Profanity, sarcasm, vulgarity, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, greed, etc. all play a devastating role in our day. Television produces this refuse scene after scene. At one moment an adulterous affair is made to look sexy and appealing, the next moment a gay couple flirtatiously engage one another. Profanity, which sailors weren’t allowed to use in movies 30 years ago, now roles casually off the lips of leading ‘ladies’ in prime time sitcoms. Indecency is applauded. The more flesh revealed the better.
Magazines, billboards, bumper stickers, t-shirts, the internet, as well as the TV are all used to create a barrage of God insulting indecency. Our society is taunting the wrath of the almighty God.
So let me ask you, ‘What do you allow into your mind?’ The apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:8, reminds us of the need to enjoy and think about ‘whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise . . .’ God did not save us from our sin so that we could enjoy filling our minds with more sin. No, He saved us from sin so that we might know the freedom of godliness. He saved us and intends for us to become like Christ. I can assure you that Jesus wouldn’t be entertained by watching a couple engaged in sex or by listening to homosexual innuendos. He wouldn’t be motivated to purchase products because of the partially clothed females used to promote the products.
It’s time for Christians to live their faith. You must be an example of godliness. Sin should disgust you as much as it does God. You should flee from immorality and pursue righteousness. Fill your mind with those things that God has provided for your enjoyment. Enjoy life as you think about Scripture, as you consider the beauty of creation, as you participate in recreational activities, as you spend time with family, as you earn a living, as you love Christ.
Am I advocating a mass TV smashing event? No. What I am advocating is self-disciplined discernment regarding that which you enjoy. Enjoy what honors God, participate in what honors God, and promote what honors God. If you do this, then the peace of God will always be with you.
Doug Richey, Pastor
Copyright 2008, Doug Richey
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