Should Christians Watch Secular TV?

In the realm of Christianity, there are many of its proponents who feel reasonably comfortable viewing any and every thing that may appear on their TV screen. But there are many Christians who are in a dilemma as to how they should relate to the television set in their living room. Often they have momentary convictions that certain things that flash across their screens are not appropriate for a Christian to view, but by the time they realize and acknowledge it, that scene has faded and another scene is captivating their attention. The compelling urge to see what is going to happen next keeps them watching. And so they are drawn, evening after evening, to the enticing fare presented to them in beautiful living color. After all, what's really so bad about watching TV, anyway? Why, it just seems to fit into our evening schedule so perfectly, filling our need for entertainment, pleasure, relaxation, and so on.

And besides, where in the Bible does God tell us not to watch TV? It would be so much easier to decide not to watch it if the Bible said, “Thou shalt not watch TV” But the Bible doesn't say that, or does it? We will endeavor to look closely at the principles set forth in the Word of God to determine His will for us regarding this issue.

First of all, this message is written to those who call themselves Christians. As you read the following description, consider yourself. Do you qualify as a true Christian? To be a Christian means that you are a follower of Christ, which would include accepting Him totally and completely. You accept Him as your only hope, your salvation from sin. You accept Him as your example and as Lord of your life. And you accept His Word as the guide for your life, depending upon the Holy Spirit for conviction, understanding, and power to apply your convictions. Being a Christian means that you love God with all your heart and have made Him number one in your life. It means that you want to know and do the will of God, and that you are willing to allow Him to work in you to do His good pleasure.

Having laid our foundation on Jesus Christ, let us, humbly depending upon His Spirit for understanding, discover God's will for us.

In James 1:27 we find a definition of pure religion. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” We are to keep ourselves from being corrupted by all of the evil in world around us. That is quite straightforward. But the TV seems innocent enough. How could it really pollute us?

The primary objectionable feature of worldly TV programming is the portrayal of evil that flashes tantalizingly onto the screen. Sometimes we may try to blink it away, or avert our eyes momentarily, all the while congratulating ourselves that we are not affected by it. But we can't shut it out. Our eyes feast upon it, while our minds, like sponges, eagerly soak it up. But still we tell ourselves, well, we're just looking at it. Surely that's not so bad.

All this wickedness of humanity, is it merely pleasant entertainment for us? How does God feel about it? Of Him it is said., “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look inactively upon injustice.” Habakkuk 1:13 (All Scriptures taken from Amplified Version unless otherwise specified.) Sin is not entertaining to God. Sin has caused God more grief than we could ever begin to imagine. It cost Him an infinite sacrifice in giving His Son.

The seemingly innocent act of “just looking” is what started this whole sin problem in the first place. It all started when Eve “looked” at the forbidden tree. (See Genesis 3:6.) What we look at affects what we become. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are taught that by beholding we become changed. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:22, 23, that “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light. But if your eye is unsound (or evil), your whole body will be full of darkness. If then, the very light in you, (your conscience) is darkened, how dense is that darkness!”

So, what you choose to look at will affect your spirituality. Choosing to look at evil will darken your conscience, that faculty in us through which the Holy Spirit works to convict us of sin. It is extremely vital for us to keep our conscience sharp and responsive to God's Spirit. This is the only channel through which He can communicate to us. We are instructed not to live like the heathen, whose “moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. They are alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God, with no share in it. This is because of the ignorance--the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness that is deep-seated in them--due to their hardness of heart to the insensitiveness of their moral nature. In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless, and have abandoned themselves a prey to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity that their depraved desires may suggest and demand.” Ephesians 4:18, 19. What a horrible description! And yet, this is the downward spiral that begins when we allow our conscience to become numbed. Nevertheless, millions of professed “Christians” are injecting small doses of this spiritually lethal poison into their minds night after night. Is it any wonder that sin doesn't seem all that offensive to Christians anymore. Satan has discovered a marvelous anesthetic to deaden the mind against sin. It is his most effective tool for sinking “Christians” into spiritual apathy.

