“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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.” 1 John 2:15-16
Little Eyes, and Big Eyes Too
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Netflix. Hulu. Disney +. HBO Max. You name it, the average American has 1000s of entertainment options at the click of a button. Movies, TV shows, from G-rated all the way through “for mature audiences only.” Never mind that you have never watched any of the latter—the ads still pop up luring you to “just watch one episode,” or even stating “recommended for you.” Sadly, I confess I bought into the lie that I could allow myself the permission to start one such show.
Excuses. “Well, my good friend who is a believer watches it, and if it’s good for her, it’s probably ok for me!” Or, “Kids are back in school now, so as an adult, I can make this decision without them around to see something inappropriate.” Or, “This show is now on a local network, so it can’t be that bad!” And even once I was convicted in my heart, “Just one more episode!” Don’t we love to justify our “little sin,” forgetting He sees it all?
I certainly wish I could go back in time and reverse that very UN-wise decision to expose my eyes, mind, flesh, and emotions to such garbage. See, the enemy is a liar and just like in the Garden of Eden, tries to whisper to us that “it’s ok…you deserve a little entertainment meant only for you…you can stop anytime you want.”
“Be careful little eyes what you see,
Be careful little eyes what you see!
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love,
Be careful little eyes what you see!”*
Remember this Sunday school song? Important words for little children, but this warning is applicable to us grown up kids too.
Upon finally surrendering to conviction, I also felt prompted to confess and ask a close confidant for prayer against the temptation. I am grateful to say that once I obeyed, the chains were immediately broken and I no longer felt enslaved to making further poor choices. There is such beautiful freedom in accountability and keeping short accounts with Him.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Dear Father, who loves us MORE than anyone is ever capable of. You only want the absolute best for us. What the world would call “missing out” on something is Your protection and wow, do You have more in mind for us than we could ever imagine! Please help us be stronger than ever in these nearing end times to stand firm against the enemy. Thank You that You lavish Your love on us and have the very best in mind! Amen.
My nemesis was being a ‘news junkie’, which is guaranteed to have you on edge constantly. I finally got so fed up I cut the TV off. I watch more conservative news on the computer at times, but it has less and less ‘draw’ all the time. Part of what makes it easy is the fact that the only answer this community, state, or Nation has is God’s deliverance and blessing. And it all starts with each one of us individually…