MMM - Your Favorite Music, Movies, and Videos

Alright so I know its not Monday but yesterday was a holiday and I decided to take the day off from pretty much everything. I was also quite tired from a retreat I was at this past weekend (I learned to ski but that's a different story.)

So today's MMM post is a little different then most. In fact this may be the only post like this in this series but I have no actual video or song or book picked out. In fact, there isn't even a particular form of media I have in mind. See recently there have been several videos about what a true Christian is, numerous discussions about what is right, and countless thoughts about media choices and it has gotten me thinking about the Christian walk. Do we really walk as Jesus would with our media choices or do we watch what we feel like? I've heard the excuses (used them myself even):

"I need to be able to understand what a non christian is talking about" 

"As long as it doesn't influence my behavior then its ok" 

"I mix in Christian media so no worries" 

"Its just a song...I like the music and don't really listen to the lyrics"

 "I close my eyes during the bad parts..."

"Christian media choices just aren't as good (or are really cheesy)"

Do any of us really believe that it makes it right? We are called to be different than this world but when it comes to media choices how different are you? Have you ever spoken out against a particular movie or song  because of the content? Did you stand your ground? I've been there and know I haven't before... After you see the movie, hear the music, or read the story do you feel ok or is there that twinge of guilt? Do you do something about it or just sweep it aside with and excuse? 

Now you're probably thinking..."Ok Jeremy so should we only listen to Christian music and watch movies about Jesus?" That isn't what I want or think. I just think that we should be more careful about what media we take in. So where is the line? I really don't know. I wish I could give a firm answer but there isn't one and honestly I think its somewhat different for every person. Here are some ideas to use as guidelines for your choices.

1. Determine if there is anything out right sinful about your media choices - Most of us do fairly well with this one but none the less it is important to think about. 

2. Figure out what message or messages the media is trying to get across - Media often has hidden messages in it. For example a song such as Katy Perry's Last Friday Night would seem to be all about partying but one line lets you know it has a message of not caring about consequences. She says "pictures of last night ended up online oh well" Watch for those hidden messages.

3. Am I sure that I won't be influenced or am being influenced by my media choices - Often we think that we can't be swayed and that we stand our ground quite well but usually it isn't near that simple. Over the course of time we can easily be swayed and not even realize it. So check yourself occasionally.

4. Set boundaries the fit with what you know about yourself and what the Bible says - Each of us has certain temptations. So are drawn to drugs, others to giving into peer pressure, others to sex...the list could go on. Set boundaries that keep you away from the things that cause you problems and STICK TO THEM. Don't give in to the need to find excuses.

5. Don't use excuses to make things right - Eliminate excuses from your thoughts when it comes to media and you should have no problem determining if the media is ok or you just want it to be ok. We find so much hard to determine but often its cause we are trying to convince ourselves of its rightness or that it will be ok.

God Bless and may your week be filled with Godly media choices