In today's media-saturated world, Christians face a unique challenge: how to navigate the vast landscape of entertainment options while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. The choices we make regarding our media consumption can have a profound impact on our spiritual lives, shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. As followers of Christ, we are called to be intentional about what we allow into our minds and hearts, recognizing that our entertainment choices are not neutral but have the power to either draw us closer to God or pull us away from Him.
Biblical Background
The concept of guarding one's heart and mind against worldly influences is not new to Christianity. Throughout Scripture, we see exhortations to be vigilant about what we allow to influence us. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the practices and beliefs of the surrounding pagan cultures. In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to resist conformity to worldly patterns.
While the Bible doesn't directly address modern forms of media, it provides timeless principles that can guide our choices in this area. Let's examine three key passages that speak to this issue:
Romans 12:2 (NASB)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Exegesis:The Greek word for "conformed" is συσχηματίζεσθε (suschēmatizesthe), which carries the idea of adopting an outward expression that does not reflect one's inner nature. It suggests a superficial change rather than a genuine transformation. The word for "transformed" is μεταμορφοῦσθε (metamorphousthe), from which we get the English word "metamorphosis." This implies a complete and fundamental change.
The phrase "renewing of your mind" uses the Greek word ἀνακαινώσει (anakainōsei), which means a complete change for the better or a renovation. This renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.
This verse emphasizes the importance of actively resisting the world's influence on our thinking and instead allowing God's truth to reshape our minds. In the context of entertainment choices, it challenges us to critically evaluate the media we consume and its impact on our thought patterns.
Psalm 101:3 (ESV)
"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."
Exegesis:The Hebrew phrase "לֹֽא־אָשִׁ֨ית" (lo-'ashith) literally means "I will not set," implying a deliberate choice. "Before my eyes" (לְנֶ֪גֶד עֵ֫ינָ֥י, leneged 'enay) suggests not just seeing something, but focusing on or giving attention to it.
The word translated as "worthless" is בְּלִיָּ֑עַל (beliyya'al), which can also mean "wicked" or "destructive." This term is often associated with moral corruption or things that lead one away from God.
This psalm, attributed to David, expresses a commitment to avoiding anything that could compromise one's integrity or relationship with God. It challenges us to be intentional about what we allow ourselves to see and focus on, recognizing that our visual input can significantly influence our spiritual state.
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
Exegesis:The Greek word for "love" used here is ἀγαπᾶτε (agapate), which denotes a deep, abiding affection and commitment. "World" (κόσμον, kosmon) in this context refers not to the physical creation but to the worldly system opposed to God's values.
"Lust of the flesh" (ἐπιθυμία τῆς σαρκὸς, epithymia tēs sarkos) refers to physical desires, while "lust of the eyes" (ἐπιθυμία τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν, epithymia tōn ophthalmōn) pertains to covetousness or visual temptations. "Pride of life" (ἀλαζονεία τοῦ βίου, alazoneia tou biou) relates to boastful pride in one's lifestyle or possessions.
This passage warns against becoming emotionally invested in or captivated by worldly values and pursuits. It reminds us that such things are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling compared to a life lived in accordance with God's will.
Reflection Questions:
How do our entertainment choices reflect our values and priorities as followers of Christ?
In what ways might our media consumption be subtly conforming us to worldly patterns of thinking?
What criteria should we use to evaluate whether a particular form of entertainment is "worthless" or potentially harmful to our spiritual lives?
How can we cultivate a love for God that supersedes our desire for worldly entertainment?
What practical steps can we take to build a more Christ-centered media diet?
Life Applications
Intentional Selection: Rather than passively consuming whatever media comes our way, we can make deliberate choices about what we watch, read, and listen to. This might involve researching content before engaging with it, setting personal guidelines, or seeking recommendations from trusted Christian sources.
Media Fasting: Periodically abstaining from certain forms of media can help us reset our habits and evaluate their impact on our spiritual lives. This practice can create space for more intentional engagement with God and His Word.
Critical Engagement: When we do consume media, we can do so with a discerning mind, evaluating its messages and themes in light of biblical truth. This approach allows us to engage with culture while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective.
Positive Alternatives: We can actively seek out entertainment options that align with Christian values and promote spiritual growth. This might include Christian music, films, books, or podcasts that encourage and edify.
Accountability: Sharing our entertainment choices with trusted Christian friends or family members can provide valuable accountability and encourage thoughtful discussion about media consumption.
Time Management: Setting boundaries on our media consumption can help ensure that entertainment doesn't crowd out more important priorities, such as prayer, Bible study, and real-world relationships.
Content Creation: Instead of merely consuming media, we can consider creating content that reflects Christian values and contributes positively to the cultural conversation.
Family Media Plan: For those with children, developing a family media plan can help instill biblical values and critical thinking skills regarding entertainment choices from an early age.
Redemptive Viewing: When engaging with secular media, we can look for opportunities to discuss spiritual themes or moral issues that arise, using these as springboards for deeper conversations about faith.
Heart Examination: Regularly evaluating our motivations for consuming certain types of media can help us identify and address any unhealthy attachments or dependencies.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging the challenges we face in navigating the complex world of modern media and entertainment. We ask for Your wisdom and discernment as we make choices about what we allow into our minds and hearts. Help us to resist conformity to worldly patterns and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds through Your Word and Spirit.
Lord, give us the strength to turn away from that which is worthless or harmful to our spiritual lives. May we cultivate a deep love for You that surpasses any worldly desires or distractions. Guide us in building a media diet that honors You and contributes to our growth in Christ.
We pray for the courage to make counter-cultural choices when necessary, and for the creativity to engage with and create media that reflects Your truth and beauty. May our entertainment choices be a reflection of our commitment to You and a witness to those around us.
Father, we ask that You would guard our hearts and minds, keeping us focused on that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Help us to use the gift of media and technology in ways that glorify You and build up the body of Christ.
In all things, may we seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, finding our ultimate satisfaction and joy in You alone. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.