The Bible for Women

Weekly Devotional

Should I watch that?

A Russian proverb says "You cannot drive straight on a twisting lane." Many times as Christians living in the world, we forget that we live by a different standard. We know we are not to be of the world, yet we continue to drive straight on a twisting road. We justify what we watch on television or at the movies. We justify allowing our children to participate in very worldly activities. The Bible warns against trying to convince ourselves that something is right when it is not. "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15

We must be on guard. The devil is in our home every time we turn on our television. Should we even turn on the television to a show called, "Sex in the City, " or "Desperate Housewives?" We already know by the name of the show the nature of the show. Why, then are some Christians still drawn to these types of shows or movies?

My children sing a song which goes like this, "The fruit of the spirit's not an apple. The fruit of the spirit's not an apple. If you want to be an apple, you might as well hear it, you can't be a fruit of the spirit. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control."

As we know the fruit of the spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23.

Basically, we could fill in the name of the fruit with many different things. The point is that we should be focusing on those fruits when deciding what to watch on television or at the movies. Right now in 2007, a controversial movie called, "The Golden Compass" is about to enter our theaters. The movie was based on a book written by an atheist author and some who are protesting the movie state that this movie demonstrates a very atheistic tone. When we read reviews such as these, we are obligated to research the movie before we allow our children or ourselves to go see it.

If we are not certain about our judgment, we must turn to God. God gives wisdom and we must ask him for help when making decisions. "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

We must also turn to the Word. The Bible says, "Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it . Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

We must remind ourselves that we are Christians. We are to be different. We should conduct ourselves in a way that is different from the world. Paul writes in Philippians, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of Christ. Then, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27 It is also written, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' " 1 Peter 1:15-16

And finally, if we are in doubt of whether or not we should watch something on television or at the movies, we can ask ourselves does this show answer the following:

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Philippians 4:8

May God bless your week. Margie