So, my wife and I made a commitment 2 or 3 years ago that I want to share, not only just for sharing sake, but also because I believe it is biblical and good for ANYONE who seeks to follow Yeshua (Jesus). We got to talking one day about movies and entertainment, and began asking ourselves why it was that we would not let our children watch certain movies because of language, sexual content, etc., but allow ourselves to watch such movies. We had been growing increasingly uncomfortable with movies that had the language, etc., and felt a bit hypocritical watching movies that contained these elements while not allowing our kids to watch them because of those very elements! After all, what was the reason for not allowing them to watch movies that had cussing, excessive violence, etc.? Well, just like anyone I suppose, it was and is because it is inappropriate material for children. But here's the question we asked ourselves - why is it not appropriate for them, but o.k. for us? Why should supposed "adult" material actually be appropriate for...adults? Where on earth did we get the idea that foul language, sexual content, etc. was "adult"? To be honest, these were the very behaviors I had picked up during jr. high and high school, and had to turn from when I came to the LORD. Rather than "cussing" being an "adult" activity, it is quite juvenile. Sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman (you have to be specific nowadays!) is not only inappropriate, it is plainly sinful. Let me ask the question - is pornography wrong (especially for a follower of Yeshua)? Why would a sexual encounter in a movie, while maybe not as explicitly shown, not be wrong? Actually, the bible is not silent concerning this issue. There is no supposed "Christian liberty" concerning the matter. Paul tells us plainly the following:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things."
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."
"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...."
(Phil. 4:8; Eph. 5:3,4; Psalm 101: 2,3a respectively).
There is absolutely no justification for any believer/follower of Yeshua to put in front of their face "entertainment" that contains so-called "adult" material. The supposed "adult" material that is so pervasive in today's culture is for the world - NOT for people who seek to follow Yeshua (Jesus)! In fact, the above quotes are from the KJV (obviously), but check out Eph. 5:3,4 in the ISV - "Do not let sexual sin, impurity of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving." Here I'd like to share a quote from Andrew Murray's "Abide in Christ":
"In him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not."--1 JOHN 3:5,6.
"YE KNOW," the apostle had said, "that He was manifested to take away our sin," and had thus indicated salvation from sin as the great object for which the Son was made man. The connection shows clearly that the taking away has reference not only to the atonement and freedom from guilt, but to deliverance from the power of sin, so that the believer no longer does it. It is Christ's personal holiness that constitutes His power to effect this purpose. He admits sinners into life union with Himself; the result is, that their life becomes like His. "In Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not." As long as he abides, and as far as he abides, the believer does not sin. Our holiness of life has its roots in the personal holiness of Jesus. "If the root be holy, so also are the branches." (Emphasis mine).
What we call "adult" material is not "adult" at all - it is completely juvenile, immature, and wholly inappropriate. We are supposed to be maturing in the LORD. Let me assure you, if it is inappropriate for your children to watch because of what has already been mentioned, it is inappropriate for YOU. In fact, Yeshua even said the following:
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matt. 18:3
Children are innocent and pure regarding filthy language, sexual immorality, etc. It is when they are exposed to these things that they become defiled. We are not only to protect them from such filth as much as is in our control (because you can't control the world, but you CAN control your own household), but are ourselves to "become like children" - not in immaturity, or in knowledge and understanding, but in purity and innocence.
This is a clarion call (or even better, a shofar blast!) to all who name themselves followers of the God of the bible...the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob... the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua Meshiach (Jesus Christ), that we put away ALL filthiness from our face, and prepare to meet our Bridegroom...after all, He is returning for a pure and spotless bride!
In closing I want to say that there ARE certain things to be watched that may be inappropriate for little children, such as a holocaust documentary, etc., that are certainly appropriate for adults/young adults - but it is inappropriate for obvious reasons. I'm not talking about such things - hopefully that is apparent.
Saint...believer/follower of Yeshua (Jesus)...Christian - please seriously consider what I've shared. It is time that believers quit acting like the world, and begin molding their lives after the Savior that they claim to follow, who happens to be Lord and Savior!
Hoshiana Adonai!
Maranatha Yeshua!
.j.
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