We have been discussing the
different things in our lives that take up our time unnecessarily.
These are things that will not stand the test of time when we truly
face storms in our lives. There are so many, but I am simply
touching on a few. Another one that most of you most probably have
guessed is the television. Let me explain.
3. The
television
I know most of us love the
television, love watching movies and love to relax in front of it.
Now once again, that in itself is not bad. Television could be an
excellent source of information and could also be used to bring
family and friends together to watch certain events, such as the
Olympic Games, World cups, concerts etc.
Now as I said, I don't have a
problem with television per se. I love watching sport, especially
rugby and tennis, as I enjoy encouraging my favorite team/player.
But I have a problem with it in two areas, number one, when it
takes the time of your family and number two when you passively
allow any and all information that presents itself into your mind.
Let me explain.
I don't think my first reason needs
much explaining, but let me just clarify. We as a family stopped
our satellite television at the end of last year and I cannot tell
you how much more time we have for one another now. My husband
comes home from work and now he has time to play with the children
outside, we sit at the table and eat and tell one another of our
day, we even have time to read inspirational books and we feel
sleepy by the time we go to bed and not have flashes of what we
just watched on television disturbing our rest. We will activate
the television again when the rugby season begins, but then we will
discipline ourselves to watch only the game and maybe enjoy a
movie/ programme together over weekends.
Now I am not saying you should all
switch off your televisions. If you love watching
documentaries/news/educational programs/sports etc, by all means do
it. Just keep in mind that your family comes first and if these
programs take excessive time, analyze your situation and make the
changes needed to give your family the time and attention they
deserve.
My second problem that I have with
television is that it influences your mind. I am not going into
much detail about your mind, as I can write a whole book about it,
but for now know that your mind is a battlefield between what the
devil wants to put in it and what God wants you to think. There are
so many verses in the Bible about your mind, and it all boils down
to the following:
"Above all else, guard your
heart, for it affects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23.
In other words, guard your
thoughts, as it will affect your actions and ultimately your whole
life. Now when you are watching television, you want to lay back
and relax and not think of anything else. But the problem is that
you put your guard down and passively allow everything on the
television to enter your mind. It dulls the brain and allows things
in, that you would under normal circumstances not entertain in your
mind. These thoughts would slowly worm their way into your mind and
strategically place them wherever your weakness is. For example you
are not happy with your body, now you will see beautiful women on
the television and automatically feel inferior. Or in the soapies
you will see the perfect model of a man and you will start to
compare him with your husband and begin to feel that your husband
is not good enough. You will see affairs prevalent in almost every
movie, it will start to look attractive to you and lure you in to
possibly doing the same thing. You will hear curse words being
spoken and the Lord's Name used in vain, and before you know it,
one slips out when you are angry. Or you worry easily and now on
the news you see all the devastating things going on in the world
and you tense up and sleep with the lights on, because you fear the
worst to happen to you. I can go on and on, but I am sure you get
the picture.
My point is this, be careful what
you place in your heart. Be careful what you watch, it
becomes your thoughts, your thoughts come out of your mouth and
influences what you do, your actions can become habits and your
habits build your character, essentially who you are. So in actual
fact, wrong images on television can influence your character and
pull you away from the Lord and all He has for you. Be careful.
Rather focus on what is good and pure and of good report, it will
build you up, fill you with the joy of the Lord and give you peace
which surpasses all understanding.
"Fix your thoughts on what is
true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and
lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8
Lord Jesus, help us to look up to
You and seek You in everything. Help us to discern different images
on television and only look at what is good and pleasing in Your
sight. You are our Lord and God and ultimately we would like to
grow closer to You and leave out everything that could hinder our
progress. Amen