God warns us, “Leave no room or foothold for the devil, give no opportunity to him.” Ephesians 4:27. Christians are to “Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead let your lives be so in contrast as to expose and reprove and convict them. For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that such people practice in secret.” Ephesians 5:11, 12. And yet, “Christians” are finding this wickedness entertaining. “Therefore, He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light.” Ephesians 5:14. Friends, this is what we need, to wake up from our spiritual apathy and blindness. God is pleading, “Look carefully, then, how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people; making the very most of the time, buying up each opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16.

Evil must be shunned by Christians; we should avoid any contact with it like the plague. “Abstain from evil, shrink from it and keep aloof from it, in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.” I Thessalonians 5:22.

God has designed that Christians should be His lights in this darkened world. We are to show by our lives the beauty and purity of Christ's character. It is God's plan that sinners observe the holy lives of His people and be drawn to Him through their example. But many “Christians” have it all backwards. Instead of letting God work in them to make their lives exemplary to the wicked. they are too busy observing the sins of the wicked. The wicked should be watching Christians, not Christians watching the wicked! Can't we understand that their example will draw us toward their god, the god of this world, Satan himself?

In Romans 1:32, God's Word condemns those who take pleasure in those who commit evil. Do we find it pleasant entertainment to watch wicked people kill, steal, cheat and commit immoral acts? In 2 Thessalonians 2:12 we are told that all will be damned who had pleasure in unrighteousness. This is just the opposite of God's love, which “does not rejoice at injustice or unrighteous, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.” “Oh”, but you say, “that's me. I'm always for the 'good guy'. I'm always glad when the 'bad guy' gets caught.” That is not the point. You are being “pleasantly entertained” by an acting out of wickedness. The whole plot of most shows is based upon, or woven around human wickedness of some sort. The reference to and portrayal of wickedness is what pollutes whether or not the “good guy” wins in the end. What we need to do is to make a vow with David, “I will set no base or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the work of them who turn aside from the right path. It shall not grasp hold of me.” Psalm 101:3. David was firm. He would not choose to view any evil. He would not find today's fare on TV “pleasant entertainment”. He hated it!

When we do choose to watch evil, the plot “grasps hold” of us. We are entranced enthralled, almost hypnotized by the scenes of evil escapades parading before our eyes. Our adrenaline flows, our muscles tense and our emotions are gripped. We are allowing the evil to become a part of us. David continues, “A perverse heart shall depart from me. I will know no evil person or thing.” Psalm 101:4. It is for certain that David would not have invited these evildoers into his living room to act out their wicked deeds before him!

Perhaps you are thinking, “I am not affected by all the evil things I watch.” Dear friend, “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7, 8. (NIV) Whatever we plant in our minds is going to grow and we will reap the harvest. A modern term for this is “Garbage in - Garbage out!” The thoughts we allow in our minds will determine our character. For as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 27:3. (KJV)

You may be telling yourself that you don't watch the really bad shows. After all, you tell yourself, there are some “pretty good” shows on TV. What about it? How many sins does a TV show have to portray before we consider it “bad.” Did David say he would not set very many wicked things before his eyes? No, it is quite clear. If the TV show portrays one sin for strictly entertaining purposes, it is disqualified from being appropriate for Christian viewing. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:9 that “A little leaven (or sin) leavens the whole lump.”

We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that “every thought” is to be brought into the obedience of Christ. Now, if we are true Christians, we are depending on Christ, through the power of His Spirit, to bring our thoughts into conformity to His will. Wouldn't you agree that we would be presumptuous to ask Christ to remove our evil thoughts if we are deliberately allowing Satan to plant evil thoughts in our minds? This is precisely what we are doing when we watch worldly TV programs. And how can we pray with David, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” Psalm 119:18, if we are using our eyes to behold the evil things of the world? If we find that we don't desire to study God's Word and pray as much as we enjoy the entertainment of the TV, then we can be assured that the world has made inroads into our minds and deadened our spirituality. This is an extremely dangerous condition.

