Choose Wholesome Entertainment

Don't Expose Yourself to Ungodly Movies, Music, Books and TV

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Introduction to potential dangers of secular entertainment

Jesus offers us an abundant and joyful life, yet in our search for enjoyment and relaxation we often unthinkingly accept the world’s
idea of fun. The result: We harm ourselves and our relationship with the Lord.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly. (John 10:10)

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:11)
A good guideline is to only engage in activities Jesus would approve. As John wrote:
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6)

Be aware of the dangers in secular entertainment

Much of the entertainment and literature in our society is ungodly. This doesn't only apply to obvious material such as pornography.
It also applies to many regular TV shows and movies, books, magazines, and music.

Let’s take a look at some of the potential dangers from secular entertainment: ·

We can accept a secular picture of the world.

Much entertainment presents a false or incomplete picture of reality by leaving Christ out. Even if there are no negative references
to Christianity, the picture of the world we expose ourselves to may ignore the most important element of truth—God. It is like
reading a book about how to survive in the wilderness that does not mention food or water.
If the main thing we fill our minds with are these godless versions of reality, we can come to see Christianity as irrelevant to human
interactions and "religion" as only belonging in church.

We learn lessons that rarely work out in real life.

If you watch TV sitcoms, movies, or pornography, you may internalize a false picture of human relationships. For example, if you
watch soap operas, you may become upset because your spouse does not seem as romantic or sexy as the actors and actresses.

We often are not truly refreshed.

I used to spend a couple hours every night after work watching sitcoms and other TV shows, thinking I needed to relax and unwind.
But I discovered that when I was done watching, I wasn't truly relaxed, closer to my wife and children, or nearer to God. Instead, I
felt like I was mildly drugged.

We can become cynical.

We can develop disrespect for pastors or Christianity since few movies or TV shows portray Christians or pastors in a positive light.
Pastors and evangelists often are shown as greedy or as lunatics, or both.

We can develop impure sexual thoughts or lust.

The sexuality in most secular entertainment—and I'm writing about most everyday entertainment, not just pornography—portrays
sex in a dreadful way. It presents sex simply as an instinctive drive, or it makes adultery and other sexual sins appear romantic and
wonderful.

When you expose yourself to these messages, your thoughts about sex are likely to become more like the world’s and less like
God’s. You may fantasize about sexual sins.

If you are married, you may become dissatisfied with the way your spouse makes love. On the flip side, you may find yourself
thinking that sex is ugly and distasteful and pull away from your mate.
We can learn to accept ungodly violence as okay.

In some instances, violence has an appropriate role in movies and TV shows. But the violent scenes we usually see are brutal,
sadistic, and ungodly. If we aren't careful, we can find ourselves accepting onscreen sinful violence, or even laughing at it.

Some of us may actually find ourselves imitating the violent behavior we see in TV or the movies. I have counseled with many
delinquent teenage boys who imitated the violence they saw on TV and in the movies.

We can become materialistic.

Most advertising has one purpose: to make you think you must buy some particular thing to be happy. Movies and TV shows often
feature luxurious living and give the message that happiness comes from spending lots of money.

Avoid harmful entertainment

Ask God before you watch, listen to, or read something.

Do not "fool" Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 101:3)

Evaluate what you let into your spirit.

Do not put vile things before your eyes. Do not poison yourself.

Do not violate the Bible or your conscience.

Paul gave timeless guidelines when he wrote:

Fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. (1 Timothy 1:18-
19)

Do not blindly follow society'’s standards.

We sometimes watch questionable movies or listen to questionable music, thinking that since "everybody" else is listening or
watching, it must be okay. Or we think something is acceptable simply because it is not as bad as something else.

Watch rationalizations.

Be honest with yourself. Would God want you to watch that movie or TV show? How does it really affect you? Let’s look at two
common rationalizations.

"I filter out the bad parts."

This can be true to a degree, but repetitive exposure usually affects us. Further, the reason we watch or read questionable material
often is because we want to enjoy things that we should not enjoy.
"Christian media sometimes gets boring."
If you are bored with Christian TV or radio shows, don't let that be an excuse to watch or listen to unprofitable things. There are lots
of other ways to spend your time.
I am not trying to lay down an absolute rule that we only watch, read, or listen to things which are overtly Christian. Some secular
materials can be educational, entertaining, or uplifting. But I am suggesting that we carefully evaluate what we do for recreation and
entertainment, and how these activities affect us.

Enjoy healthy activities and entertainment

When you choose entertainment activities, identify those that are both fun and edifying. The following is a short list of ideas. Check
those that you would enjoy doing:

___ Make a great meal and share it with friends.

___ Listen to inspiring radio shows.
___ Visit with friends.
___ Tell jokes.
___ Go to a good musical or play.
___ Listen to uplifting music.
___ Go backpacking or climb a mountain.
___ Play tennis, golf, or another sport.
___ Sing at home.
___ Join a choir.
___ Go for a walk in the park.
___ Play games with friends.
___ Learn to play a musical instrument.
___ Read Christian magazines.
___ Study the Bible.
___ Watch a good movie.
___ Read Christian novels or other good books.
___ Read biographies.
___ Listen to an orchestra.
___ Grow a garden.
___ Write letters.
___ Start a collection or develop a hobby.

