Turn it Off
9
It may be easy to recognize the movies, music, TV shows, and other media containing messages completely opposite to the Word of God. But while we may get rid of media that is blatantly harmful to our walk with God, we often neglect to detect the threat of the more “neutral” media we engage in. For example, there are plenty of TV shows, such as The Amazing Race, What Not to Wear, and The Dr. Oz Show, that may not be filling our minds with sexual innuendo and romanticized selfish living, but can still subtly shape our thinking and influence our standards. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” If we want Jesus to truly be our everything, to fill every thought and affection, He must be what we are continually seeking to take in. Setting our minds on “things which are above,” requires more than simply avoiding the “bad” - we must purpose to give our time and energy to that which keeps our minds fixed upon Christ at all times.
Three Reflections on Overhauling Your Media Intake
๏ Do the things I watch and listen to rightly reflect the standard of Christ? If
not, ask the Lord to show you if you have become content with being a less-than-accurate representation of Him.
๏ Does every song I listen to, movie I watch, and book I read bring glory to the name of Jesus? If not, prayerfully consider why you enjoy participating in it.
๏ Am I using media to “zone out” and take a break from pressing hard into Christ? If so, allow the Lord to reveal specific things that have been stealing your focus, and let Him train you to more vigilantly guard what comes through the door of your mind.
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