The Christian And Television

As Christians, we should watch television with the realization that God is watching us! (Hebrews 4:13). When we watch television, we should always remember that the device that is in our hand (the remote control), is one of the most dangerous devices in our house! (Ephesians 6:10-13). Guns, knives, and poison can kill the body, but what comes through the television can ruin our eternal soul! (Matthew 10:28). There is more involved than just innocent entertainment. Through the medium of television, the devil is waging a daily battle for our hearts, minds, and souls (1 Peter 5:8).

Before we watch television, we should already have our minds set on the fact that “sin is sin and wrong is wrong” (Psalm 119:97-105). We ought to read the Bible before we watch television, so our minds will already be “fixed” as to the content we will be watching (Psalm 57:7). Our minds should already be made up concerning moral issues, realizing that television is not a reliable teacher when it comes to determining what is right and what is wrong. This is exactly why children’s television viewing should be severely limited. Satan attacks through television by eroding our character, spoiling our innocent pleasures, and cheapening our view of life. He does it so subtly that most are unaware of what is happening (2 Corinthians 11:3).We need to remember that the devil is the one usually writing the script (Gal. 5:16, 19-21).

If we watch television, we shouldn’t laugh at or enjoy it when our spiritual values are being attacked, mocked, or undermined by the entertainer in any production. One youth speaker said, “I never cease to be amazed at the number of students who come from so-called “good homes” and even attend private Christians schools, who have watched one or more episodes of a teen soft-porn movie; typically, 60 percent of those whom I’ve surveyed.” It is inconsistent to laugh at and enjoy the very things which prompt God’s anger (Romans 1:32; cf. Colossians 3:1-6).

We as parents have the right and responsibility to tell our children (including teens) what they can and can’t watch. One parent complained, “My child is all messed up from heavy metal music and exposure to sexual videos on MTV at an early age. You can’t blame ME for his problems – I’m never home!” Guess what folks? That’s the main reason for the child's problem! (cf. Titus 2:4-5).

In this writer’s view, television is the biggest waste of time and mind drain in America! (I got rid of cable television over two years ago!). The time we spend watching this mindless device could be more profitably used in teaching the saving gospel of Christ to those who are lost, learning more about the Bible, etc. thus bringing more glory to God. How can we be so selfish as to indulge in endless hours of viewing television, while those around us slip into eternal darkness?

Dear reader, these issues are extremely important to think about, for our eternal destiny may very well be at stake!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets