Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute introduction: Have You Become Desensitized? It explains that the dangers of violent entertainment are recognized by secular authorities as well as warned against by God.
We usually recognize that pornographic entertainment is harmful, but we tend to overlook or excuse the effects of dark and violent themes in entertainment. We may think we aren't influenced by negative themes. But we don't realize that the results are often subtle and slow-growing.
Entertainment has been a major influence for accepting premarital sex, living together without marriage, and LGBTQ lifestyles. Because these things are presented in attractive and entertaining ways.
How do the following passages direct us?
Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
It's so true that our heart guides our actions and sets our moral standards. Just as healthy foods lead to a healthier body, healthy entertainment leads to healthier thoughts and actions.
Mark 7:21-23: For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.
Mark 7:21-23: For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.
No one commits any of these sins listed without first accepting it in his/her heart. See 2 Steps to Sexual Sin.
Ephesians 5:8-16: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
If "it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." It is also shameful to be entertained by it. For more insights, read:
Soft Core Christians
The Only Opinion
Sex, Truth, Love
These 1-minute devotions highlight immoral sexual themes, but the same principles apply to violence and dark themes.
One reason younger generations of Christians are accepting sinful behavior is because they are more familiar with the words of our culture than the Words of Scripture.
Ephesians 5:8-16: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Soft Core Christians
The Only Opinion
Sex, Truth, Love
These 1-minute devotions highlight immoral sexual themes, but the same principles apply to violence and dark themes.
One reason younger generations of Christians are accepting sinful behavior is because they are more familiar with the words of our culture than the Words of Scripture.
To read something that can guide your heart in the right direction, I recommend Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.
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