by Bruce Reeves
Synopsis: In considering the impact that the progressive movement has upon entertainment, let us realize that, ultimately, the battle is over the position Jesus Christ will occupy in our lives.
Entertainment is built into our culture and occupies significant space in our lives, whether or not we recognize it. There are legitimate reasons why we do so: Entertainment can help us relax and can provide a sense of adventure. Have you ever considered how much time and money we spend on entertainment? It is probably more than you realized.
There is nothing wrong with godly entertainment. However, sin has found its way into music, movies, professional sports, social media, advertisements, and even video games. These are all powerful influences in shaping cultural norms and beliefs, especially in those who let their guard down. While Christians can feel overwhelmed by the saturation of a godless culture (2 Pet. 2:7-9), we can overcome the world and lead a transformed life (2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Pet. 1:13-18; 1 John 4:4; 5:4-5).
When we compare the time that we spend in worship to God, Bible study, prayer, meditation, and conversations with our friends about Christ to the time spent in entertainment, social media, and sporting events, things may still be lopsided. In addition to the question of our time management and productivity, there is the agenda of the entertainment industry at large in advancing an ungodly way of thinking and living.
Today's entertainment is far-reaching and slowly desensitizes us to sexual immorality, violence, and unbelief. By soberly reflecting upon this topic, hopefully, we will learn how to make sensible and righteous decisions regarding entertainment.
Music has moved from the Beatles hit song, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1964), to George Michael's brazen declaration, "I Want Your Sex" (1987), to Katy Perry's encouragement for sexual experimentation in her hit, "I Kissed a Girl" (2008), and now to Cardi B singing about X-rated details. The film and music industries have been preoccupied with eroticism for a long time. As Christians, we must have our eyes open to the diabolical and dark path of ungodliness in this sinful world (Eph. 4:17-20). Media rarely goes in one ear and out the other. It often remains in our minds, whether it is a lyric, phrase, or disturbing image. Someone may ask, "Does this make a difference in my decisions?" Well, the advertising industry believes it does. Consider the enormous sums spent on commercials during the Super Bowl and you will have the answer to your question! If we pour the wrong messages into our minds, our spiritual lives will be damaged.
Even popular video games are filled with the agenda of progressivism. There is of course the game "Grand-Theft Auto" which unabashedly presents all kinds of immorality for its players. Games like Marvel's Spider-Man (which was released in 2018) have been praised by the media for having the LGBTQ flag mural in the game. Multiple games are advancing an agenda that desensitizes youth regarding same-sex and immoral relationships. The same goes for popular movies and the progressive push all around us. While we may convince ourselves that we will not act on the harmful messages we ingest, rest assured that those messages are affecting our attitudes and thoughts, which is what leads us into sin (Matt. 5:28; Jas. 1:13-16).
We have also seen the attack on the family through blurring the lines regarding the roles of men and women, gender distinctions, the authority of parents in the home, and the true nature of the marriage relationship (Matt. 19:4-6; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 5:22-33). Sarcastic rebellion against parents and sexual objectification of women is deemed humorous. Likewise, those who are religious are portrayed as uneducated bigots. This is all part of the construct of the narrative that an ungodly movement is using to undermine the authority of God and objective moral standards. Paul writes,
. . . Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. . . therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. . . For this reason, God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural and in the same way, also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error and just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper. . . haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, and those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same but also give hearty approval to those who practice them (Rom. 1:22, 24, 26-32).
Recognizing that there are multiple attacks on God's people through media and entertainment, what do we need to understand about this conflict and how we can overcome the wickedness of the world (1 John 2:15-17; 5:19-21)?
