Try to imagine that you are sharing your sofa with Jesus and then think about what you would watch. Would you continue watching what you are already watching, or would you change the channel?
We should be asking ourselves, “Is what I am watching pleasing to God?” Let’s be honest; most of the films and series offered to us, with such a range of choices, are not really what we should be viewing if we truly are born-again Christians.
The bible makes it quite clear that adultery, jealousy, debauchery— basically a lifestyle of uncontrolled indulgence—are sin. (Galatians 5:19-21) So why do we sit there watching it and filling our minds with it? The devil knows how to distract us and tempt us, and he uses the airwaves, TV, and music to do just that. Have you ever noticed how sleepy you get when you start to read your bible or a Christian book? But when you are watching an action movie or thriller, for example, you manage to stay completely awake and watch untill the end. Corruption and infidelity are rife on our screens and we are letting them into our homes.
What about horror films? Do you really think our heavenly Father wants us to watch them, fill our minds with fear, or open the door to things that are evil?
God loves us and wants to protect us, so why would we choose to allow these films into our homes? In my opinion, they do far more harm than good. They can leave us feeling fearful, and give us nightmares. Instead of feeling safe and secure in our own homes, we can begin to feel vulnerable. Our imaginations may start convincing us that someone is watching us or that there are evil presences around us.
This is not healthy for our minds or our spiritual lives. The Bible tells us in (2 Timothy 1:7) that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” As Christians, we are called to fix our minds on things that are true, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), not on things that stir up fear and darkness.
For these reasons, I believe horror films are something Christians should avoid.
Movie age recommendations seem to have become far more lenient over the last few years, and even films rated suitable for ages 7 and above can contain content that we, as Christians, should question whether we ought to be watching. Sexual scenes are now found even in some of these films, not to mention those rated 12, 16, and 18, where nudity and graphic, bloody violence seem to have become the norm.
In the book of Matthew, the Bible tells us that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27–28). Watching sexual scenes on TV is, therefore, not so different, as they can still stir up lust. Adultery is also portrayed so frequently that it is often made to seem normal or insignificant.
Although we may think, “I would never do such a thing,” we are still allowing these messages into our minds, and they do affect us. If we are not careful, years of being bombarded with this kind of content through television can gradually influence our thinking and, in some cases, even lead us into situations we once believed we would never find ourselves in.
The same can be said of music. I’m sure many of you reading this can relate to what I’m about to say. Perhaps, like me, you used to go to places where music, drinking, and partying were the main attraction. It may have seemed harmless at the time, but looking back, those environments often encouraged behaviour that drew us further away from God rather than closer to Him.
Let’s face it—much of the music we listen to is centred around sex, and when that is combined with a catchy beat, it can easily lead us down the wrong path. It may tempt us to have a drink or two too many, which can lead to dancing that becomes increasingly sensual. Before we know it, we may find ourselves in a compromising situation, and when something feels good, many people choose not to walk away.
Adultery, alcohol abuse, and drug use often become more likely when we allow ourselves to become vulnerable. Personally, I believe we should avoid places where the atmosphere revolves around drinking and worldly entertainment. We should be wise about where we go and the company we keep, recognising that our surroundings can have a powerful influence on our thoughts, choices, and actions.
Some music can almost act like a trance, drawing us in so deeply that our thoughts begin to wander where they shouldn’t. Perhaps we start thinking about another person or even an old relationship. We may believe those thoughts are private, but nothing is hidden from God.
The Bible reminds us in (Psalm 139:1–2,) “Lord, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” Likewise, in (1 Kings 8:39,) we are told, “For you alone know every human heart.” We may never speak these thoughts aloud, but God knows our hearts and every one of our thoughts.
It was only recently that I picked up a book and started to read it, when before reaching the end of the first chapter, the blasphemy was so frequent that I had to put it down and never picked it up again. It was so offensive to me.
The same thing happens when I start a film. If there is blasphemy, I can’t continue watching it. It doesn’t sit right with me, and it makes me uncomfortable to hear Jesus’ name used in vain. If we have made Him our Lord and Saviour, how can we sit there listening to blasphemy?
The Holy Spirit convicts us, and we know when something is wrong. In the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:7), it says, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
Am I saying, to be a Christian means boring? Not at all.
Watching and listening to sin is not edifying. Why would you want to curse the One who has given you salvation? Do you want to please Satan or God? We need to remember that we are only here for a short time compared with eternity, so are temporary pleasures worth forfeiting a lifetime in heaven?
The Bible tells us in (Romans 12:2 not to conform to this world.) God’s plan for our lives is far greater and more satisfying than our own plans. This is why it is so important to die to self and let Him take over (Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me”). In (Mark 8:34) it says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must take up their cross.”
We are called to stop living a self-centred life and to live a Christ-centred life. It is a daily surrender. As we begin to live this way, we feel closer to God—more joyful, more peaceful, and less afraid. We begin to trust God with everything, and we find ourselves wanting to walk closer with Him and talk to Him more.
The way we speak to others and the way we think changes, and people begin to notice. Some of those people will want to ask questions, and we’ll have opportunities to share our faith with them. Others may ridicule us or even avoid us once they know we stand for God. This is what Jesus meant in Mark when He said to take up your cross—being willing to stand firm and defend your faith.
God’s plan for our lives is usually different from ours, but it certainly won’t be boring.
How many times have we found ourselves struggling by comparing our lives to others—their jobs, income, families, houses, and apparent happiness—and then feeling discouraged about our own achievements and success? Of course, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors; we only see what others choose to show us.
With God, however, our lives are complete. It doesn’t matter what our friends or neighbours have. We have the assurance of a future with God in heaven, and that life can begin here and now while we are still on earth. God wants to bless us, and He also wants us to be a blessing to those around us.
He has called us to be salt and light. In (Matthew 5:13,) Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” and in (Matthew 5:14,) “You are the light of the world.” By living for God, we reflect His goodness and wisdom through the way we live, bringing hope into a dark world.
l’d like to finish by saying that when we live knowing that Christ lives in us, there is no longer a desire to party like the world does or to act as it does. We have found the true meaning of life, and we are here to share this wonderful way of living with as many people as we can.
We no longer want to please our earthly nature and its sinful desires, as we once did before we were saved. (Colossians 3:5) says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” We do not want to watch films that blaspheme our Lord and Saviour, nor read such content in books, nor blast it through speakers into our ears.
Not all music is bad, but we need to be wise. Where are our thoughts going when we listen to it? There is also a great deal of good Christian music available in many different genres. I believe that when we pause and listen to the Holy Spirit within us, we know what is appropriate to watch, read, and listen to.
We know when we should switch channels, turn off the music, or put the book down. We thank God for His Holy Spirit and His guidance. Life with God is victorious, and why would we want to settle for anything less after knowing Him, His truth, and His plans for us?
Scriptures in order as read above
Galatians 5:19-21 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Matthew 5:27–28 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[a] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
Psalm 139:1–2 “Lord, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
1 Kings 8:39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart)
Exodus 20: 7 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must take up their cross.”
Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
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