What a TV Show Taught Me About Godly Discernment

I love a good TV show. Especially if it involves history or real-life events. About six years ago, I was looking for a new show to watch and came across one that I had heard a lot about, but I hadn't really had a chance to see if it was worth the hype. So, one afternoon over lunch, I started watching it.

The first several episodes were very compelling and seemed really good! There was some language thrown out here and there, but other than that, it seemed decent. I watched the entire first season and was excited to go on to season 2.

A couple of shows into the next season – out of what felt like nowhere – I was faced with what felt like porn. At first, I froze. I was shocked since nothing like this had happened in the first season. I looked down while trying to figure out what I should do. Some scenes like this are short, but this one definitely was not. So, I grabbed my remote and tried to fast-forward some. The show got past that particular scene, and I remember feeling flabbergasted and just so icky.

The scene would not leave my mind, and I was so unsettled. I kept toying with the idea of whether to keep watching more episodes or leave it at that. I decided to keep watching. A few more scenes emerged – not as lengthy, but very sexually graphic, and so casual about it. I was so devastated. I had emotionally invested myself in this show, and it had "betrayed" me.

Did I keep watching? Sadly, yes I did. Did more scenes that graphic pop up? I am happy to report that no, there was no more of that. But there was so much foul language, sexual innuendos, and infidelity that showed up that if I were to compare it to God's Word, it would have fallen short.

Using Godly Discernment

I think our world (with the help of Satan's influences) has really enslaved some of us into just "letting things go." Instead of using the truth from God's Word to lead and guide our lives, we instead have this lackadaisical approach that can seem like this:

• Oh, this isn't really happening, it's fake. It's okay if I watch it.
• I have seen a lot worse things than this; it's going to be okay.
• If I watch or read this, it won't hurt anybody.

Ephesians 5:1-3 states:

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children,  and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.  But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 

If we are going to claim Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, then we must be imitators of Him. Many people will watch things like I did and feel that their choices won't affect anyone else around them. I beg to differ that it most certainly does.

It will affect how you see your spouse, your expectations of them, and how you treat the rest of your family. If you are always watching things that promote frustration or dissatisfaction with your family, it will affect how you treat them. Many of these shows are designed to emotionally pull you in and make you really feel what the actors are feeling. Before you know it, you start (sometimes unintentionally) to truly live some of these things out. This is not walking in the love of Christ.

Expose The Darkness

Ephesians 5:11 says, "Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them."

I think as I am maturing and getting older, I am becoming more aware of how hard Satan is working to capture some of us. I don't mean to write this to scare you, but to bring awareness that evil is out there, and it makes Satan furious to see God's truth proclaimed. So we must do like this verse above states – Expose the works of darkness!

Expose the lies and filth that are constantly in front of our eyes. The lie that our selfish desires are more important than anyone else is destroying marriages, families, and society as we know it. Our choices really do have consequences, whether those be good or bad, and they will not just affect us. They will affect those around us, those we love and care about.

May God help us stay deeply in His Word and compare His words with the lies being thrown at us. May we truly learn to walk in the light, apart from the darkness, that our lives may be true reflections of Christ's love and grace.