Perhaps then we would be wise to invest less energy into casting judgment and more energy into learning what is impure for us contextually. Philippians 4:8 says:
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.
This verse begs the question: Are you watching any shows or reading any books, that make you think about things that are not commendable? What type of content causes you to sin? Are you consuming some form of media that leaves you feeling dissatisfied with the life God has generously given you?
A while back I challenged a friend to quit watching a popular home renovation show because it stirred up such discontentment and materialism in her heart. The show is so “clean” a 5-year-old could watch it, but it was causing fights between my friend and her husband. “It’s such a good show!” she told me.
“I know,” I said. “But maybe it’s not a good show for you.”
The Reward of Obedience
I thought about my friend as I wrestled to give up my own “special show.” It was easy to spot compromise in another person’s life but so difficult to defeat it in my own. Finally, one day I sank onto the sofa and told God, “What am I doing? I know myself. Shows like this are my Kryptonite!” Like the foolish people of Romans 1:18, I had “suppressed the truth” because I loved my sin. But that day I made the decision to actively love Jesus more. By His grace, I cut the show out of my life. Cold turkey!
Within days, the fog of discontentment began to clear. I found myself delighting in my family—studying my husband with fresh affection, thanking God over and over for my babies. Best of all, I sensed God’s pleasure. “It’s so much better!” I whispered to the Lord. “Your way is so much better.”
The truth is, God’s way is rarely easier, but it’s always better. If you’re wrestling today with some form of media that’s sapping your soul, won’t you be bold and give it up? Do it by faith! Replace it with something spiritually and emotionally nourishing—a godly book, coffee with a friend, hanging out with your spouse, going to bed early! It may not feel better immediately, but the fog will clear. When it does, you’ll realize you traded a cheap idol for true joy. {eoa}
Copyright © 2001-2016 Revive Our Hearts. A student pastor’s wife and mom to three little girls, Jeanne Harrison blogs about finding contentment in the lot God has given us—be it beautiful, painful, or at times downright disgusting! Recently she published her first book, Loving My Lot: A Young Mom’s Journey to Contentment.
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