How, then are we to relate to the sin and wickedness which is all around us? A Christian will choose to avoid all contact with sin, and when that is not possible, he will abhor evil and be troubled by it. In 2 Peter 2:2-7, we read about how Lot was tortured and distressed by the wickedness around him in Sodom. Ezekiel 9 describes how God's people are grieving and lamenting because of the wickedness around them. Sin is not a joke, friend. It is not pleasant entertainment. When we unavoidably come into contact with sin, it should cause us tremendous grief. And while we should hate the sin, we should love the sinner.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1. We cannot afford to be indifferent to sin. Sin is very dangerous; it is likened to fire. “Strive to save others, snatching them out of the fire; on others take pity but with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.” Jude 23. So, our contact with sin is to be only for the purpose of helping to save the sinner. Like Jesus, we are to call the sinners to repentance. We must treat sin like the deadly poison that it is. Passively watching sin enacted before your eyes on your TV screen WILL cause you to become indifferent to it. It is a law of the mind. “Do not be so deceived and mislead! Evil companionships, communion, associations, corrupt and deprave good manners and morals.” I Corinthians 15:33. It is high time we as Christians wake up and see how Satan has deceived and blinded us. Worldly TV programming is our deadly enemy! May God help us to see this truth.

If you have young children in your home, the importance of removing the evil influence of worldly TV programs of any kind cannot be stressed enough. Listen to the strong words Jesus used: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in and acknowledges and cleaves to Me to stumble and sin, that is, who entices him, or hinders him in right conduct or thought, it would be better, more expedient and profitable or advantageous for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influence to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!” Matthew 18:6,7. Parents, let us not be the ones responsible for placing our children on the pathway to destruction.

There is enough evil in the world without purposely placing it before our eyes. Here is what we should be diligently and continually placing before our children: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your souls and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home., and when you walk along the road,, when you lie down, and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7. God is telling us as parents that we have an awesome responsibility in teaching our children about loving Him and doing His will. It is a terrible shame that many “Christian” parents gather their precious children around the television set to view the works and ways of the kingdom of darkness. Satan has been teaching innocent children about his evil principles and implanting in their minds the dark depravity of wickedness. Parents, do not let this continue any longer! God will hold you responsible. The minds of children are thirsty and pliable; how important it is for us to be placing God's Word in their minds. Parents, cast out the works or darkness and uplift God's Holy Word in your home today.

Let's address the topic of comedies. Are comedies simply harmless little diversions to feast upon? What does God's Word have to say about such things? In Mark 7:20-23, Jesus includes 'foolishness” in His list of terrible sins. The Apostle Paul urges, “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it.” Ephesians 4:29. Please notice this scripture: “Let there be no filthiness,, obscenity or indecency, nor foolish and sinful, silly and corrupt talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness to God.' Ephesians 5:4.

In Ephesians 4:17 we read about the perverseness of the heathens, the “folly, vanity and emptiness of their souls and the futility of their minds.” Solomon declares in Proverbs 24:9, “The thought of foolishness is sin and the scorner is an abomination to men.” (KJV) And Jesus stated: “But I tell you on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle, inoperative, non-working word they speak.” Matthew 12:36. This text tells us to avoid not only the evil and profane words, but any meaningless talk.

If Christians are to choose their words carefully and not speak any meaningless words, certainly it is not appropriate to fill our minds with the empty words of worldly men. It is quite clear that the silliness, hilarity and perverse humor of the world is not in God's plan for the Christian. His joy is so much deeper and infinitely more satisfying than what the world has to offer. We declare, “What is the chaff to the wheat?” Jeremiah 23:28.

