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The reason I ask, is because I do love watching 2 and a Half Men, and one of my friends constantly derides me for watching "that smut" and said:
'If you enjoy "that smut" (the show) then you condone the actions of the character, and if you condone the actions of the characters you have no right to call yourself a Christian
Our choice of entertainment is important indeed.
“Do all things for God’s glory.”—1 CORINTHIANS 10:31.
IMAGINE that you are about to eat a tasty piece of fruit but then notice that a part of it is rotten. What will you do? Well, you could eat the entire fruit, even the bad part; you could throw away the entire fruit, including the bad part; or you could cut the bad part out of the fruit and enjoy the good part. What choice will you make?
In a way, entertainment is like that fruit. At times, you want to enjoy some recreation, but you realize that much of the entertainment available today is morally bad, even rotten. So, what will you do? Some might tolerate what is bad and swallow whatever entertainment this world has to offer. Others might avoid all entertainment to make sure that they will not be exposed to anything harmful. Still others might carefully avoid entertainment that is harmful but occasionally enjoy that which is relatively wholesome. What choice should you make in order to keep yourself in God’s love?
Most of us would select the third option. We appreciate the need for some recreation but want to limit our entertainment to what is morally sound. Therefore, we need to consider how we can determine what is wholesome and what is not. First, though, let us discuss what effect our choice of entertainment can have on the worship we render to Jehovah.
When the bible tells us “DO ALL THINGS FOR GOD’S GLORY”, what really is it telling us?
(Ecclesiastes 5:4) Whenever you vow a vow to God, do not hesitate to pay it, for there is no delight in the stupid ones. What you vow, pay.
If you are a baptized servant of the most high we must uphold his righteous standards to the very best of our ability.
(Hebrews 10:7) Then I said, ‘Look! I am come (in the roll of the book it is written about me) to do your will, O God.’”
In fact, meditating on your dedication will affect your view of all other areas of life—including entertainment. The apostle Paul underlined that truth when he wrote to Christians in his day: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”—1 Corinthians 10:31.
Everything you do in life is related to your worship of Jehovah. In his letter to the Romans, Paul used a forceful expression to impress this truth upon fellow believers. He urged them: “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) Your body includes your mind, your heart, and your physical strength. All of these, you use in serving God. (Mark 12:30) Paul speaks of such whole-souled service as a sacrifice. That expression contains an implicit warning. Under the Mosaic Law, a sacrifice that was blemished was rejected by God. (Leviticus 22:18-20) Similarly, if a Christian’s spiritual sacrifice is tainted in some way, it will be rejected by God. How, though, could that happen?
Paul admonished the Christians in Rome: “Do not . . . go on presenting your members [“parts of your body,” New International Version] to sin.” Paul also told them to “put the practices of the body to death.” (Romans 6:12-14; 8:13) Earlier in his letter, he had given some examples of such “practices of the body.” Regarding sinful mankind, we read: “Their mouth is full of cursing.” “Their feet are speedy to shed blood.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:13-18) A Christian would blemish his body if he used his “members,” or body parts, for such sinful practices. For instance, if a Christian today deliberately views such depraved material as pornography or watches sadistic violence, he is “presenting [his eyes] to sin” and is thus tainting his whole body. Any worship that he renders amounts to a sacrifice that is no longer holy and is unacceptable to God. (Deuteronomy 15:21; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Peter 3:11) What a high price to pay for pursuing unwholesome entertainment!
Clearly, a Christian’s choice of entertainment has weighty consequences. Surely, then, we want to choose entertainment that will enhance, not taint, our sacrifice to God. Let us now discuss how we can determine what is wholesome and what is not.
“ABHOR WHAT IS WICKED” How do we do this?
In broad terms, entertainment can be divided into two categories. One includes entertainment that Christians definitely avoid; the other is made up of entertainment that Christians may or may not find acceptable. Let us start by considering the first category—entertainment that Christians avoid.
Some forms of entertainment highlight activities expressly condemned in the Bible. Think, for example, of Web sites as well as movies, TV programs, and music that have sadistic or demonistic content or that contain pornography or promote vile, immoral practices. Since such degraded forms of entertainment portray in a positive light activities that violate Bible principles or break Bible laws, they should be shunned by true Christians. (Acts 15:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 21:8) By rejecting such unwholesome entertainment, you prove to Jehovah that you truly “abhor what is wicked” and consistently “turn away from what is bad.” That way, you have “faith without hypocrisy.”—Romans 12:9; Psalm 34:14; 1 Timothy 1:5.