Don't spend too many hours on entertainment

When we spend too much time watching TV, surfing the Internet or engaging in sports or other activities, we often neglect our
family and friends, and our relationships suffer.

Plus, we are not fulfilling God’s purpose for us. He wants us to develop our gifts and to reach out and minister to others. We are
called to make a difference in this world, not merely to be spectators.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:10)

Be alert if you read or watch dangerous material

There may be times when it is appropriate to expose yourself to material that has ungodly elements. For example: studying in
school, reading job-related material, watching plays, reading "great literature," or staying aware of current events, trends, or
thoughts.
When you do any of these things, ask God to help you respond in a proper manner. Ask him to protect your spirit and help you not
accept ungodly actions, attitudes, or vocabulary as being okay.

Pray for wisdom and balance

Recreation is fine if it is part of a balanced life, but if you mainly live to have fun, you are missing out on God’s purpose for your life
and the joy that comes from serving God and helping others. Set your mind on things above.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2)

Personal Application: Evaluate what you do for entertainment

Would Jesus enjoy what I enjoy? Yes/No

Would Jesus find the same jokes funny? Yes/No

Would Jesus read or watch the same things I do? Yes/No

Would Jesus listen to the same music? Yes/No

Would Jesus do the same things I do? Yes/No

What changes do you think God would like you to make in what you do or watch for entertainment?

What changes do you think God would like you to make in how much time you spend on entertainment?

Defeating Temptation:
Biblical Secrets to Self-Control
We all are engaged in a struggle between flesh and Spirit. Regardless of who we are or how old we are, this is true. We may be an
alcoholic, be "addicted" to the Internet, watch or read pornography, gossip, gamble, waste time, shoplift, flirt, tell lies, watch too
much TV, smoke, overspend, get drunk, overeat, cheat on income taxes, engage in sexual sins, experience alcoholism or alcohol
abuse, suffer from drug abuse, explode in anger or suffer from other "addictions." Whether our temptations are "minor" or life
dominating, one thing is certain—we have them.

You already know how hard it is to resist temptation, living a life of self-control, and how discouraging it is to fail again and again.
You aren't alone. No one, other than Jesus, has lived a sinless life.

But this doesn't mean the struggle against sin is hopeless, that you might as well give up. When you study this book, you will see
that the Bible, God's word, provides practical tools to help you in your struggle to overcome the major sins in your life. You will see
how to become increasingly self-controlled. Even if your life has seemed completely without self discipline, you can change with
God’s help.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
A special word of encouragement: If you have pleaded for years for God's help without growing in self-control, your problem may
not be a lack of prayer, but rather a lack of knowledge about how to resist temptation. As you study, you will discover that you can
grow in self discipline and experience the joy that comes from victory over sin.

Worldly Entertainment
The Word of God, the Bible, is the believer’s authority. What does God's Word say about what we
1. set our eyes upon
2. entertain ourselves with
3. and do in our spare time?

The ways of the world

Most people assume that everyone (including Christians) spends some, or even most of their spare time entertaining themselves with following types
of Worldly Entertainment Media:
1. TV
2. Movies
3. Magazines
4. Web sites
5. Music

However, for those of us who have given our life to Jesus, we do not own our time. Jesus does. That is why we cannot just do as we please with our time like
the children of the world can. They are doing what comes naturally, following their fleshly desires. The prince of this world is the devil. He caters worldly
media to his children. He gives them what they want. But Jesus warns that AMUSEMENTS AND WORLDLY PLEASURES choke the word of God in the heart
(Luke 8:14).

Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and
pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
There is no doubt that Worldly Entertainment Media reflects how people are. How are people in these last days?

2 Timothy 3
Godlessness in the Last Days
1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

I think we all know that TV is bad. It creep into houses. It portrays most of the vices above as normal, or even ok. However, so many other types of Worldly
Entertainment Media portray the same things, and all the other vices in all the vice lists in the Bible. I think we all agree on this by now. This purpose of this
article is not to describe how bad Worldly Entertainment Media has become. Other web sites do that—even secular web sites.

The purpose of this article is present biblical research on if or how choosing to entertain yourself with secular (worldly) media fits in the Christian life.

God’s alternative
God does not give His children what they want like the Devil does. He gives them what they need: a new heart and a new spirit (Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 11:18-
20, Ezekiel 18:30-32, Ezekiel 36:25-27). The new spirit inside the Christian has opposite desires to that of the flesh (sinful nature; Gal 6:8-9) and the world. So
God can correct a person’s desires, if they let Him. What does the person with a new spirit desire then?