Listen to this dismal statement, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and they have hewn for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, which cannot hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13. Dear friend, give up the broken cisterns of this world and discover the true joy that Jesus longs to give you. “Therefore with joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3. With Jesus' joy bubbling from your soul, you will find no use for the empty humor of the world.

Many “Christians” find the game shows very intriguing and exciting. We should realize that these wicked sins--greed, covetousness, love of money, materialism and selfishness are what generate the excitement. If there were no prizes, no competition, the answering of questions on these shows wouldn't be any big deal. As Christ's followers, we have been amply warned against these sins. “For the love of money is the root of all evil ... flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” I Timothy 6:11.

The principles set forth in the Bible certainly condemn all greed, pride and self-seeking. “In the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself, thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not merely his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4. In applying this principle, the spirit of competition and pride in many programs such as various sporting events, beauty pageants and talent shows reveals that it is not the spirit of Christ.

As modern day Christians, we often think of idolatry as something that happened way back in Bible times. We're much more sophisticated in this day and age, we believe. But maybe that's not true after all. Perhaps we have been guilty of a form of idol worship of which we have not been aware. The celebrities of the world have become the celebrities of many “Christians.” The vast majority of the “stars” of screen and stage are avowed infidels, not only failing to render homage to God, but often living in open rebellion to all for which He stands. The God whom we claim to love and honor has been publicly denied and denounced by many of these “stars.” And yet, “Christians” applaud and adore these agents of Satan and along with the world, have lifted up these sinful human beings as idols to be worshipped.

How does God feel about these proud screen idols? “Every one proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord: Be assured, I pledge it, he will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5. By applauding these actors, we are assisting in their exaltation. How can “Christians” admire that which is hateful to God? “For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15. When we watch these actors perform, in essence we are saying that we approve of them, we approve of their lifestyles, and we approve of the exorbitant sums of money lavishly spent on the production of the movie, spent for our entertainment. We approve of their immodest fashions and perversity. How can Christians condone waste, while thousands are starving to death for lack of food?

What the celebrities say, do, eat, wear and buy seems to have a tremendous impact upon the world. This insidious influence pervades the very lifestyles of “Christians” who freely partake of the entertainment provided by these screen idols. God is dishonored when His professed people take part with the world. We surround ourselves with a worldly influence when we choose to be entertained by worldly TV programs. “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” Psalm 12:8.

Dear friend, we must cease taking part in this idol worship of the world. Let us exalt our Lord and His righteousness. God's Word tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 that in the last days, the world will be full of people who are lovers of self, lovers of money, unholy and profane, loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good, and some who even claim to be religious, but don't depend upon God's power to uphold His standards in their lives. We are warned, “Avoid all such people, turn away from them.” 2 Timothy 3:5.

Many programs on TV have been inundated with a supernatural element. Super humans, space creatures and magical objects are commonplace. Even the commercials frequently depict supernatural happenings. Is this all just adding a little extra spice to the programs, or could the devil have a definite purpose for this display of magic? Christians who are watching and waiting for the soon return of their Lord should be especially aware of what Satan is doing. What did Jesus say was going to take place before He returns? “For there shall arise false christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders,, insomuch that,, it if were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24. (KJV)

Today there are an abundance of signs and wonders on the TV screen. Even though they are produced by technical tricks, they are still causing the viewers to become accustomed to the idea of supernatural happenings as an everyday occurrence. Satan is getting the world prepared to be swept into tremendous delusions involving supernatural happenings. And professed “Christians” are being swept right along into the trap unawares. We are told in Revelation 16:14 that the spirits of devils will work miracles just before Jesus comes. If we are falling into Satan's preparatory trap now, how can we expect to remain undeceived when he springs the overpowering deceptions on us? We won't escape; we will be swept into the fatal deception. It's that simple.

