Beech Tree News Network

We hear many varied excuses or justifications for the things men do today. One common justification is to say, “It’s entertainment” as a way of getting around certain sinful activities. For example, I heard a man on the radio justify watching controversial/sinful movies, reading sinful/controversial books, and watching certain TV shows by saying, “It’s entertainment.” Whether or not he intended it in this way, he left people with the impression that since it is entertainment, it has little or no impact on men and women today. I have heard more than one person justify what they watch or read based upon the idea that it is just “entertainment,” and nothing to be worried about. Probably many of our dear readers could look back and remember trends started by those who “entertained” us through song, movies, books, TV, etc.

    Can we really afford to say, “It’s entertainment”? I don’t think so. God warns us of the impact that such things have on people. Please consider the following Scriptures in light of this:

•    Proverbs 6:27: “Can a man carry fire next to his chest, and his clothes not be burned?”

•    Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

•    Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatsoever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.”

•    I Thessalonians 5:21-22: “Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

•    Galatians 6:7-8: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

    Based on these passages, can we honestly justify the actions, dress, and words we see portrayed before us as merely “entertainment”? Have we become so hardened toward the things of this life that it takes such outrageous behavior to “entertain” us now? Unfortunately, many claiming to love Christ have no problem with much of the things called “entertainment” today. How sad.

    No, we cannot control every environment that we, or our children enter. But, we can control many things, especially the environment at home. How can we justify as “entertainment” what God condemns in His word? Let us not be fooled. The “entertainment” of today has an effect on us. As much as we might wish to deny this, it is true. Too, our children are affected by this in great and profound way.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167