Ezekiel 11
18
" And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.
 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them
19

an heart of flesh: 20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will
be their God.

Part of the Gospel?

Well, this one scripture, in the Old Testament, summarizes the Gospel in two sentences. I only know of one such scripture. Take a second look at it:

Ezekiel 11
18
" And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them
19

an heart of flesh: 20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will
be their God.

This scripture ties take away all the detestable things to:
1. Forsaking double mindedness (undivided heart).
2. Being born again (old, dead heart to a new heart).
3. Being empowered by the Holy Spirit (a new spirit).
4. Persevering, as demonstrated by obeying God.

This passage was written before Jesus or his followers ever preached the Gospel. However, it seems to summarize the Gospel, and Christianity. The difference
is that it describes repentance more narrowly as “take away all the detestable things and abominations.

We know that idolatry is an important issue, related to repentance. It basically contains all the other sins, because you put any sin as an idol before God by
saying it is more important to you than God.

Now there is one sin, other than idolatry, mentioned. That is take away all the detestable things. The four main aspects of the Gospel seem to hang on this
concept of removing vile images. I think it is important.

Common practice
How can we apply this important concept to our lives? We can start by removing the detestable things from our homes. Do you allow cable TV to pump
detestable things into your home? What do you think you should do? Maybe you only watch OK things, and it does not have the chance to show vile images.
These images, however, usually creep into houses through TV. Having the TV on in your home is common practice.

Leviticus 18
3
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you,
shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. 4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am
the LORD your God. I am the LORD your God.

A new spirit from God compels us to study and obey His word. Psalm 119 tells us how. If we spend our time obeying God’s positive commands (studying,
serving, witnessing, etc.), we will not have time to stray from His commands, and follow “their ordinances” that Lev 18 warns against.

Psalm 119
8
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10
With my whole heart have I sought
thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
This is the opposite of leading a worldly life. Our heart should not be divided (Ez 11:18 above). Notice in this verse that God gives an undivided heart before he
gives a new spirit. What good would a new spirit do for a person who still wants to have one foot in the world?

Ezekiel 20:7-8
7
Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the
LORD your God. 8 " But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations
of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against
them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

This makes Christians different

God requires His people to forsake the world, or Egypt. When they hold on to their abominations, such as the abominations seen in secular entertainment
media, they defile themselves with the idols of Egypt. The idol of worldly people is Worldly Entertainment. They can’t wait to watch the latest movie this
weekend. They watch TV nightly. Most conversations at work revolve around it. They dress, dance, and act like the actors do. They adopt their specialized
vocabulary and sayings. They repeat the same jokes that they got from TV or movies. Many live for their favorite TV show.

Should Christians live the same way? Be honest. They cannot have the same idols, and follow the ordinances of the world.

Romans 2:1
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou
 condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
…Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from
wrong. They demonstrate that God's law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is
right. The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone's secret life. This is my message.

If you are a Christian who seeks Worldly Entertainment Media for entertainment, consider this passage above in this way. Many devout Buddhists, Hindus, and
New Agers do not watch TV. The same is true for many Agnostics and Atheists. They call it shallow. This word “shallow” is used similarly to the Christian term
“worldly”. Do you want them become like you? My religion professor said that all religions are respected in India as long as the practitioner is “serious”. He
said, “You know what serious means…”. He explained that it meant obvious things: Moral, not shallow, devout, etc. If you have the same shallow, worldly
interests as your Non-Christian peers, do you expect these people to take you seriously? If you are going to tell them that they are going to Hell and you are
going to Heaven, they better see a big difference between you and everyone else. You better live and act less shallow and worldly, or at least try to.

Heb 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Holy Temple
As Christians, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), so just as nothing unclean was allowed to enter the temple in the Old Testament, so no
unclean things should enter our hearts through the gate of our eyes or ears:

2 Chronicles 23:19
And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in.

And we are now the Lord's house. Psalm 101:1-7 can certainly be applied to TV, movies, magazines, and other worldly media outlets:

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve
me.
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. shall not dwell within my house:
he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
The word for “worthless” in Psalm 101 is beliyaal, which also means “wicked, good for nothing, unprofitable.” The Psalmist sets NO wicked thing before his
eyes. Think of the images in so many magazines, movies and TV shows. They despise Godly ideas and practices, and they promote rebellious and licentious
ones.

I highlighted “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. ” because it has a literal and
figurative meaning.
Literally, Dr. Jason Kovar exposes how Hollywood Movies and the secular entertainment industry not only
(1) distract people from knowing and obeying God, but even
(2) indoctrinate them with anti-Christ deception.
Even if a Christian reviews the website and videos by Dr. Kovar and disagrees with premise two above, this document’s purpose is based upon premise one.