Some may feel, though, that indulging in entertainment that graphically portrays immoral behavior is harmless. They reason, ‘I may watch it in movies or on TV, but I would never do such things myself.’ Such reasoning is deceptive and dangerous. (Jeremiah 17:9) If we find it entertaining to watch what Jehovah condemns, do we really “abhor what is wicked”? Repeatedly exposing ourselves to wicked conduct will dull our senses. (Psalm 119:70; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2) Such a practice could affect what we do or how we view the sinful conduct of others.
This has actually happened. Some Christians have committed immoral acts because they were influenced by the entertainment that they habitually watched. They learned the hard way that “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) But such a sad outcome can be avoided. If you carefully sow in your mind what is sound, you will happily reap in your life what is wholesome.
PERSONAL DECISIONS BASED ON BIBLE PRINCIPLES
Let's discuss the second category—entertainment that features activities that are neither directly condemned nor expressly approved in God’s Word. When choosing from such entertainment, each Christian needs to make a personal decision as to what he finds wholesome. (Galatians 6:5) However, when faced with this choice, we are not without guidance. The Bible contains principles, or fundamental truths, that enable us to perceive Jehovah’s way of thinking. By paying attention to such principles, we will be able to perceive “what the will of Jehovah is” in all things, including our choice of entertainment.—Ephesians 5:17.
Understandably, not all Christians have developed their moral perception, or discernment, to the same degree. (Philippians 1:9) Moreover, Christians realize that in the area of entertainment, tastes vary. Therefore, it is not to be expected that all Christians will make exactly the same decisions. Even so, the more we allow godly principles to influence our mind and heart, the more eager we will be to avoid any form of entertainment that could displease Jehovah.—Psalm 119:11, 129; 1 Peter 2:16.
When choosing entertainment, there is another important factor to consider: your time. While the content of your entertainment reveals what you find acceptable, the amount of time you spend on it reveals what you find important. For Christians, of course, spiritual matters are the most important. (Matthew 6:33) What, then, can you do to make sure that Kingdom interests remain first in your life? The apostle Paul stated: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves.” (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Indeed, setting clear limits on the amount of time you set aside for entertainment will help you to have the needed time available for “the more important things”—activities that contribute to your spiritual well-being.—Philippians 1:10.
It is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment. What does that mean? Consider once more the example of the fruit. To avoid inadvertently eating what is rotten, you cut out not just the exact area that is bad but also a margin around it. Similarly, it is wise to apply a safety margin in choosing entertainment. A wise Christian avoids not only entertainment that is clearly in violation of Bible principles but also types that are dubious or that seem to include elements that are spiritually unhealthy. (Proverbs 4:25-27) Sticking close to God’s Word will help you to do just that.
Consider “WHATEVER THINGS ARE CHASTE”
When choosing entertainment, true Christians first of all take into account Jehovah’s view. The Bible reveals Jehovah’s feelings and standards. For instance, King Solomon lists several things that Jehovah hates, such as “a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) How should Jehovah’s view affect yours? “O you lovers of Jehovah,” exhorts the psalmist, “hate what is bad.” (Psalm 97:10) Your choices in entertainment need to show that you truly do hate what Jehovah hates. (Galatians 5:19-21) Keep in mind, too, that what you do in private, more so than in public, reveals what kind of person you really are. (Psalm 11:4; 16:8) Hence, if you have a heartfelt desire to reflect in all aspects of your life Jehovah’s feelings on moral matters, you will always make choices in accord with Bible principles. Doing so will become your way of life.—2 Corinthians 3:18.
What more can you do to ensure that you will act in harmony with Jehovah’s way of thinking when choosing entertainment? Reflect on the question, ‘How will this affect me and my standing with God?’ For instance, before deciding whether to watch a certain movie, ask yourself, ‘How will the content of this movie affect my conscience?’ Let us consider what principles have a bearing on that subject.
