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People are watching and listening to more true crime shows and podcasts than ever before. While getting into the mind of a serial killer may be entertaining, there is a dark spiritual side Christians need to be aware of.
In a spiritual sense, people become what they behold. Beholding is a process of sanctification.
But, what happens when you behold the world and darkness? Although many actors in Hollywood aren’t professing Christians, many understand the danger of acting a dangerous villain. Evan Peters portrays serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in Netflix’s new show ‘Dahmer.’
Jeffrey Dahmer also known as the ‘Milwaukee Cannibal’ brutally killed and dismembered 17 young men before being sentenced to more than 900 years in prison where he later died by the hands of another inmate. There’s no question that Dahmer was acting under a heavy demonic influence and many experts said he was disassociated from the horrific acts he committed.
In an interview with Netflix about the show, Peters highlights a pertinent spiritual topic whether he realized it or not. “Honestly, I was very scared about all of the things that he did and diving into that and trying to commit to that was absolutely going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life because I wanted it to be very authentic.”
Peters says the crew wanted to tell the story as authentic as possible. “In order to do that, I was gonna have to go to [a] really dark places and stay there for an extended period of time,” he says. He was worried about what would happen to him as he beheld the life of a serial killer. He was right to be concerned.
Second Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, seeing the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.” Christians are called to meditate on the Bible and keep their gaze always fixed upon God.
As we behold Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross we are continually transformed into His image. But, the same can be said for beholding darkness and the things of the world. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Whether you are the one in three Americans who consume true crime content at least once a week or not, whatever you spend your time meditating and beholding you will become. In this hour, with more distractions and worldly content to consume than ever, keeping Jesus as the front and center is crucial.
Instead of binging the next hit show, binge the Bible. Wake up each morning and spend time with God, focusing on Him and His wondrous plans for your life. {eoa}
Shelby Lindsay is an assistant editor for Charisma Media.