You may be getting a little bit uncomfortable and nervous at this point, as the Holy Spirit is convicting you through His Word that worldly TV programs do not belong in a Christian's life. As you are endeavoring to seek God's will in this matter, here is a helpful way to test the value of any TV program. Would Jesus watch it? Would you be embarrassed to watch it if He was sitting right beside you? Certainly as we choose to make Christ first in our life, He will make His will plain to us.

Habit patterns can be deeply engrained in the lifestyle. Praise God, there is no habit too strong for Him to break! But let's consider some of our “reasons” and “excuses” that have helped to develop the habit of viewing TV This may open our eyes to the fact that we may not have the “reasons” we thought we did.

Number One: “It helps me unwind and relax.” You are uptight from the pressures of a busy day, and you find the TV a soothing relaxing agent. But Christian friend, that is not the kind of relaxing you need! if you could picture Satan wrapping his deadly net around you and laughing as you deliberately choose to place yourself into his hands, would you feel like relaxing then? Christians must “be sober, be vigilant., because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8. We must never relax our guard against evil. If you have trouble relaxing., maybe what you need is some physical exercise to help you relax. “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet.” Ecclesiastes 5:12.

Now please notice this biblical prescription for the kind of relaxation God offers. 'I have set the Lord continually before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory (my inner self) rejoices. My body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety.” Psalm 16:8,9. Christian friend, rest in the fellowship of the Lord and not in the company of demons!

Number Two ., “It helps me escape from my problems.” Indeed, TV is an escape; it allows one to escape into an unreal world of which a Christian should have no part. The fabrication of tales and phony stories, with the deceptive trickery of photographic techniques is not the escape into which a true Christian should seek to enter. David emphatically states, “I do not sit with false persons, nor fellowship with pretenders. I hate the company of evildoers and will not sit with the wicked.” Psalm 26:4,5. The very fact that the vast majority movies are mere fiction should be enough to keep us away from them. Paul warns, “But refuse and avoid irreverent legends, profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmother's tales, and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourselves toward godliness, piety, keeping yourself spiritually fit.” I Timothy 4:7.

God offers us the ultimate escape through His power. “Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3. (NIV) Jesus longs to help us escape from sin. True Christians will not be seeking to escape into the sin of worldly TV programs. If you have problems, Jesus is the true solution. Take your problems and cares to Him. “Casting the whole of your care, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all, on Him, for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7.

Number Three : “It's so informative and educational. I learn a lot from--watching TV” Yes, you probably do learn a lot, but what is it that you are learning? Eve learned a lot when she disobeyed God; she learned all about sin and the woe it brings. (See Genesis 3:1-7.) Paul tells us that we are to be infants when it comes to evil. (I Corinthians 14:20.) In other words, we should not seek to become acquainted with the things of this world. A factual, informative and educational program, from which we could learn something truly beneficial to us, and from which all corrupting influences are absent, would not cause harm, but such TV programs are rare. And we should not have to depend upon the television for our education. Those eager for knowledge will discover a vast store of knowledge available in educational books.

If we are truly seeking after knowledge, we will go directly to the Source of all knowledge and wisdom, God Himself. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5. (NIV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 1:7. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17. If we make God our source of wisdom and put Him in charge of our education, He will lead us to knowledge untainted with the immorality and humanistic values of the world.

Number Four : “There is so much good in some of the movies, such touching portrayals of love in human relations; it moves me emotionally.” On the surface, this may seem like a valid reason to watch TV. The dramatics of a “good” movie can elicit many deep feelings, and somehow it feels good when our emotions are stirred. We somehow feel like we are becoming more caring people if other people's experiences can draw tears from our eyes. But look closely at this shallow reasoning.

First of all, the vast majority of movie plots are fiction, phony, pretend. They never happened and they never will happen. Therefore, the movie creators have full reign to inject into their story any number of moving, gripping scenes that will work up the emotions of the viewers. They want you to become involved in the story; they are intentionally trying to grab your emotions. This gives the movie its drawing power. In essence, the screen writers have purposefully studied to play with your emotions and trap you in the addictive snare. It keeps you watching so they can keep making money.

