“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philipians 4:8
Recently this verse popped in my head and it made me wonder, “Does this verse apply to what I watch on TV listen to on the radio?”
Is it okay to be entertained by things not on this list when looking to escape for a little while, or just veg out?
My favorite shows on Netflix are British crime dramas. And I know plenty of Christians who love a good mystery like Miss Marple.
So where does a Christian draw the line? How do we know whether or not we are living in direct contradiction to the principles and morals we claim to believe in?
This can be complicated, but I am inclined to think it is between God and his child.
I don’t think you can draw a hard fast line on this one.
It’s a matter of checking in with your spirit, to listen to what God is saying specifically to you.
That said, I do think that it is wisdom to ask these questions.
I often think of the old adage, “garbage in – garbage out.”
If we follow the admonition of the Apostle Paul to I the Philippians, then we could assume the logical result would be good out!
Why not try a simple fast? Take a week, or even a couple of days, to break from those familiar diversions. Maybe keep a journal of the condition of your mind. Are you feeling more encouraged, more positive? Is there clarity where there used to be confusion? Are you feeling better about yourself? About your relationship with God?
Go in love & think good thoughts!