Watching T.V. With King David
November 23, 2008
Back in the good old days, say, 2002, we lived in a world where the declaration, “We don’t have a T.V.” was both shocking and indicative of a desire not to imbibe broadcast media. Those days are gone, however, as the world of free online T.V. shows has officially arrived. For instance, on NBC’s website alone one can watch 27 different shows, both current and past hits (they know my generation has a soft spot for the A-Team and Knight Rider). In other words, “We don’t have a T.V.” no longer means that you cannot watch television, as long as you have a decent Internet connection.
With this new accessibility, I have averaged one to two hours of T.V. consumption a week over the last few months. Most shows I have only watched once, as the fascinating plot lines or action sequences or brilliant humor are increasingly permeated with violence, sensuality, and inappropriate language. The content of these shows raises the question of how a follower of Christ should approach media, taking into account both our calling to engage our culture and our calling to be set apart from the value system of this God-rejecting age.
In the midst of wrestling with this tension God brought me a refreshing glass of perspective in Psalm 101. While this song was not specifically written to address how God’s people interact with media, it certainly gives broader resolves that inform such a pursuit. Here are questions the first four verses raise in my mind:
“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music” (1).
Does what I am watching leave me yearning for the steadfast love and justice of God? Does it encourage me to show steadfast love and justice to others or does it inhibit my pursuit of these Biblical mandates?
“I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me?” (2a)
Do my choices of media reflect a heart that is seeking a blameless path, a path characterized by communion with with God?
“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house” (2b).
Am I open with my close brothers or sisters in Christ about what media I view? Is there any disconnect between my public life and my private viewing habits?
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (3a).
Is there worth in what I am watching? Is it assigning value to that which is worthless? How are the things God deems valuable portrayed?
“I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me” (3b).
When I watch media portraying those who reject God’s rule, do I find myself drawn to their ways? Am I influenced by their attitudes and value systems?
“A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil” (4).
Am I following Paul’s injunction “to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” (Romans 16:19)? Is my heart growing perverse as I observe those who pervert God’s ways?
We must not only address these heart issues before God, but also invite others to help us pinpoint any negative effects of media they see in our lives, knowing that indwelling sin leaves us with multiple blind spots. As we do so, may God make us a people that know our culture for the sake of maximal gospel impact, yet remain more impacted by the gospel than the culture.
Pastor Chris