Originally posted by QuickeningSpirit:
Should you "throw out your t.v.?" Yes!
In the sense that television, cable direct, public or otherwise is the "channel" by which much engrossing and demoralizing media types are available, yes. But then any form of media that will offer demoralizing material should then be cast out.
The scripture to "set no wicked thing before thine eye" has the word "set" as the verb. This verb should be further defined beyond the simple definition as to place an object. To "set" also means to give special attention in order that the object is "set" to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>to appoint or assign to an office or duty,to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him> in this portion of the definition, the effects of what is viewed on t.v. is not always wicked, but when our thinking is effected by the propaganda dished out on the hell-a-vision/smell-a-vision, you have to reconsider why one might throw out the t.v.
Of course I can change the cahnnel! B7ut what about that more than half-naked adultrous that has been flashed before my eyes?
It all goes on with the brown spot on the apple ideal; would you eat the brown spot? Would you instead cut the brown spot off, or just throw away the entire apple? Depending upon the "food" available. Spiritually speaking, I would rather consume and be consumed by what I find in God's Word, but to make sure we have family time, I do mean quality family time, we have a monitor,(a television set that has no means of picking up outside signals beyond our control. We watch many forms of instruction videos, moral movies, (and that all with the "decusser" just in case, and it is needed).
When the thing "set" before your eyes interferes with normal activity, then throw it out, learn what life is all about and you'll see a definite change in the world around you.
You won't be filled as much with ungodly desires, you'll actually have a more indepth thinking ability, have more time to do those things that are productive instead of wasting your time and your mind.
As far as the internet, I use it solely for a means of study, achance to express what God has given me by His wisdom, and a means of communicating with family and friends that otherwise I would spend more money in stamps and letter writing matwerials, as well as long distance bills.
Brother Stacy Shiflett is in South Africa, a missionary, imagine what it would cost just to call and speak to him for just a few minutes.
Say what you will, but the more time I spend with my affections on things above (whoops! as commanded!), the more sweet communion I have with my Saviour. Not saying this with a judgemental spirit, but I know most who "defend" their right to t.v. are just a little more carnal than they would ever admit.
The addage "IF sinners entice thee, consent thou not" is considered, then I wouldn't "set" myself up for the t.v. to "entice" me. Maybe you're more "spiritual" than me, but then again you just may be deceived by your foolish pride. Consider, then "throw it out", at least unplug the antenna or cable connection. It's like cigarette smoking, see if you can do without it for a few days and notice the difference.
Don't answer this particular matter too quickly, you might end up looking more like a fool than you thought.
Since you seem to be the most aggresive respondent I will answer you first.
I don't think you anticpating any response I might have would
"end up looking more like a fool" is
"speaking the truth in love"(Eph 4:15).
YOUR STATEMENT:
"But then any form of media that will offer demoralizing material should then be cast out...
As far as the internet, I use it solely for a means of study, achance to express what God has given me by His wisdom, and a means of communicating with family and friends that otherwise I would spend more money in stamps and letter writing matwerials, as well as long distance bills."
MY RESPONSE:
Should'nt any thing that can offer
demoralizing material be cut out? I don't see how you can use the internet, with millions of pornographic websites and justify your logic. Go buy stamps, buy books, you can do without the internet.
While we are on the subject, why don't you stay home and grow your own food in the back yard. Then you won't have to go to the grocery store where you could possibly be exposed to
demoralizing material.
And really you should stay home, because if you go driving you might expose yourself to bill boards with
demoralizing material.
Ah, I know your response to these things as I have heard them many times. Going out on the road is necessary - watching TV is not. I have a question for you then, do the rules change for something if it is necessary or not.
So because it is necessary, I can drive down the road and expose myself to
demoralizing material on billboards and other signs. But because it is not necessary, then I may not watch TV where I may be exposed to this same
demoralizing material? Where is the "necessary" clause found in the New Testament? I have not found it yet.
YOUR STATEMENT:
"When the thing "set" before your eyes interferes with normal activity, then throw it out, learn what life is all about and you'll see a definite change in the world around you.
You won't be filled as much with ungodly desires, you'll actually have a more indepth thinking ability, have more time to do those things that are productive instead of wasting your time and your mind."
MY RESPONSE:
I am reminded of a passage of scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:12(NIV)
""Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything."
I agree that if the TV over powers us then we ought to take a brake from it. Maybe that means putting in the closet. There are many things that can overpower us and the TV is just one of them.
I used to love to play computer strategy games. But then I noticed I was spending way too much time and they became addictive. They had the power over me, even though the games are not wrong in and of themselves.
I put them away for a while and did not play for months. Then I slowly reintroduced them and set strict time limits for myself. The result is that I still play them occasionally, but they no longer have the power over me.
If you or someone else sees the TV is having power over them, that they are compelled at every waking hour of the day to watch it. Maybe they do need to put it away for awhile. Or maybe they are drawn to the wrong kind of shows, then maybe they need to put it away for awhile.
But I will say this, that the TV is actually something that can be as Paul writes
"beneficial". Some shows do not require much thought and these allow us to relax - there is nothing wrong with that.
Other shows like I watch on the history channel, broaden our mind. Other shows like mysterys cause us to think. And news programs keep us informed with what is going on in our world.
One other reason that I believe watching TV can be benefial for a Christian is that it allows us to be a better witness. You ask how? Because TV is the main cultural medium by which our society communicates.
If I am trying to build a relationship with someone so I can witness to them and we begin talking something on TV is very likely to come up in casual conversation.
Now if it is a show that I think is wrong and I do not watch, I still know of the show and can tell them that I do not watch it. I may even share some reasons why. If it is a show that I have seen, then I have a bridge to talk with them. I have even used some things from television shows and movies to show Godly principles to people I have witnessed to.
But if I just tell them I don't have a TV or don't watch TV at all, this is an unecessary turn-off to most people and I won't get two words in with them.
These are just some things to think about my friend.
IFBReformer
