On Television
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes (Psalm101:3a).
Recently, I went through the normal old age event called “cataract surgery.” It is difficult to describe what I now see, based on what I did not see before. I no longer need glasses except for reading and another side blessing is that all of the floaters are gone. Some take for granted the privilege of seeing.
Fanny Crosby was an inspiration to those who knew her and to Christians around the world who have sung her Gospel songs. Though she was blind because of improper medical treatment at the age of six weeks, she was never bitter or depressed. She spoke often of the joy that would be hers recognizing that the first thing she would ever see was the face of her Savior, Jesus Christ. This reveals that though she could not see, she saw far more than millions of people on the earth today.
Jesus quoted Isaiah, emphasizing the continuous unbelief of people who could see but could not see. Of the disciples who believed in Christ, He said, But blessed are your eyes, for they see (Matthew 13:16a). Their faith in Christ allowed them to see truth and they believed.
However, we need to be careful what we see and, in particular, what we choose to see. Lot lifted his eyes and saw the plain of Jordan. His eyes triggered greed and he moved his family to Sodom and Gomorrah. He ended up paying an incredible price for the decision based on what he saw.
King David happened to see Bathsheba bathing and he lusted instead of turning away his eyes. Again, the cost was very great and though his sin was forgiven, he left this earth with many regrets.
Actually, we are all in trouble today because of the eyes of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan said – your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods… (Genesis 3:5). And when the woman SAW that the tree was good for food, and that it was PLEASANT TO THE EYES…she took of the fruit (Genesis 3:6) and we all have battled sin ever since.
The television has influenced many people to do evil. Perhaps, we should use the term “brainwashed” instead of “influenced.” Whether we want to admit it or not, television has affected the moral values and standards of so many in America.
People watch way too much television. The television has been a great tool for getting the gospel into places where Christianity is illegal, but for the most part, Satan is greatly using it to accomplish his deceptive purposes. This may be strong, but some of what appears on some stations is nothing but immoral trash.
The psalmist said – Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity (Psalm 119:37) and this is exactly what we should be doing. Peter, speaking of those who walk after the flesh, stated – Having EYES full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin… (II Peter 2:14). The television today is almost totally absent of anything that edifies. So many television programs are full of some of the filthiest language, pornography, violence, homosexuality, illicit sex, rapes, witchcraft, murders and so many other influential scenes, especially on young people.
God’s Word warns us not to love the world. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, THE LUST OF THE EYES, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:16).
Have you given much thought to how much the television has influenced your life? A good reason for turning the television off by the psalmist – Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD (Psalm 25:15). Think how the following verses relate to our involvement with the television and with the computer.
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God (Leviticus 20:7). But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation -lifestyle (I Peter 1:15). What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (I Corinthians 6:19, 20).
On the positive side, God’s Word states – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). We can do this by focusing our eyes in the right direction. For example, turn the television off and get into the Word of God. The psalmist wrote, The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, ENLIGHTENING THE EYES (Psalm 19:8). His prayer in Psalm 119:18 ought to be ours – Open Thou mine EYES, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. Jesus said, Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).
How many hours in a week do you watch TV? What kind of programs do you usually watch? In comparison, about how many hours a week do you spend in Bible study, prayer and Christian service. Do you ever question the honesty of news reports, commercials and things stated in other programs? Have you ever taken the time to consider the philosophy of life that television programs advocate? Have you ever felt that television has been a hindrance to spiritual growth in your life?
Give some thought to this matter today. Memorize II Corinthians 7:1 – Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.
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