Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Prov. 4:23 (KJV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Prov. 4:23 (NIV)
In today’s world, it is so easy to stumble across random videos, articles, television shows…you name it, that are FAR from wholesome. To top it all off, with a simple click of a button, you can be sent random foolishness in a text from a friend or relative.
You can easily find yourself DEEP in a rabbit hole of things, information, and thoughts that are less than pleasing to God. Moreover, you can find yourself in a fight for your very soul. The scariest part about it is that, many times, we may not even realize that we have a problem.
Just to be clear, this is not just about such obvious topics as pornography. This includes such things as gossip and slander…posing as news, shows that glorify obvious sin, recorded rants of HATE and RAGE, or even entertainment that readily criticizes Christians and makes fun of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for laughs. We must ask ourselves, “As a professed Christian, why am I not offended?”
I became aware of this deceptive trap while watching videos centered around making fun of things that some people do or say in church. The person who posted the videos is a professed Christian; and, someone near and dear to my heart was sharing them with me. Plus, I thought it was quite HILARIOUS. Later, I noticed that the videos began to take familiar Christian songs and replace the lyrics with verses of comedy regarding weird or silly things that some people have done or said in church.
At first glance, watching a video here and there, seemed innocent enough. I mean, let’s face it, sometimes funny things DO happen at church. Sometimes people DO SAY funny things at church. However, in today’s world, those funny “moments” can become a permanent focal point of a video that is shared with the ENTIRE, uncaring world. How embarrassing! Magnifying someone else’s embarrassing moment is not very nice or Christ-like. We should remember the Golden Rule: Treat people like you want to be treated. (Based on Luke 6:31)
“Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)
The thing is, that in today’s society, people don’t really think much about the thoughts and feelings of individuals anymore. They have been conditioned to focus more on the general public’s approval (ie. the number of views, likes, and subscriptions, etc.) Higher numbers show more support and encourages more of the same. However, as time goes on, it usually takes more and MORE to please the human audience and keep them INTERESTED. So, the content has to constantly move to a new level, increasing the “WOW factor.” This is a never-ending cycle.
On the other hand, I thought about something else, MUCH more important. What message is this sending to “the world?” All of a sudden, I realized that this is making light of the things of GOD! When we talk about worship, we are talking about a very SERIOUS thing. Why turn it into a joke? As Christians, our desire should be that people turn their eyes upon JESUS as the familiar hymn says.
We are sending the wrong message, by highlighting the wrong things. We are creating distractions from what is REALLY important and bringing more attention and light to the trivial. This is NOT going to be a witnessing tool that will result in people giving their hearts to CHRIST. In fact, this has played right into the ENEMY’S hand of trying to discredit and bring shame to the HOLY and AWESOME things of GOD.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Not only that, but what effect is it having on ME? Have I become increasingly nonchalant and indifferent about the SACRED and HOLY things of God? This is when I realized, “Houston…we have a problem!” What child of God should be OK with someone making light of things that pertain to their heavenly FATHER? Moreover, if God cares so much about these things, then shouldn’t his children? Is this how we honor and give thanks to our Way Maker, God of mercy and grace, Creator of the universe, and Sustainer of all?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Here’s the sobering truth: The more we take in, the more we accept. That concept can go in either a positive or negative direction. This is why DAILY study of the Word is so VERY important. The more time we spend in God’s Word, the MORE room we make in our hearts and minds to accept MORE of his Word. Not only that, but the more time we spend in God’s Word, the LESS room we will have for things that DO NOT bring glory to God. This is what spiritual growth is all about.
Take a moment to listen to the beautiful harmony of Kaoma Chende as he reminds us to turn our eyes upon Jesus…
