The Bible Has An Opinion On Your Media Choices

As COVID-19 causes hysteria, fear, shutdowns, and school closings, I’m left wondering what people are going to do all day. I’m always home, so I have routines and tasks that I am accustomed to completing throughout the day. What about people who would have never chosen to be at home? What about people with their kids home all day instead of at school? I imagine the adjustment must be difficult, and I also think most people will lean heavily on what we all seem to on occasion. TV. Will they biblically consider their media choices, though?

I’m not going to rail on people who rely on their screens to make it through an unexpected quarantine. I’m personally known to direct my children to a DVD or streaming a show in order to just get lunch fixed in peace. (Stop asking me absurd “which is worse” hypothetical questions and let me make these sandwiches!) I am, however, going to address a sticky subject regarding screen time. That is, Christian, what are you watching?

Media choices are an easy place to overapply liberty or law. This gray area has always been a bit of a minefield for me. I feel convicted about some things, but I let other things slide. Then, I look at what another person is watching, and I feel convicted for them to not watch that. I guess I’m thoughtful like that… But I’m sure another person could look at my media library and feel just as disgusted by something I enjoy as I feel about other people’s viewing preferences.

Christians Ignore Biblical Standards For Media Choices

Maybe we should just avoid the subject altogether because these waters are too hard to navigate gracefully. Unfortunately, that’s not how I operate. I have a need to poke the bear. When I’ve had conversations about media choices with other Christians, I have noticed one commonality. The Bible is rarely referenced. It’s like we’ve decided the Scriptures don’t address this modern topic and then make our decisions based on feelings. Pro tip: Don’t make decisions based on feelings. Perhaps, people choose not to examine the Bible because they can keep the status quo in ignorance if they don’t. I really can’t be sure.

Christian Liberty Is Not A License To Do What You Want

The one argument from the Bible I have heard from Christians in favor of loose liberty on what we watch and listen to concerns the priesthood of the believer. We see this in 1 Peter 2:5-9. Essentially, the idea is we act as our own priests because we no longer need a mediator between ourselves and God, and Christians will use this as the go-ahead on anything they choose. It isn’t a license to do whatever we want, though.

What is the nature of the priest’s role? The priest served God and offered sacrifices. Thankfully (because I’m squeamish), we don’t slaughter lambs to offer to the Lord anymore, but we do still offer sacrifices in this New Testament life. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Hmm. I bet that lamb slaughtering business sounds a little easier, doesn’t it?

Biblical Guidance For Media Choices

The Word also warns us again and again about others deceiving us and to keep our hearts and minds on the things of the Lord. These following verses stand in stark contrast to the kinds of movies, television, and music that are frequently being pushed on us today. While they may be entertaining, they often contradict and deride Christians and our beliefs.

“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.”

Proverbs 17:4

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Proverbs 14:12

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”

Isaiah 5:20-21

“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 good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

Despite the instructions from Scripture, I believe Christians still get confused about media standards to live by. Let me pose a question I heard someone else ask themselves. Would I watch this if Jesus were sitting next to me? The argument can made that He is already there with you. Our God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. He is everywhere, knows everything, and is all powerful. So, yeah, Jesus knows our media habits, but do we really think of Him with us?  

The Answers Are Not So Simple

So, where’s the line? Should we consider swear words, sexual content, nudity, blasphemy, and violence when we choose sources of entertainment? I’d argue we should consider them all. Even so, it’s fuzzy. The Chronicles of Narnia has violence, but am I really suggesting you avoid it? That’s where discernment comes into play. It’s possible a little light swearing in an otherwise clean movie is OK by you. I’m not convinced I can say you’re wrong.

There are times that liberty and personal standards don’t come into play, however. I don’t believe pornography is ever permissible for a Christian. Frankly, I don’t think it should be permissible for anyone. Full stop. I suppose that’s a different topic, though. There are also shows that don’t technically fall under that category, though, which no believer has any business watching. I’m looking at you Game of Thrones and The Witcher.

We need to examine why we watch what we watch, and we may need to rethink some of our media consumption. If we are to be holy, or set apart, we should set our standards apart from the world and closer toward Christ. Think about what part of yourself you are feeding when you watch a show or movie. Ask yourself why you are watching it. Are you feeling pressure because “everyone” is talking about it? Do you have a bad case of FOMO (fear of missing out)? Ultimately, we each need to think through things, pray about them, and take them seriously. The worst thing we can do is passively approach media as if it won’t affect us or our families. Although the choices aren’t always black and white, they will have ramifications.

Final Thought

Our family has a lot of parameters because we don’t want to normalize sin in our minds and the minds of our children. Many children’s shows and movies don’t even make our cut. Generally, it’s not a problem. It’s tough, though, when we’re in mixed company. Sometimes, we have to discreetly move our children out of a room to avoid a movie or even ask people explicitly to change a channel. More often than not, others respect our media choices and we all get along just fine. To us, it’s worth potential awkwardness to protect our hearts and minds and stick to our convictions.

Hopefully, this quarantine will lead to quality time and families enjoying each other rather than sitting next to each other while staring ahead. Maybe Christians will take this opportunity to reassess some habits and see that Christ isn’t compartmentalized in our lives. He’s right there with us when we pick up the remote. Is He witnessing purity, holiness, and a living sacrifice? Are we exemplifying a set-apart walk with our media choices?

How do you choose which media to consume and which to avoid?

Image courtesy of Murai .hr via Unsplash.