Regardless, a Christian should not let these people “dwell within their house” through their worldly entertainment media. The TV is the best example of having
a secular, unbelieving visitor in your house. You do not know what he is going to do or say to your family next. It could be a lewd commercial advertisement
during an otherwise innocuous (yet still distracting and spiritually unprofitable or worthless) program.

Matthew 5
8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Psalm 141:4
4
Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. (Whole
Chapter: Psalm 141 In context: Psalm 141:3-5)

Psalm 141
4
Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,
to take part in wicked deeds
with men who are evildoers;
let me not eat of their delicacies.

Before the Lord

Nothing we do escapes the notice of God. Often a man’s life is described in the Bible as a “walk” that is “before the Lord,” meaning that God sees everything
we do in our daily lives.

Prov 5:21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Ephesians
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5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God
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live as followers of Jesus Christ:
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5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
5:8 For ofyethe
were sometimes darkness, but now are ye andlighttruth;)
in the Lord: walk as children of light:
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But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: " Wherefore he saith, Awake
thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as
wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is

Reflect upon the Worldly Entertainment Media that consumed since you became a Christian. for the passage above, it has been among you, by your own
choice. Does it have:
1. even a hint of sexual immorality
2. any kind of impurity,
3. or of greed,
4. obscenity
5. foolish talk
 6. coarse joking?

“Do not be partners with them” that bring any of this before your eyes. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness. Instead, make the most of
every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

His Time
Dabbling in the world's distractions (media, 'entertainment') is a waste of time for a Christian. We only have a tiny bit of time here on earth; God has given us
so many wonderful commands to carry out. In addition, we issue an invitation to the enemy to speak to us and influence us when we voluntarily listen to and
watch wicked images or linger over print that are worldly.

Eph 4:27
Neither give place to the devil.

The real question is: what does GOD want from the life of a disciple? We are called to reject this world's way of looking at things:

Romans 12:1-2
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.

We are to be a living SACRIFICE to our Lord; we were bought by Him (1 Corinthians 6 and 7) and we don't belong to ourselves. Discipleship calls for radical
separation from the things that are of the world (and therefore are of Satan himself). We cannot afford to be deceived.

Col 3:1-4
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Swimming against the stream

We are running a race, fighting a battle for our lives. How we spend our time and the choices we make about entertainment influence our character. All the
little behavioral choices in your life add up to present the essence of who you are. The scripture below from Proverbs has, in my opinion, a spiritual
connotation as well as a physical one. If we fall asleep spiritually, we'll be robbed of spiritual growth and power, and eventually of spiritual life itself. The
enemy seeks to devour those who are not alert (1 Peter 5:8-9):

Proverbs 24:30-34
I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one lacking sense. I saw that it was overgrown with thorns. It was covered with weeds, and its
walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the
hands to rest, and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Matthew 13
22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of
wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

What are thorns? They are things that grow and choke out the word. If you are entertaining yourself with worldly media, instead of doing the godly things
that God has called you to do, then those worldly pleasures are thorns. Can you even quit worldly media? Be honest. Most can not. They will usually say, “I
don’t want to quit it” instead of admitting this. Other addicts make the same claim: They are in control of how much they consume and could quit if they
wanted to.

Romans 6: 19
I speak this way, using the illustration of slaves and masters, because it is easy to understand. Before, you let yourselves be slaves of impurity and
lawlessness. Now you must choose to be slaves of righteousness so that you will become holy."

Why not try quitting, just to see if you can? See how it affects your spiritual life. If you do God’s will instead, you might notice an improvement.

Light and Darkness

All the scriptures below apply to a Christian’s choices regarding worldly media. Paul says that we are not to be ignorant of the devil’s schemes (2 Cor 2:11), and
we are to be armed against them (Eph 6:11). Since we have an enemy seeking to deceive us, we must examine our thoughts, hearts, and patterns of behavior,
checking them against the Word of God.

Matthew 6:22-24 (NLT)

"Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the
light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be!

2 Corinthians 6:13-18 (NLT)

I am talking now as I would to my own children. Open your hearts to us! Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a
partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a
 partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I
will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves
from them, says the Lord. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty."

I may hang out with un-believers, but we influence each other. It is 2-way. If I chose to entertain myself with their media, it is one-way: From them to me. I’m
just sucking in worldliness, with no opportunity to give an answer for a better hope. A cable TV subscription (no offense to those who only watch Godly
stations) is partnering with an unbeliever (see 2 Corinthians 6:13-18 above), in a way that you can have no real positive influence on them. They just preach
whatever they want at you. They invite you to their wild parties and immoral living, mentioned below in Romans 13:11-14, and you attend via your TV set.

Romans 13:11-14 (NLT)

Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when
we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like
dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so
that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and
jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires.

If you are trying to think of ways to indulge your evil desires, I would recommend TV and movies. They should give you many ideas.

Are you not worldly?

The world pollutes and corrupts you

So you should keep yourself from it.

James 1:27
27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from
being polluted by the world.

