Beech Tree News Network

We hear many excuses and justifications for the sins men commit today. One common justification men offer for engaging in sin is, “It’s entertainment”. For example, I heard a man justify watching certain movies, reading certain books, and watching certain television shows with controversial and sinful content 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 the lives of men and women today. I have heard more than one person justify what they watch or read by saying, “It’s entertainment,” and nothing to be worried about. Probably many of our dear readers could look back and remember trends that were started by those who “entertained” us through song, movies, books, TV, etc.

    Can we really afford to justify sin and wrongdoing by saying, “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 men justifying sin by calling it “entertainment”:

•    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 on the silver screen, television, the internet, etc., as merely “entertainment”? Can we justify certain songs on the radio that focus on various sins by dismissing it as “entertainment”? Have we become so hardened toward this life that it now takes outrageous and ungodly behavior to “entertain” us? Unfortunately, there are those claiming to love Christ who also have no problem with many of the things called “entertainment” today.

    No, we cannot control every environment that we or our children enter. However, there are many things we can control, especially in the 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 a great and profound way. Are we being “entertained” by things God condemns? If so, why? Let us return to the Bible’s principles and focus on the good and godly (Phil. 4:8). Let us decide today to not continue on this course of hardening our hearts to the righteous and godly.

-- 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 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167