A key principle is found at Philippians 4:8, which states: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.” Granted, Paul was discussing, not entertainment, but the meditations of the heart, which should center on things that please God. (Psalm 19:14) Yet, Paul’s words can be applied in principle to the matter of entertainment. How?
Ask yourself, ‘Does my choice of movies, video games, music, or other forms of entertainment fill my mind with “whatever things are chaste”?’ For instance, after you watch a movie, what mental images are left dominating your mind? If they are pleasant, pure, and refreshing, then you know that your entertainment was wholesome. However, if the movie you watched makes you think about things that are unchaste, then your entertainment was unsound, even harmful. (Matthew 12:33; Mark 7:20-23) Why? Because thinking about things that are morally unclean disturbs your inner peace, scars your Bible-trained conscience, and can ruin your relationship with God. (Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:5, 19) Since such entertainment has a harmful effect on you personally, be determined to avoid it. (Romans 12:2) Be like the psalmist who prayed to Jehovah: “Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless.”—Psalm 119:37.
SEEK THE ADVANTAGE OF OTHERS
Paul mentioned a key Bible principle that needs to be taken into account when making decisions on personal matters. He stated: “All things are lawful; but not all things build up. Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” (1 Corinthians 10:23, 24) How does that principle relate to choosing wholesome entertainment? You need to ask yourself, ‘How will the entertainment that I choose affect others?’
Your conscience may allow you to enjoy a certain form of entertainment that you view as “lawful,” or acceptable. However, if you notice that other believers with a more restrictive conscience find it objectionable, you may decide not to pursue it. Why? Because you do not want to “sin against your brothers”—or even be “sinning against Christ,” as Paul stated—by making it more difficult for your fellow believers to maintain faithfulness to God. You take to heart the admonition: “Keep from becoming causes for stumbling.” (1 Corinthians 8:12; 10:32) True Christians today heed Paul’s considerate and perceptive counsel by avoiding entertainment that may be “lawful” but does not “build up.”—Romans 14:1; 15:1.
There is, though, another side to the matter of seeking the advantage of others. A Christian with a more restrictive conscience should not insist that all in the Christian congregation conform to his narrower view on what is proper entertainment. If he were to do so, he would be like a driver on a highway who insists that all other drivers using the same road hold to the same speed that he prefers. Such a demand would not be reasonable. Out of Christian love, someone with a more confining conscience needs to respect fellow believers whose views on entertainment differ somewhat from his own but are still within the bounds of Christian principles. That way, he lets his “reasonableness become known to all men.”—Philippians 4:5; Ecclesiastes 7:16.
In short, how can you make sure that you choose wholesome entertainment? Reject any kind of entertainment that graphically portrays degraded, immoral activities that are expressly condemned in God’s Word. Follow Bible principles that can be applied to types of entertainment that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible. Avoid entertainment that injures your conscience, and be willing to forgo forms of entertainment that might wound the sensitivities of others, especially those of fellow believers. May your firm decision to do so bring glory to God and keep you and your family in his love.
Why would any Christian want to pollute his mind with profane smut ?
Here is some 'secular programming' that has virtue:
From the book, "As a man thinketh... "
" Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes,
And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes
The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills,
Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills: —
He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:
Environment is but his looking-glass. "
" A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."
" Cherish your visions. Cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind,
the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment,
of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built. "
What matters is that God sees you as a Christian and he is looking at your heart. Contrary to popular belief, Christianity is not a list of dos and don'ts necessarily but a relationship with the Creator Redeemer God through Jesus Christ. God hates sin. He died for it. So see things from his perspective. When one is laughing at things that are sinful how does he feel about it. His Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) can be grieved.
Keep in mind also that Satan the "god of this age" is also called the "prince of the power of the air". This is why much of what you see and hear on TV is vehemently anti God/Christ in just about every fashion now. Even shows like TBN have gone south. TV is actually an amazing mind control tool being used to shape opinion.
I gotta admit I enjoy watching pro football so I'm not completely out of it either. Football in of itself isn't that bad but the commercials are often with woman showing off themselves, beer, etc.. It's not the best influence for the eyes.
No one is going to hell for watching two and a half men though. The reason there will be individuals in hell is because they rejecting the only hope Jesus Christ to save them from the penalty of Sin which is eternal spiritual death and separation from our Creator.
