American entertainment is an enemy of the gospel. Don’t believe me? Turn on the TV. On second thought, just take my word for it. TV is one of those subtle “gray areas” about which modern day Christians can loudly proclaim, “You can’t tell me not to! The Bible doesn’t say not to!”

Philippians 4:8
8 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.

True, many shows on television aren’t really that bad. Maybe they only contain some suggestive dialogue, not any actual “scenes.” Maybe the language really isn’t that bad when you compare it to a lot of other stuff out there. So answer me a question… when did our standards conform to the world? When did we decide that something is only considered “bad” relative to how close it comes to whatever is “really really bad” around it? If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times… we’re so worried about what we can get away with we’ve forgotten what gives God glory. Christian living is not merely a matter of negation. What do I mean by that? We don’t live this life saying, “I don’t do that, I can’t do this, I won’t do that….” That line of thinking had landed us right where we are. Instead, we must realize that this life is a matter of positive and negative. “I can’t do this but I must do that.”

1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Notice, it does not say, “Whatever you do, make sure it doesn’t offend God that much.” It says, do all to the glory of God. All. Without exception. No time off, no sabatical, no breaks. Every thought, every action, every motive, every single second of every single day you are to do all your best to give Him glory. If you’re vegging on TV, video games, movies, music, the internet, or one of the many things this culture of entertainment dangles in your eyes, you are making yourself dull. You are not glorifying God.

How dare I make such assertments? How dare I? I dare to do nothing but proclaim God’s Word. I earnestly desire for us (especially we who are young) to not give ourselves to these distractions. I know there isn’t anything explicitly bad in that, but is there anything good? Does it cause you to give glory to God? Do you love Christ more because of it? If the answer is no, you had better examine your heart well before you continue in that activity.

This run, this race, this whole-hearted faith is not a hobby. Hear me. It is not your latest fad, it is not your mission. This faith is YOUR LIFE. If it does not consume you, you have either become dull or you never understood it in the first place.

Hebrews 12
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Notice the author does not simply say, “lay aside every sin,” but also “every weight.” Please, listen to him. We must lay aside all things that do not aid the race. We’ve all heard the sermons a million times, in a million different ways. Listen to it. We must not become dull, we must press on.

I have allowed my senses to be entangled for far too long. I have become a victim of all I have just described. Nay, not a victim, a culprit. May God give me grace to correct these evil attitudes in my heart. Amen.