This week I've been studying Philippians 4. Studying one verse a day, focusing on some key words, reading more relevant verses, writing things in my journal. And today I landed on the power verse: vs. 8 "Finally, brothers, 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." We had some discussion about this at Bible study a couple weeks ago and it's led me to do more thinking on it and how this verse can apply to.... TV choices.
We don't have TV. When we moved in we had a gigantic antenna in the attic which provided about 5 or 6 channels. Then one day something happened and we all of a sudden got no channels, and we've opted to just have no TV ever since. And I haven't missed it one bit. BECAUSE most everything is still available via internet streaming! I regularly watch, in my own timing, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives, Modern Family, and Glee. Many of these shows are filled with filth. And even though I don't agree with it and I feel unswayed by it, I continue to watch as though it has no affect on me and my life whatsoever. But this is not how it should be.
I studied the key words in this Bible verse and take a look. Think about some of things you've let into your life and ask yourself these questions...
TRUE = real, genuine, authentic, sincere, loyal, being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
>> Does this reflect the genuine character of Christ?
Philippians 2:5 "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
NOBLE = of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence; lofty; high-minded; splendid
>>Does this portray exalted moral character and excellence?
James 1:21-25 "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do."
RIGHT = in accordance with what is good, proper, or just; to put in or restore to an upright position. {This second definition was really referring to physical position but I couldn't help but think it could also be use socially as well.}
>> Is this good and of upright position?
Genesis 4:7 "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
PURE = free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; free from foreign or inappropriate elements
>> Is this contaminated with inappropriate elements?
Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Hebrews 10:22 "...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
LOVELY = having a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye; of a great moral or spiritual beauty
>> Is this or should this be appealing to my heart?
1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
ADMIRABLE = inspiring approval, reverence, or affection; excellent; praiseworthy
>> Is this praiseworthy?
Proverbs 31:10-11, 25-30 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value... She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
If any ONE of these points is out of line with how we should be thinking, then chances are we should not be watching these things as entertainment at all. This week I am not going to watch my regular shows. So how 'bout you? Are there things you "can't" help but watch but know you really shouldn't be? Are there GOOD shows out there that you honestly would recommend?
4 comments:
Last Man Standing is pretty good. Um...other than that, you may have to go back a decade or so. I'm watching The Wonder Years on Netflix.
I watch Grey's and PP, and I think the shows have cleaned up since they first started, but you bring up good points here. My husband watches some shows that I completely disapprove of - not that they are really bad, but they're just a lot filthier than what I watch (like Weeds). I struggle a lot with seeing him watch a show, tell him that I think it's dirty, and then have him try to be affectionate later. It doesn't feel like affection then, because I feel like he got turned on by watching something on TV and is trying to live that out. I am really bothered by it, but then also have a hard time not giving him that affection because I'd rather it be from me than have him turn elsewhere for it.
Like you said, I don't feel swayed by the shows that I watch, but I definitely see it in his behavior, and so it makes me wonder what I might be doing that I'm not aware of.
There are some Christian websites that have TV shows, and I've used them for the kids before, but haven't ever watched anything for adults. I really want to look into it now though. I think you're on to something! Another thought - what about watching some of the home makeover shows?
We have a TV but don't have it on much. Caleb has some cartoons he watches after school when I let him relax a while before doing homework and he likes to watch Andy Griffith or Dick Van Dyke with his Daddy. I've always been very careful with what he watches. If we turn it on for a football or baseball game, we cover his eyes for the commercials and he will hide his eyes himself too sometimes.
I don't guess I've ever been a big TV watcher. If the TV was on I always had something else to do too, like coloring or writing letters. The shows I remember watching were from years ago: Full House, Family Matters, Little House on the Prairie, Boy Meets World, and Saved by the Bell on Saturday mornings and Dr. Quin Medicine Woman on Saturday nights. My husband and I used to watch the Apprentice, I'd record it and we'd watch it together. The Bachelor was another one I watched. I came to the point where you are describing I guess. I did not like the words used, taking the Lord's name in vain, or the sexual perversion. It's just not worth my time I don't feel. I don't think they are glorifying to God or bring my thoughts to honor or glorify Him.
I don't know what is even on anymore so I don't know if there are any good ones out there to watch.
this is something that I struggled with BIG time a couple years ago. I found that I LIVED for my evenings when I would spend an average of 3 hrs EVERY night watching smutty shows. I used to watch Grey's, PP, Desperate Housewives, One Tree Hill, Ugly Betty, etc, etc, etc. When I became convicted of this I went cold turkey and removed them ALL from my DVR and never looked back. I still watch a few reality shows like Survivor, Dancing, and Biggest Loser - but honestly those shows are NOTHING like the smut I used to watch. There really aren't many good, clean shows out there. Many times we watch Food Network or those outdoorsy type shows. I pray that you will figure out the right balance based on your convictions! I think it sets a great example to our kids when we do what we teach by choosing to watch the right things and turn away from the wrong ones. =)
Blessings, Kathy
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