see and are filling our mind with in the media/news is not true, just, pure, of good report, etcetera. As such we in accordance with Phil 4:8 should not think on those things.
Point #8 LANGUAGE. It is very difficult to find secular tv shows that don't contain some kind of profanity. And what's worse is that many dvd's don't consider GD a cuss word and therefore won't list it under language. It's breaking the third commandment and is one of the worst things you can say. Please consider the following scriptures. Heb 12:14, Jam 1:26, Pro 29:20, Eph 4:30-31, 1 Cor 15:33.
Point #9 Scripture warns us to
1. be conformed to this world (Rom 12:2)
2. even love the things that are in the world (1 Joh 2:15-17). Anime conventions I'm looking at you. Col 3:2 tells us to set our affections on things above, far too many people make Idols out of sports, videogames, tv shows, etc... and don't spend half that amount of time with God in prayer, bible reading, preaching, or other devotions. see also inordinate affection (Col 3:5).
Point #10 Even though a large % of Americans profess Christianity the companies that produce the bulk of the Dvd's out there sure act like they don't know it. When you become a Christian you should notice the selection of the movies you want to watch go way down, that is because the saved do not take pleasure in the wicked things the world enjoys. Just take Lot for an example, he was vexed with their filthy conversation (2 Pet 2:6-9). What does the bible say about those that have pleasure in unrighteousness (Rom 1:32, 2Thess 2:12)?
Other Points to Consider
The Lord will not hear our prayers if we regard iniquity in our heart (Psa 66:18) .
A heart that devises wicked imaginations is an abomination to God (Pro 6:16 -18).
What happens to hypocrites (Mat 24:51)?
To be carnally minded is death (Rom 8:6).
We are told in Eph 5:11 to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them, isn't that what most secular entertainment is?
We are told to abstain from all appearance of evil (1Th 5:22), to not be a partaker in other men's sins, to be pure (1Ti 5:22), we can gather from Jas 4:7-8, that we should draw nigh to God and that we should purify our hearts if we are double minded. Isn't it double minded if we say that we hate certain sins but secretly promote them when we take delight in them through our T.V? We are also told to be sober and vigilant in 1Pe 5:8, and a similar message can be found in Luk 21:34-36.
We are told to abstain from all appearance of evil (1Th 5:22), to not be a partaker in other men's sins, to be pure (1Ti 5:22), we can gather from Jas 4:7-8, that we should draw nigh to God and that we should purify our hearts if we are double minded. Isn't it double minded if we say that we hate certain sins but secretly promote them when we take delight in them through our T.V? We are also told to be sober and vigilant in 1Pe 5:8, and a similar message can be found in Luk 21:34-36.
To deny that you can sin with your mind is to deny the 10th commandment, thou shalt not covet (Deu 5:21).
In Summary while watching Tv or playing games in and of itself may not be sinful, one must use discernment when choosing which programs to choose. A christian should give no place to the devil (Eph 4:27), therefore we should pay attention to the content rating and avoid programs that contain bad language, nudity, etc. remember a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (1 Cor 5:6).
*Reference: Mesmerized: Does what We Watch Affect Us? - LED LIVE (youtube video) around the 30:06 mark forward.
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