You can be assured that the movie producers' purpose is not to make you a more caring and loving person. It actually does the opposite. By watching so many highly emotional but unrealistic scenes your sensibilities become deadened to real life happenings, and your emotions no longer respond. How unfortunate it is that “Christians” are allowing their God-given emotions to become numbed by this means. Our emotions should be tender and responsive, especially to God's love. True love for others is one of God's attributes, one which we receive when we are connected with Him. The movie writer, if he is not a born-again Christian, which few, if any, are, does not possess God's love. In fact, here is what God says about his thoughts. “The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord.” Proverbs 15:26. So the scriptwriter, drawing from the storehouse of his wicked mind, injects tantalizing bits and pieces of the world's ideas into the plot, which effectively captivate the viewers.

Certainly, Christians should know about the power of Satan to trick and deceive us. Satan is cunning, and he knows how deceptive it would be to sprinkle in a little “good” amidst the thrilling fare presented to the captivated audience. Satan is very busy these days, diligently working with his agents, the worldly movie script writers, planting his thoughts in their minds to be woven into the movie. The “good” and “noble” ideas are part of Satan's trap to make the objectionable parts palatable. It is time we as Christians wake up to this fact and acknowledge our blindness in this matter.

If Satan's counterfeit love and emotion has captivated you friend, you must, for Christ's sake, cast it aside, and seek God's real love. The real world is filled to overflowing with opportunities to show love and concern for our fellow human beings. Instead of watching pretend “love” and allowing your emotions to be stirred up, you can experience God's love by interacting with your family and friends. How can you shed tears over a touching story that is make-believe, and ignore the scores of lonely, hurting and needy people right in your neighborhood? Guard your emotions; don't squander them on idle tales; instead, use them for good in motivating you to share God's love to a real world that's hurting.

As for the “good” scenes portrayed in the TV movies, don't let yourself be deceived into thinking that they make TV viewing an uplifting and worthwhile experience. If you wanting to focus on the good in life, you cannot depend worldly TV programs to bring it to you. Would you dig through a garbage can searching for bits of nourishment if had access to a pantry full of delicious and nourishing food? Real life provides unlimited opportunities for morally upright endeavors and good deeds. Why not spend the evenings planning and doing good and worthwhile projects? You could be a real asset to your community and a faithful steward of God instead of squandering your precious time in passive observation. Don't fool yourself by thinking the TV shows are filling you with lofty and uplifting thoughts. The bits of “good” you view on TV are like the kernels of corn the farmer throws to the pig, leading him down the path to the slaughterhouse.

Number Five : “But I enjoy it so much. “ Of course you do! Isn't it understandable that the devil would go out of his way to make such an effective temptation a very enjoyable experience? Satan is straining every faculty he possesses to make certain that viewing a worldly TV program is extremely pleasurable and fascinating to his subjects. Doesn't the alcoholic enjoy drinking, and the drug addict find that “getting high” is an extremely pleasurable experience? Satan is endeavoring to ensnare you in the same way, by making your mind addicted to the fascinating fare provided on your TV screen.

But just consider this for a moment. What is it in you that is being drawn to watch worldly shows? What is there in you, a professed Christian, that enjoys the pleasures of the world? You surely are aware that, even though as a Christian, Christ has given you a new nature, your old nature is still lurking inside you, waiting for an opportunity to be in control. It is your old nature, self, that is being drawn like a magnet to feed on worldly TV shows. Your new nature, the one in which Jesus Himself abides, will abhor them and find them repulsive. By giving in to our old nature, we are feeding it and causing it to grow stronger. The nature you feed the most will be the strongest, and eventually take over the complete control of your life.