2 Peter 2:20-21
20
If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse
off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it
and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.
 2 Peter 1:3-4
3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness. 4Through 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.

Titus 2:11-12
11
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-
controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

For those Christians who obey the gospel by following Bible’s commands and also find time to entertain themselves with secular (worldly) media, I ask the
following about the things you set before your eyes.
1. Is it spiritual profitable?
2. Is it wicked?
3. Is it leading you away from the Lord and keeping your mind and heart focused on worldly things?
4. Would you invite Jesus to participate (Prov 5:21)?
5. Would you feel weird or peaceful if He sat beside you while you watched that movie, TV show, or read that magazine?

Worldly Christians?
How can you keep God’s laws if you do not know what they are? It amazes me how “Christians” have time to entertain themselves with Worldly Entertainment
Media when they have not even read the entirety of their scriptures. Does this show that obey
ing God is their first priority? If I were in that situation, I would examine myself, and question whether I have a new spirit, or if I am really one of His
people (Ezekiel 11:18).

Everyone sins unintentionally, but this is intentional:

“I could entertain myself with this secular (worldly) media (movie) for 2 hours, or I could follow Christ and His Word for 2 hours. I’ll go with
the worldly option.” -Jim Christian

Jim just uncommitted his life to Christ, for 2 hours. Jim may have made this ungodly decision in a moment of weakness. However, most Christians in
the US feel like it is their right to be entertained this way once, twice, even three times or more per week. In between Sundays, this is what Christianity usually
looks like – no different than the world – consuming worldly entertainment. On Sundays, it is never preached against in church, and there are almost no
articles like this one. It really makes me wonder.
I don’t understand how Christians obey the gospel by following Bible’s commands and then somehow find time for secular or worldly entertainment. I do not
rule out the possibility, especially if they are innocent about it. But I donot teach exceptions to God’s rules: I teach God’s plain rules—his commands. These
commands are the focus of those with an “undivided heart” and a “new spirit” (Ezekiel 11:18).

God our Father has called us out of this world system, which is just as corrupt as everyone’s sinful nature.

Galatians 6
8
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[1] will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will
reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up

I personally do not entertain myself with any of the media enumerated above. However, I find myself constantly barraged by it whenever I enter any building
other than my home or church.

Staying Informed
Occasionally, I get questions from Christians who tell me that I need to be worldlier, or maybe more “informed”. I don’t see that in the Bible. If they want to
stay or become “informed”, or “in touch”, or “relevant” well that’s fine for them as long as the Lord is leading them that way.

We’ll see how far all that worldly wisdom gets them. Just don’t set your eyes upon the near-pornographic commercials and content that air during the news
broadcast.

He has yet to lead me that way, and the Bible does not command it. But let me turn the tables then, and look at what the Bible actually DOES command. From
there we can see where Worldly Entertainment Media either does or does not fit.

2 Timothy 2
4
No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.

Why then do Christians insist on advising me to be concerned with civilian affairs?

Colossians 2:20 (GNB)

You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world?

1 Corinthians 2:12 (GNB)

We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.

What is this world’s spirit?

Worldly Christians and unbelievers who do not bother claiming to be Christians have both been known to occasionally accuse me of “Sticking my head in the
sand”. I did not accuse them of “sticking their head in the world”. Maybe I should. How could a true Christian have a problem with me “sticking my head in
the Word”? You would be amazed how many witnessing opportunities arise from “sticking my head in the sand”. Probably 90% of my random witnessing
opportunities happen like this: Every time someone tries to relate to me through Worldly Entertainment,
1. I can’t.
2. They wonder.
3. They ask about it.
4. I explain my beliefs in a way that they can understand, and usually share the Gospel in the process.
5. I relate to them through Christ.

They may not like it, but the bottom line is that they related to me through the world, and I related to them through Christ. This is witnessing. This is being a
witness. This is being different.

Credible witnessing is based on differences

I used to wonder why so many Christians were giving me unsolicited advice about evangelism. Then I realized they were telling me excuses for
their worldliness. They said they did worldly things to “reach” unbelievers. Being worldly in the name of evangelism is a contradiction.

Romans 2:23-25 (New International Version)

23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because
of you."[a]

I invite the worldly Christians to witness to a devoted Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist who is less shallow than they are. They get to know you, and see you doing
things that they would not do because of their devotion to God.

Romans 13:11-14 (NLT)

Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when
we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them
like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do,
so that everyone can approve of our behavior.

Before I became a Christian in 1995, I had gleaned a few things about what Christians believed from rubbing shoulders with them (these lists do not represent
true Christianity).
Dear Christians, if everyone else is really going to Hell, then we better be REALLY different than they are. Non-Christians usually do not think we are “cool” for
stooping to their level. They usually think we are hypocrites. Because of this, they don’t believe that they are going to hell anymore than we are. They don’t
believe you because you are not a credible witness. Credibility has to do with how different we are in terms of Worldliness vs. Holiness, not how similar we are
to the world. That is no witness at all.

