It is fair to say that there are many influences in the contemporary era which can distract a Christian from their purposed walk. The amount of entertainment media which is available at our fingertips is at a quantity that is unprecedented in history.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”
-Psalm 1:2 NIV.
If we are taking time to consume media, we are also probably missing out on a chance to be in God’s word.
An almost infinitesimal percentage of this, mostly digital, content is of a type that could be considered Godly. Many of us are even consuming some of this audio/visual digital media on devices that are donned with a bitten apple. Maybe we should see that as a warning label to use the device carefully before proceeding.
The majority of music created by the current and previous generation does not have the purpose of edifying believers or of worshipping God. The inappropriate language and lyrics can take up valuable memory space in a Christian’s brain. Even ‘country music’, which got its start with gospel lyrics and simple-living themes, has been corrupted by modern ‘values’.
Television and movies, besides generally being wasters of time, have the severe side-effect of desensitizing us as individuals and as a society. They normalize violence, deviant behavior, sexual immorality, and foul language. While the Bible does not specifically warn us about consuming modern media forms, it certainly does warn us of the sin it can promote.
Another issue that God’s word does specify to be mindful of is the company we keep…
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
1Corinthians 15:33 NKJV
Friends may engage in behavior that is sinful…
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV
Family members may use language that is vile…
“… now you must rid yourself of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips”
Colossians 3:8 NIV
Coworkers dispense jokes that are anything but clean…
“… neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting…”
Ephesians 5:4 NKJV
Be careful, brothers and sisters, what you spend time doing, and who you are spending time with. The Creator and Sustainer of all things warns us that
“… Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
James 4:4 NIV
Abraham
