Tag: Pornography

Think on THESE Things

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

My mother used to quote this to me when I was watching a music video or movie that had material that was not appropriate to remind me that I was poisoning, not nourishing, my mind. Do not let your mind wallow in filthiness. Let your thoughts soar above to heavenly things.

True: Manifest, fact, conforming to reality Opposite: False

Noble: Honest, grave, venerable, serious Foolish: Foolish

Just: Right conduct; state of being right judged by a divine standard Opposite: Unjust

Pure: Clean, free of impurities Opposite: Polluted

Lovely: Pleasing, agreeable Opposite: Unpleasant

Good Report: Well spoken of, reputable Opposite: Worthless

Do the songs you listen to, books you read, or things you watch pass this test?
Think on these things!

Beware What Entertains You!

Although we may not realize it, the things that entertain us can greatly influence us. Their influence is more subtle, like the gradual erosion of a rock by rain, wind, and heat. Yet, gradually the entertainment industry can shape our minds. Many women have poor self-esteem because they cannot look like television stars or models. However, the stars and models do not look perfect either! We see the final product, filtered by editing rooms and touch up artists. There are no perfect looking people and, as the Bible teaches, these transitory features must not be our focus anyway, Proverbs 31:30.

The media culture will try to convince us that we do not have enough.  It teaches that unless we have certain labels on our clothes, certain jobs, elite neighborhoods, and the like, that we will be miserable.  Therefore, we must continue to shop and continue to buy.  Proverbs 27:20 warns us: “Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.”  We must be content, 1 Timothy 6:6.

The entertainment industry often teaches values that are not in harmony with the Scriptures.  The popular culture approves of many things contrary to sound doctrine (Romans 1:18-32; Galatians 5:19-21).  We can desensitize ourselves to the abhorrent nature of these sins by exposing ourselves to it a little at a time.  The gradual assault on our minds can erode our good morals and godly principles.  Sadly, we have opened the door for these influences, sat them down in our houses, and parents have even placed them before their children.

Positive entertainment, when shared by godly friends, can draw people closer together.  We can do many activities as Christians.  Our joy is enhanced when we can do those activities with our fellow brethren and families.  There are some movies and TV shows, though rare, that provide positive lessons and exemplify good principles.  Some songs extol the marriage relationship, the parent-child relationship, and doing the right thing.  We can properly use what is good but must shun evil.

Battling Pornography

There is an excellent set of articles on the challenges pornography presents to Christians striving to live “soberly, righteously and godly in this present age.” The articles provide a broader definition of pornography that more appropriately describes the lustful images, stories, music and words that surround us. The site is at http://www.cvillechurch.com/TheChristiansBattaleAgainstPorn.htm

Spend time investigating the rest of the site for great articles on a variety of subjects. I would also recommend signing up for their newsletter. It always features a variety of interesting articles.

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