A pastor of a thousand-plus-member church said, in response to allegations of worldliness associated with his Wizard/Warlock costume that he used to scare
the kids at the Church Halloween Festival. The pastor said to the complaining elders, “You’re just as worldly as I am!” If someone who is not a Christian can
honestly tell you that same sentence, and it is true, then get out of the world.

Led by the Spirit

As much as Christians have argued with me about how right they are in entertaining themselves with worldy media, I have never heard one of them say, “I am
led by the Spirit to do it”.

Romans 8:13-15 (New International Version)

13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Galatians 5:18
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Galatians 5:17-19 (in Context) Galatians 5 (Whole Chapter)

Even among those I have encountered that claim that the Spirit led them to do some questionable things, I still have never heard such a bold claim as “I am led
to watch movies”. Verse 13 tells us the opposite:

Romans 8:13-15 (New International Version)

13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

The spirit leads us away from the misdeeds of the body, leading us to follow Him instead, so that we won’t die spiritually. If you do not know what the
misdeeds of the body are, then just turn on the TV. You may likely see or hear about every deadly sin. As you willingly watch it, you are condoning the evil
portrayed, becoming de-sensitized to it, and opening yourself up to all of that evil.

Desensitization
I remember when the mention of homosexuality would make me nauseous, and an immodestly dressed woman would remind me of the seductive whore in
proverbs. But after seeing enough of that in church buildings, and on the street, I’m sorry to say that I’ve gotten used to it. I don’t participate, but it seems less
evil than it used to. This process is called de-sensitization. I don’t like to speed the desensitization process by willingly exposing myself to it through worldly
media.

Jesus referred to the devil as the “prince of this world”.

1. John 12:31
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:30-32 (in Context) John 12 (Whole Chapter)
2. John 14:30
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,
John 14:29-31 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter)
3. John 16:11
and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
John 16:10-12 (in Context) John 16 (Whole Chapter)

Furthermore, Jesus did not dispute Satan’s rightful claim to the world.

Matthew 4:8-10 (New International Version)

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if
you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'[a]"

After not seeing TV for around 10 years, I was shocked by what I saw on the TV in the gym. The prince of this world had been slowly turning up the sin levels
on TV each year while I was not watching. He would not want to bring the sin level up 10 years-worth in one year. Then people might reject it. However, by
slowly desensitizing them, they gradually accept sin as “normal”.

True Christians will always be a minority.

Matthew 7:12-14 (New International Version)

13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the
gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Worldly Entertainment Media will never “become Christian”. There is no profit motive for the world. Even “Christian” programming such as TBN mixes worldly
themes such as greed, and borderline sorcery in with some sound biblical teachings. Thusly, it broadens the appeal, but broadens the road in the
process. However, the true road that leads to eternal life remains narrow, and only a few find it.
The flesh
Everyone has a flesh, and makers of Worldly Entertainment Media know what people like. Even Christians have a flesh, which is corrupted by the sinful
nature. When they consume worldly media, they relate to it via their old man. They are supposed to be putting him to death, not feeding him
evil thoughts that fuel the sinful fire in all of our hearts.

Psalm 141:4
Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 141 In context: Psalm 141:3-5)

Psalm 141
4
Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,
to take part in wicked deeds
with men who are evildoers;
let me not eat of their delicacies.

Galatians 6
8
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[1] will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will
reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up

Romans 8:13-15 (New International Version)

13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Ephesians 2
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of
the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the
cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love
for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the
law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one
body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
How much worldly media is too much?
Jesus fulfilled the law, so that he could create in himself, new men. These new men are thankful that He fulfilled the whole law where they could not. They are
thankful to receive His righteousness. They are transformed into his righteous image. Through His power, they think and act like Him. Such a new man does
not ask questions like, “How much sin can I get away with before I lose my salvation?”

You can’t get away with sin any more than you can get away with beating your husband. If Christ is your eternal husband, then you know that your sins hurt
him as he died for you on the cross.

Romans 14:23
But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Romans 14:22-23 (in Context) Romans 14 (Whole Chapter)

Does setting your eyes upon worldly media come from faith? No?

1. Then why do you continue to do it?

2. Why do you try to defend it?
3. Do you think you are fighting the Lord’s battle?
4. Do you think He really wants you to partake of it and defend it?
5. Are you being led by His Spirit?
6. Do you even care?
7. Are you too proud to admit that you are wrong?
8. Will you not admit that it is wrong because then you’d have to stop doing it, and your flesh likes it?
9. Who are you following? Your flesh or the Lord?
10. Who are you going to follow?

The Idol Test

The way that I hear Christians talk about worldly media is similar to the way that unbelievers speak of pornography:

“Yeah, I watch it but I don’t have a problem with it.”

Likewise, today’s Christian might say of Worldly Entertainment:

 “Yeah, I watch it but I don’t have a problem with it—I don’t’ make an idol of it.”

If it’s not an idol, then why can’t you quit doing it? Then they say, “I can”. Then I say, “Why don’t you?” I’ve known plenty of alcoholics and drug addicts that
say they could quit if they wanted to. It’s easy to speak boldly of the future, because it has yet to happen. However, the fact that it has yet to happen tells us
more than their claim about the future.

Ezekiel 20:7-8
7
And I said to them, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the
LORD your God."
8
" 'But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set their eyes on, nor did they forsake
the idols of Egypt. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in Egypt.

God warns that He will pour out his wrath on His people when they do not get rid of the vile images and idolatry associated with them. How can we apply this
today? Try to stop entertaining yourself with Worldly Entertainment Media and get rid of it. It would not be so hard to do if it was not an idol.

Desensitized “discernment”?
Today, the line between Worldly Entertainment Media and pornography is more blurry than it was 50 years ago. Much of what we, today, call “Worldly
Entertainment”, would then be called “pornography”. This is because of desensitization. Most American Christians would agree with me on this
point. However, that is not the point of this document. This is not another “Be careful what you watch!” article. This is a “Why would a Christian entertain
themselves with it at all?” article.

I recommend that blind lepers let someone else do the cooking. Let someone who has a sense of touch decide which stove top burner is hot.

In the same way, I do not recommend that de-sensitized people make their own choices regarding how to entertain themselves with Worldly
Entertainment. Who is not desensitized in this day and age? I admit that I am! I’m glad I’m following the Lord instead of following my flesh by seeing how
much Worldly Entertainment Media I can get away with. I might say, “It’s not that bad”. The leper might say, “The stove is not that hot”, as his hand
burns. The Holy Spirit does not lead us toward “not so bad”, or “not AS bad”. He leads us to the only one who is GOOD.

Matthew 19
16
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

The major premise of this article does not hang on the theory of desensitization, or whether or not Worldly Entertainment Media is really evil. There are
other articles and media available related to that question. Suppose that it is all innocuous. It is still wicked (unprofitable) because it keeps you from obeying
God’s commands and entering eternal life?
Got some spare time? Got a life? Give it to Jesus. If you want to enter life, spend your time obeying the commandments. I do not recommend that you waste
your time or God’s feeding your brain garbage, in order to determine which garbage is less poisonous, and therefore, more pleasing to the Lord. The Lord will
never be pleased by anything worldly, or tainted with sin.

He is pleased enough with you to give you a chance to follow Him, to partake of Him instead of the world, to lead you out of the world, and into his
Kingdom. Why would you go back to the world?

2 Peter 2:22
Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
2 Peter 2:21-22 (in Context) 2 Peter 2 (Whole Chapter)

If you want to be worldly, please, go right ahead. Be as worldly as you want to. Just don’t drag Christ’s name with you. It makes us look bad when you tell
people that you are a Christian. True Christians want to be Godly instead of worldly.

Why consume any worldly media?

My brother is a Pentecostal preacher. Once I asked him, “How much false doctrine does it take to lose your salvation?” I thought that would lead to a long
discussion. His answer was simple: “Why have any?”

Galatians 5:9
"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
Galatians 5:8-10 (in Context) Galatians 5 (Whole Chapter)

So many times, I have been asked, “Why don’t you watch TV or Movies?”. So many times I have replied, “Why would I?” However, I have never heard a real
answer to the question. Staying informed is the best answer I have heard.

Did you know that people stayed informed before TV?

Another common answer is “Because everyone does...” Then I share the Gospel of the narrow road to life that only a few find.

Q: How much worldly media is too much?

A: Why have any?

Why try to filter something that you don’t need? So you can:
1. See a sex scene and fast forward for the kids.
 2. Try not to lust after the cheerleaders when you’re watching the game.
3. Turn the volume down during commercials which contain soft porn.
4. Complain about Worldly Entertainment.
5. Act indignant when let’s be honest, you could relate to it in your flesh, and you kind of liked it.

All of this amounts to saying, “I’ll be worldly, but a little less worldly, than the world”. Worldly is worldly. You can stop worldly media by shuting it off, and
keeping it off.

Isaiah 33
13 You who are far away, hear what I have done;
you who are near, acknowledge my power!
14 The sinners in Zion are terrified;
trembling grips the godless:
"Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?
Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?"
15 He who walks righteously
and speaks what is right,
who rejects gain from extortion
and keeps his hand from accepting bribes,
who stops his ears against plots of murder
and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil-
16 this is the man who will dwell on the heights,
whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.
His bread will be supplied,
and water will not fail him.

I can only think of Worldly Entertainment Media when I try to apply this scripture to my life: Stopping my ears, and shutting my eyes to keep it out of my
thoughts, or contemplations.

