Does Our Choice of Entertainment Really Matter?

Is there any truth to the term "garbage in equals garbage out"?

You bet! When believers "backslide", it's a slow fade, and it typically starts with where we're spending our time. We have to be intentional with each moment in our day, and that includes our choice of entertainment.

The things of this world may sometimes feel harmless, but in large doses they are detrimental. A rule we try to stick to in our house is participating in more "Christian" entertainment than secular. We try to keep our exposure to godly influences higher than that of worldly influences. We get enough of that junk outside the house (a great reason to be in church often!)

Our homes should be a sanctuary, a place where our families feel safe and loved. We must not let our entertainment steal that away from us!

Take a moment to ponder how you spend your free time:

1) Do you choose music that uplifts? While secular music has its place (I listen to tons of love songs when I'm writing my novels!), we are better served by keeping it to a minimum if we want to stay connected with our God. Christian music, along with praise and worship, leaves a positive impact on us every time!

2) Do you choose movies and TV shows that uplift? I have to limit my exposure to TV because after watching too many in a row, I find myself feeling down. Even my favorite shows have a negative impact because they are of this world. Better to choose good Christian comedy or movies regularly.

3) Do you read novels/books that uplift? Again, secular books are not wholly bad for us. Yet too much fantasy promotes dissatisfaction with real life. How does your time spent in the Word of God compare to your time spent in romance novels?


I've personally experienced a difference in my life based on my choice of entertainment. When I recently went through a tough crisis, for several months I cut out most of my TV time, and when I did turn it on, I chose shows with Bible teaching. I read only Bible studies - no novels (not even Christian ones!) I also listened to Christian music constantly, and I know it made a difference in my outlook on the trial. I felt more connected to my Savior than ever before.

What we surround ourselves with affects us, for either negative or positive, which is why we're instructed in Scripture to keep our focus on the things of God. In this sinful world, we are easily distracted and tempted to ignore our Savior to please our flesh. How are you spending your free time?

What are you doing to counteract the negative impact of this world in your life and your home?

"...always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Blessings, Jen