A Biblical View of Entertainment and Media
In an age saturated with digital content, streaming services, and constant connectivity, the Christian faces a unique challenge: how to navigate the vast landscape of entertainment and media in a way that honors God. While the King James Bible does not explicitly mention smartphones, television, or the internet, it provides timeless principles that, when prayerfully applied, offer a clear framework for discerning what we consume and how we spend our time. This article seeks to explore these foundational truths, guiding believers toward choices that reflect a heart truly devoted to Christ.
Glorifying God in All Things
The foremost principle governing all aspects of a believer's life, including entertainment, is the glory of God. The Apostle Paul unequivocally states:
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
This verse serves as the ultimate litmus test for every choice we make. When we engage with media and entertainment, we must ask ourselves: Does this activity bring glory to God? Does it reflect His character, His truth, and His holiness? Or does it promote values contrary to His Word? If our entertainment choices contradict the very nature of God, they cannot be done to His glory. This requires a conscious effort to evaluate content based on its underlying messages, its portrayal of morality, and its overall impact on our spiritual walk.
Edification and Building Up
Another crucial principle is that our activities should be edifying, meaning they should build up, strengthen, and encourage us and others in faith. Paul writes in Romans 14:19, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Similarly, Ephesians 4:29 instructs us, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
While these verses primarily address speech, the underlying principle extends to the media we consume. Does the entertainment we choose build us up in Christ? Does it promote virtue, knowledge, and spiritual growth? Or does it tear down, promote cynicism, or encourage a worldly mindset? Wholesome entertainment can provide rest and refreshment, but it should never detract from our spiritual journey or undermine our Christian values. Instead, it should contribute to our overall well-being in a way that aligns with God's purposes for our lives.
Purity and Holiness
God calls His people to be holy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). This call to purity extends to our thoughts and what we allow into our minds. Philippians 4:8 provides a powerful filter for all forms of media:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This verse is a direct challenge to the often-impure, dishonest, and unlovely content prevalent in modern media. If a show, movie, song, or game promotes violence, sexual immorality, profanity, rebellion against God, or any other form of unrighteousness, it falls short of this biblical standard. We are commanded to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and to "flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). What we feed our minds inevitably shapes our character, our desires, and our actions. Therefore, guarding our minds against corrupting influences is paramount for spiritual health.
Stewardship of Time
Our time is a precious gift from God, and we are called to be wise stewards of it. Ephesians 5:15-16 admonishes us:
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Likewise, Colossians 4:5 instructs, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." While entertainment can offer legitimate rest and relaxation, it must be balanced with our responsibilities to God, family, and community. Excessive consumption of media can lead to neglect of prayer, Bible study, family time, service, and evangelism. It can become a distraction that hinders spiritual growth and prevents us from fulfilling God's calling on our lives. A wise believer considers not only the content of their entertainment but also the quantity, ensuring that leisure does not displace priorities.
Conscience and Christian Liberty
The Bible also addresses the concept of Christian liberty, particularly in matters that are not explicitly forbidden but may be questionable. Romans 14:23 states, "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." This means that if our conscience convicts us about a particular form of entertainment, we should abstain from it. Furthermore, we must consider the impact of our choices on other believers, especially those who may be weaker in faith.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
What may be permissible for one believer might cause another to stumble. Love for our brethren should guide our decisions, prompting us to forgo certain liberties if they could lead someone else into sin or doubt.
Practical Application: A Discernment Checklist
To apply these principles practically, consider asking yourself the following questions before engaging with any form of entertainment or media:
- Does this glorify God and align with His character?
- Does this build me up in my faith, or does it tear down biblical values?
- Is the content true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8)?
- Does it promote or normalize sin (e.g., sexual immorality, violence, profanity, rebellion against God)?
- Does it consume an excessive amount of my time, diverting me from more important spiritual disciplines or responsibilities?
- Could my engagement with this content cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9)?
- Does this draw me closer to Christ, or does it subtly pull me away from Him?
The Danger of Idolatry and Addiction
A significant danger in the realm of entertainment is its potential to become an idol. Anything that takes precedence over God in our lives, or consumes our devotion, time, and affections more than He does, becomes an idol. The Bible warns against being "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4). Modern media, with its immersive nature and endless options, can easily become addictive, fostering a craving for constant stimulation and escapism that supplants a desire for God and His Word. When entertainment becomes a necessity rather than a leisure, or when it replaces spiritual disciplines, it has crossed into dangerous territory.
Media as a Tool for Good
It is important to note that not all entertainment and media are inherently evil. God has given us the capacity for creativity, enjoyment, and rest. Media can be a powerful tool for good when redeemed and used wisely. It can be used for:
- Education: Learning about God's creation, history, and different cultures.
- Inspiration: Consuming content that showcases virtue, sacrifice, and the power of God.
- Communication of Truth: Spreading the Gospel, teaching biblical principles, and sharing testimonies through various platforms.
- Wholesome Recreation: Enjoying stories, music, and art that are pure, lovely, and provide genuine refreshment without compromise.
- Building Community: Connecting with like-minded believers and sharing edifying content.
Christian artists, filmmakers, musicians, and content creators are called to produce works that reflect God's truth and beauty, offering an alternative to the world's narratives. Supporting such endeavors can be a part of a biblical approach to media.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex world of entertainment and media requires constant vigilance, discernment, and a heart surrendered to Christ. It is not about legalism or a rigid list of forbidden activities, but about applying timeless biblical principles with wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our ultimate goal in all things, including our leisure, is to live lives that glorify God, edify others, maintain purity, wisely steward our time, and avoid being a stumbling block. By continually evaluating our choices through the lens of Scripture, believers can engage with entertainment and media in a way that truly honors the Lord and draws them closer to Him.