Many things are capable of influencing us in the wrong direction. Some of them in our day are movies that show and glorify corrupt behavior, things that are sinful, disgraceful, contain profane and vulgar language. Literature, too, has the same downward pull on us if we read the wrong kind - that which gives explicit accounts of sexual behavior, foul and abusive language. Music glorifying sinful behavior, such as sexual misconduct, drinking alcohol and using drugs, etc., also pulls down ones morals. I challenge each of us to acknowledge the terrible price we'll pay if we allow these things in our environment to influence our minds, behavior, and become a part of our everyday surrounding!

No one can make us watch these movies, listen to the music or read such salacious, erotic, indecent and lewd materials. The fact that they are so prevalent in our day, used by so many, however, may result in us being desensitized, and in time slip into the practice or toleration of it. At first we may gradually allow such to enter, only giving cautious reception. Over time however, we'll allow such to become "common stuff' or "old hat," if we are not very vigilant and consciously resisting.

Pornography is defined as, "writings or pictures or films, etc. that are intended to stimulate erotic feelings by descriptions of portrayal of sexual activities."

A man executed in the last couple of years, for sexually assaulting and murdering a number of women, revealed that much of his deviant behavior stemmed from pornographic materials that he was exposed to in his early days. Watch out!

I feel sure that most honest observers see the damaging influence of much of the materials which are available to the public today -movies, magazines, and other kinds of printed materials, as well as music. Are we wise enough to recognize the danger, or are we wanting to get as close as possible without falling over the cliff of destruction?

God has given us ample warning against the power of the downward pulls of sinful practices. Let us observe what happens to people who yield to such temptations and resist with all our might.

Consider Proverbs 7:6-23. Read it and meditate on the powerful force of evil involved.

Next read the following words: "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned9 So he that goeth in to his neighbor's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent" (Prov. 6:27-29).

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Prov. 20:1).

Beloved, are you aware of the destructive force in this area? Are you willing to choose to be entertained and enriched by the decent literature, music, and films? There is so much good material and so little time, why in the world not be selective and stay with that which will be helpful?

Young people of our day have so many opportunities, yea, forces pulling away at them to go in the wrong direction. Each of us needs to be on his toes, aware of the various ways Satan will appeal to lead us away from God. Let us heed the many warnings issued in God's book, the Bible. Let us stay clear of the evil pit!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI :7, p. 205
April 2, 1992