Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.
Psalm 119:37
Jesus was offended by empty religious piety. It was a lie and led to the abuse of others.
Many believers have become more connected to the world. As we relate to the world’s point of view we will naturally step away from the Savior.
It is easy to put our relationship with Jesus on the back burner.
Of course, if you are truly a born-again believer you cannot lose your salvation.
However, our lives show evidence of grace if we are saved. If we are not saved, then no evidence can be found to support that claim.
Being a good person is not the standard. Good people are still sinners.
Believers aren’t saved because they are good. Believers are saved because Jesus covers their sin. “God looks on Him and pardons me.”1
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5
One of the most popular expressions in American culture is, “What’s so bad about it?” But I once heard a godly pastor suggest that we ask, “What’s so good about it?” That thought should concern virtually every area of our lives.
You can read the contrast to worthless things. 2 Corinthians 6.
About ten years ago, I watched a popular television series with my husband. It was lighthearted and full of funny moments. The acting was great, and the concept was relatable. I guess that’s what made the show so funny and appealing. Real life can be funny.
But the longer we watched this particular show, the more uncomfortable I became. I couldn’t put my finger on the problem at first.
Then I realized that some of the laughter in the show was centered around behaviors that Jesus died for. That thought hit me like a ton of bricks.
In real life, none of that is funny. It is destructive and selfish. So, what have we been laughing at? This is the very nature of people that makes them guilty before Holy God. He gave His Son to be saturated in our guilt so that we could be redeemed.
When it first happened, I didn’t say anything to my husband. I felt that he would eventually have the same discomfort that I did without my input. I was right. It wasn’t long before my husband stopped watching the show, too.
So, what are we supposed to do? Can’t Christians have any fun? Certainly! God created laughter. God loves cheerful hearts.
But Christ paid such a high cost for our salvation. Laughing at or being entertained by sin is an abuse of God’s grace. Easy participation in any sin should set off alarm bells in your heart.
Is your initial reaction to these truths disdain? Do you feel like telling me that I am being too serious and offensive?
Well, I would understand that if I didn’t know about God’s moral standard, His perfect wrath for sin, and His perfect love for sinners.
Many believers might think participating in such entertainment is not wrong. “After all,” we rationalize, “we aren’t actually doing it; we are laughing at make-believe.”
However, deluding ourselves is a lie, and we know better. If we are true believers, the Spirit within us tells us so.
But another problem is judging others. This study is for us to assess our own hearts, not to focus on other believers. If your issue isn’t with entertainment that glorifies sin, don’t replace that sin with the sin of hypocrisy. Religion without the heart of Jesus leads to legalism and piety.
When you are redeemed, the Spirit transforms your heart to be like Jesus. If we don’t have that desire, then we need to be certain of our peace with God. One passage in the Bible that can help you is 1 John 1:5-8.
This study doesn’t just apply to watching certain entertainment. We sin in ways that we don’t often think about, like cowardice, apathy, laziness, gossip, judgement, unforgiveness, etc.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Where does all of this leave us?
Each person has a decision to make. No one can guilt you into choosing things of highest worth instead of worthless things.
When you have time, read Romans 8. How does this passage apply to what we have studied about living a Spirit filled life? Apply Psalm 119:37 to the books you read, the company you keep, and everything that you put before God. Ask yourself, “What’s so good about it?”
- Before the Throne of God Above
Charitie Lees Smith
CA. 1860 ↩︎
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
How beautiful are the feet of those who share the Good News!
Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 