Ultimately, our battle is over the position that Jesus Christ will occupy in our lives. Will He come before our fleshly appetites, the approval of our friends, acceptance in society, and the philosophies of our culture (Col. 2:8-10)? We must put our full confidence in the King of kings as He leads us to victory (Rom. 8:35-39). God's grace transforms us into His new creation, a holy nation, royal priesthood, and special people (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9). The Lord has delivered us from the bondage of sin through the freedom that is in Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:6-14, 16-17; 8:1-2). As we surrender to the Spirit's teaching, we bear His fruit and bring glory to Christ's name (Gal. 5:22-26). This requires us to engage in a spiritual battle every day (1 Cor. 9:24-27). The apostle encourages us to "be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might" by "putting on the full armor of God" (Eph. 6:10-11). He reveals that the nature of our battle is spiritual, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm" (Eph. 6:12-13).
Let us strive to ensure that our entertainment and media decisions are in harmony with the call of the gospel. Let us consider some guiding principles that will help us remain faithful to our Savior.
Paul prayed the Colossians would be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10). The psalmist declared, "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night" (Ps. 1:1-2). The young preacher, Timothy, was encouraged to "flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Tim. 2:22).
We are to "walk as children of light" in all "goodness and righteousness and truth" as we "try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord" (Eph. 5:7-10). We must refuse to "participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead, even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. . . so then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:11-12, 17). David wrote that a young man keeps himself pure by treasuring God's word in His heart (Ps. 119:11). By feeding on God's word, we secure our conviction in His truth and devotion to His purpose (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 Tim. 4:7-16). Sacred Scripture provides spiritual nutrition, enabling us to grow in the love and fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The word of God serves as our one offensive weapon against the onslaught of Satan (Eph. 6:17; cf. Matt. 4:1-11). His truth prepares and equips us for spiritual warfare in our daily decisions (Eph. 6:14-15), taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5), controlling our desires (1 Thess. 4:3-8), and following the wisdom of our Lord (Prov. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).
Someone once said, "You can't lose your footing when you are on your knees in prayer." To pray in the Spirit is to pray in a manner that harmonizes with His revelation and teaching. When we pray with a spiritual mind, we will face temptation with an alert mind, a sober spirit, and sound judgment (Eph. 6:18; 1 Pet. 4:7). In prayer, we humbly cast our anxiety on the Lord and access His divine resources in overcoming our adversary who seeks those whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:5-9). When we are being encouraged to partake of sinful entertainment, let's pause for a moment and pray in order to regain our spiritual alertness (Rom. 13:11-14). God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability, rather He will provide a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). If it was important for the Son of God to spend time alone with His Father in prayer, it is crucial for us to do the same (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 1 Thess. 5:17).
Christians are not masochists. Even the most loyal disciple enjoys a well-told story or a hard-fought game that goes into overtime. We can enjoy godly music, books, or movies. There are non-religious forms of wholesome entertainment. Yet, we must consume media wisely (1 Cor. 6:12). As parents, let us strive to be engaged in the lives of our children (Eph. 6:1-4). We need to know about their internet activity and monitor what they do. We can read reviews of movies beforehand and even encourage our family to do the same. If we are ambushed with an unbecoming message, let's use the opportunity to emphasize God's will. When our children get it right, affirm their decisions; when they get it wrong, engage in meaningful conversations. It is not a matter of rigid formalism; it is a matter of pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty with a balanced and godly perspective when consuming entertainment.
There is power in having healthy relationships with fellow Christians. In creating us, God instilled a desire for relationships and fellowship (Gen.1:26-27). In the early church, believers built each other up in the faith by spending time together (Acts 2:42, 46-47; 4:32; Phil. 2:1-3; Heb. 10:25). We can be a great help to one another through our examples, values, and choices (Rom. 12:5-18; 1 Cor. 15:33; 1 Pet. 4:1-3).
Another great help to us in fighting against the efforts of progressivism in our modern culture is to be a part of a living, thriving, and faithful congregation which offers caring leadership, in-depth and profitable teaching, transparent accountability, and encouragement. Compromising congregations exasperate the problem, but faithful churches are working to equip saints for the battle we face every day.
We will all find areas in which we can do better in service to God, but let's keep battling, trusting, serving, and living for the Lord and He will change and renew our hearts.