Dear Christian friend, we must die to self, to our desires. When we surrender our wills to God and allow Christ to be in control of our lives, our desires will change. We will love God's word. We will find it fascinating and pleasurable to be engaged in its study. We will find that the Bible will become a powerful shield against temptation. “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11. (KJV) Are you spending at least an hour a day studying God's Word?

When Christ is in control of our lives, we will love to pray. We will have a strong desire to spend much time in communion with God. It will become our delightful habit to “pray continually”. I Thessalonians 5:17. (NIV) When we follow God's way, we will discover the joy of His presence. “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11.

Our new natures lead us to love what God loves and hate what He hates. Don't let this be said of you, “You love evil more than good.” Psalm 52:3. When you choose to let your sinful desires control you, “you are like unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend to the world takes his stand as an enemy of God.“ James 4:4. Oh, dear friend, listen to the voice of God pleading with you. Turn away from the world! “Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15.

Please, for your own sake, don't push these clear warnings from your mind. Take them in, meditate upon them and apply them to your life.

“Therefore beware, brethren take care lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart which refuses to cling to, trust in and rely on Him, leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. But instead warn, admonish, urge and encourage one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened into settled rebellion by the deceitfulness of sin, that is, by the fraudulences the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamour of his sin may play on him.” Hebrews 3:12,13. Don't let Satan deceive you into watching his TV programs anymore. Don't put yourself into his hands because of your evil desires for the pleasures and glamour of worldly programs. “For if you live according to the dictates of the flesh, you will surely die.” Romans 8:13. Here is what we should be doing instead. “But if, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you are habitually putting to death, making extinct, deadening, the evil deeds prompted by the body, you shall really and genuinely live forever.” Romans 8:13. What a beautiful promise!

God will give us the power to break the habit of harmful TV viewing. When we surrender our wills to Him, He will work in us to do His perfect will. His promise to us is that He will dwell in us. (2 Corinthians 6:16) In the next verse He says, “Come out from among unbelievers and separate (sever) yourself from them, says the Lord,, and touch not any unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and receive you with favor.” 2 Corinthians 6:17.

We are special to God. “You were bought for a price, purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body. 11 I Corinthians 6:20. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man, defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” I Corinthians 3:16,17. (KJV) Beloved, let us stop defiling our minds, where God's Holy Spirit dwells, with Satan's schemes, by not allowing him to influence us through worldly TV programs.

God has clearly told us what things are appropriate for Christians to dwell upon: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8. (KJV)

We must say “NO” to our evil desires. “Beloved, I implore you as sojourners, strangers and exiles in this world, to abstain from the sensual urges, the evil desires, the passions of the flesh (your lower nature), that wage war against your soul.” I Peter 2:11. Our lower nature is strong, especially when we have been giving in to it, but praise God, His power is stronger! “But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:57. (KJV) Jesus will give you the victory over your strong desire to watch worldly programs if you choose to trust in Him and depend upon His power.

Please notice the excellent advice Jesus offers in Matthew 5:29, “If your right eye serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be cast into Hell.” The practical application of this passage would teach that if the television is an overwhelming temptation to you and you are continually drawn to worldly programs, cast it out, get rid of it! “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14. (KJV) Overcoming the temptation will be much easier if you get rid of the source!

If that is impossible because of other family members, at least you can totally stop watching all worldly TV shows. Even though others may think you are being fanatical, you will know that you are following the leading of God's Holy Spirit. And it is only as we obey His will that we can experience the true peace and joy that He offers.

Dear friend, as you contemplate what God's Word clearly teaches concerning His will for your life regarding the viewing of worldly TV shows, you must acknowledge that God is telling you to stop this spiritually harmful practice. But God will not force you to do anything. In His great love and mercy, He has given us the power of choice. It remains with us whether we will choose His will or our own selfish will. Beloved, Jesus loves you so much, and He willingly gave Himself totally to you in order to offer you eternal life. Won't you respond to His love, and give yourself totally to Him today?

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