Entertain us?
Why do you need to be entertained? God never commands you to entertain yourself does He? God will never entertain you as well as the Devil can in this
world. We do not need entertainment, we need Jesus. Receiving Him by obeying the Gospel brings joy, peace, contentment, and fulfillment. Kurt Cobain sang
in a famous song, “here we are now, entertain us”. It was a cry of desperation from a lost generation of selfish, bored, directionless, people whose only hope is
to be entertained. However, we have a living, enduring, and true hope in Jesus.
 Colossians 1
22
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from
accusation-- 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from thehope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and
that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:22-24

This is exciting, not depressing.

Colossians 1
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love
you have for all the saints-- 5the faith and love that spring from thehope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about
in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you
since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister
of Christ on our[3] behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his
will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in
every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so
that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[4] to share in the inheritance of the
saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in
whom we have redemption,[5] the forgiveness of sins.

Eyes and ears

He gives us enough direction in His word that we could never be bored or directionless. He gives us so much love, how could we feel lonely? He gives us hope
and purpose. Why would we give our ears and eyes to the world, or to the prince of this world?

John 16
Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[1] in regard
to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the
Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Romans 6:13
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from
 death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
(Whole Chapter: Romans 6 In context: Romans 6:12-14)

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Whole Chapter: Hebrews 12 In context: Hebrews 12:1-3)

Luke 11:34
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of
darkness.
Luke 11:33-35 (in Context) Luke 11 (Whole Chapter)

Get a life (in the Word)

John 6:68
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
(Whole Chapter: John 6 In context: John 6:67-69)

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit[ 6:63 Or Spirit] and they are life.
(Whole Chapter: John 6 In context: John 6:62-64)

James 1:21
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.

Conclusion

My life
I lost track of how many dozen people I’ve helped get saved, delivered, and healed over the years since 1995. I’ll say that secular entertainment is the largest
obstacle to salvation, discipleship, and Godliness that I have ever experienced. The few that continued in their faith were the same few that were willing to
forsake the world. I know that almost everyone partakes of worldly entertainment, and I don’t hate anyone for it. I am an enemy of theworld though, because
I’m a friend of Christ.

James 4:4
4
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world
becomes an enemy of God.

I’ll be your friend, but I’m not going to watch a movie with you. If you want to be my friend, you’ll have to accept who I am in Christ. We can fellowship,
exercise, or eat together, but I prefer places where there is not a TV blaring. If you cannot accept who I am, then that’s not really friendship is it? I’m not
turning anyone away, but being myself in Christ.

Before I gave my life to Christ, I knew I would have to give up everything. I knew that I would not have time for worldly entertainment. As a 20 year old, I
LOVED worldly music. I left it behind. After I was born again, I had no desire for it at all for 11 years. Then I wanted to hear certain secular songs that I heard
in the gym. One time I almost knowingly bought a secular album online. But I did not. I said, “I might do it later”. Then I never had time to get back around to
it. The temptation only lasted a few hours. I’ve had no interest since.

Many others who do not partake of the world simply say, “I’ve lost my appetite for it. I’m hungry for the Bread of Life”. Amen! I wish it happened that way for
everyone. I would have not had to spend hours researching and biblically answering this question:

You decide
Should a Christian enjoy worldly Movies, Music, and media?

What do you think? Be honest.

A. “It is ok for Christians to regularly consume worldly entertainment, and invite or pressure others to do the same.”

B. “It is NOT ok for Christians to regularly consume worldly entertainment, and invite or pressure others to do the same.”

If you pick A, I hope that you understand our view well enough to stop doing the second part of the sentence.

I loaned Joe Schimmel’s expose on secular music out to a young man who is counting the cost of being born again. He asked me how anyone could claim to be
a Christian and entertain themselves with secular music. I paused for thought. Then he said, “It’s because they are weak isn’t it?”
This teaching
Giving your life to Christ implies taking it away from the world, and the prince of this world. Every Christian agrees with that, until you get specific (i.e. worldly
entertainment). Then it’s controversial. Jesus was very specific and very controversial, and He still is. Every major point I made was inspired by and backed up
with His quotes. This is not a “1 scripture wonder” doctrine. Obviously there is no mention of modern forms of media in the Bible, but we still have eyes and
ears, and still like to put the wrong type of people doing the wrong things in front of them for the wrong amount of time. The weight of the evidence should be
convincing to anyone with an open heart.

God’s will for you

If you are not willing to forsake anything that keeps you from doing the will of God, then you might not really be interested in follow Jesus after
all. Obviously worldly entertainment will not help you do the will of God.

1 John 2:15-17
15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world--
the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world
and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

You can do it
If you are willing, but afraid you will fail, then

1. Call on His name for help.

John 1:12
12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV)

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every
good work.
(Whole Chapter: 2 Corinthians 9 In context: 2 Corinthians 9:7-9)

2. Seek or create like-minded fellowship.

3. Obey the gospel—you won’t find time for worldly things.