Thoughts on Watching Movies

I can’t remember where I found this article, I am not the author (Though I have made a couple revisions)
I have mixed feelings on media viewing in general, but I feel like this is good exhortation if you do watch movies.

I have limited my video viewing. Leisure and entertainment have their place, but I often gravitate to extremes. “If watching one video a month is enjoyable, one a week might seem even more so.” Very few secular films, however, are worth spending two hours to watch. I have decided to save my viewing time for the few high-quality films that are released yearly.

I’m seeking to cultivate God’s attitude toward things I view on video.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists the kinds of evil that God hates:

  • lies
  • bloodshed
  • wicked plans.

These very evils are emphasized and exalted by the film industry I’m sad to say that I have sometimes been entertained by activities that the Lord hates. Solomon reminds me that “to fear the Lord is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). And the psalmist exhorts us, “Let those who love the Lord hate evil” (Psalm 97:10).

I’m limiting my viewing to films that meet the criteria of Philippians 4:8. Paul writes, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” If my video viewing meets this standard, it won’t dishonor the Lord.

I have stopped frequenting video shops. Even though I may not intend to rent an R-rated film when I enter the shop, I often come across those items on the shelves. Browsing for movies in secular video shops gives Satan the opportunity to get in some licks. I may escape without renting a compromising film, but I have exposed myself to suggestive titles that may come to mind when my guard is down.

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