Salvation from Damnation is a free gift (romans 3)(ephesians 2:8-10) from our God available to anyone reaching out to God through Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins. We can't earn it or deserve it. When one is saved they are getting what they don't deserve (romans 4,5)(galatians 3) and it is a demonstration of God's mercy toward us. There will be no Christians in heaven because of their ability to "get" to heaven. All one has to do is humble their hearts and ask God through Jesus Christ with a sincere heart to forgive them for their sin Judging it on that cross.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Much of TV today (and public life) would have been considered 'smut' 15-years ago and 'pornography' 20-years ago (Do you remember when bedroom scenes required one foot on-the-floor?) - I wonder if things have ever been better ... or if they simply swing back and forth throughout history. We live in a fallen world where Godless corruption and wickedness prevail to whatever degree society will tolerate. (Psalms 12:8)
Christianity/non-Christianity is not determined by one's TV viewing habits, however, one's viewing (and living) habits likely reveal truths about one's inner heart-condition, that they otherwise may be unwilling to see. ("What's down in the well, comes up in the bucket"). That is the 'role' of the law in the lives of Christians ("Who are no longer under the law")? One may claim to be Christian disciple (follower), but, one's works, actions and lives often reveal a different truth about one's heart-level faith ... to THEM! (Jesus: "You honor me with your lips, but, your heart is far from me."). That is what James meant when he wrote: "Faith without works is dead."
All Christians enter God's kingdom (on earth) as 'babies!' (still somewhat carnal). The time they remain 'baby Christians' ... as opposed to being transformed, conformed, renewed by God's indwelling Holy Spirit, ... depends on how willing one is to truly submit to Christ's Lordship.
If one remains 'worldly or carnal' for an extensive time following their 'professed conversion,' it is time to take a close look at what one 'left at the altar.' God desires and will only accept the committed heart! ... Some, instead, leave only a 'little prayer' and some 'religion' at the altar. They may have 'said the prayer', but, remain just as lost as Easter Eggs. God knows the difference, but, our lives, actions, words and hearts (do we truly worship God in Spirit and truth?) ... will reveal the truth of our hearts ... TO US! ... so we will not remain deceived.
2 Cor. 6:16-18--- 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
This was said for a reason. Because God not only gave them over to a depraved mind and calls those who practice that evil in every possible way but also for those who approve of those who practice it. (Romans 1)
As what was said earlier ... he is looking at your heart.
If Jesus is God of your heart, he then is also God over your entertainment.
This was said for a reason. Because God not only gave them over to a depraved mind and calls those who practice that evil in every possible way but also for those who approve of those who practice it. (Romans 1)
As what was said earlier ... he is looking at your heart. If Jesus is God of your heart, he then is also God over your entertainment.
Amen, Twin !
Yes, the Christian will want and deeply desire to put on the new self created in Christ Jesus, amen !!
Colossians 3:1-7 (NASB)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.
A question to Trance750, are you a new believer in Christ ??
The reason I ask, is because I do love watching 2 and a Half Men, and one of my friends constantly derides me for watching "that smut" and said:
'If you enjoy "that smut" (the show) then you condone the actions of the character, and if you condone the actions of the characters you have no right to call yourself a Christian
A Christian can still watch secular TV and listen to secular music, but there has to be boundaries as to what you partake in. Two and a half men in particular is one of if not the most sexually explicit show on broadcast television. It is the one show that really pushes the envelope as to what is acceptable on broadcast TV. You have to ask yourself why is it you like the show? Is it because you think all the sexual jokes and humor is funny? If that is the reason, then you need to evaluate your partaking in that show.
Romans 1:32 "Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."
Yes, the Christian will want and deeply desire to put on the new self created in Christ Jesus, amen !!
Colossians 3:1-7 (NASB)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.
A question to Trance750, are you a new believer in Christ ??
Blessings to All
Not a new believer at all. Father was a Southern Baptist Preacher for years, actually... which is kinda of funny. He often lived by the old linage of 'If you drink and dance you're going to hell'.... yet I can't remember the last time he didn't have a beer in his hand
Yes, the Christian will want and deeply desire to put on the new self created in Christ Jesus, amen !!
Colossians 3:1-7 (NASB)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.
A question to Trance750, are you a new believer in Christ ??
Blessings to All
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
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