Numerous PG-13 movies today contain nudity, immorality, gratuitous violence, and foul language that may shock and offend God’s followers who choose not to dissociate themselves from Hollywood filth can quickly become desensitized to this moral outrage.
This article will examine biblical passages that provide valuable guidance for Christians seeking to align their media consumption with God’s standards.
Proverbs 13:22
Proverbs 13:22 emphasizes the consequences of our actions and emphasizes how sin leads to devastating results while warning against fool’s deceit that can become apparent to their surrounding world – for instance, vendors displaying their goods or birds flapping their wings; whilst wise people display their wisdom through actions which reveal themselves and are open to correction and criticism.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that God does not watch from a distance as many prosperity teachers claim. He sees every action we take, and our sinful deeds will eventually catch up to us and produce grief, loss, pain, and trouble both here on Earth and for eternity. Therefore we need to pursue God’s righteousness in all aspects of our lives.
Ephesians 5:3-4
Who among us has not experienced something unpleasant, filthy, or impure and come away feeling dirty and unclean? Conversely, who among us has not felt pleasure from being around people who display good conduct and conversation? Paul alluded to this when he suggested it would “befit saints” to steer clear from such activities and conversations that promote sinful practices and speech.
Paul emphasizes sexual impurity and vulgar language as behaviors to be avoided by Christians, not only for moral reasons but also as they impede spiritual development and lead to unfruitful ways of living. Furthermore, Paul reminds his readers that such conduct runs counter to Christ’s teaching and lifestyle – it should never lead backward into old ways of thinking and acting! Therefore they need to stay aligned with Spirit rather than be drawn back into old patterns of behavior.
Paul continues his exhortation by listing several evils, one being greed. Greed is a major problem because it seeks pleasure apart from God and idolizes material possessions, leading to relationships that tear rather than build, such as having sexual relations outside marriage, and can lead to self-centered living that runs contrary to Ephesians 5:1.
Paul strongly cautioned against engaging in activities and discussions that contradict Christian beliefs and lifestyle, since such behavior would indicate they are not true Christians. Additionally, this behavior could indicate they may have taken the step toward leaving Christianity entirely.
The final part of the verse refers to those who walk in the light as being children of God’s light – an interesting New Testament expression conveying that once a believer has accepted Jesus’ salvation, His power will work within them to produce characteristics found in Jesus himself (cf. Galatians 1:12-13). Thus those engaging in pornography or other forms of immorality do not represent children of the light who will face His judgment upon death.
Proverbs 22:13
This proverb begins with an expansive section consisting of mostly two-phrase wisdom sayings without much organization theme or structure. Following this passage begins a new one that organizes its wisdom sayings by theme with a further exposition on each theme – including building a good reputation, avoiding dangers, raising children on the right paths, finances, and pure living; warnings against exploiting poor people, being lazy and gossiping are also included in this exposition.
The second verse of this chapter introduces the theme of avoiding injustice, a frequent theme throughout Scripture. It’s important to keep in mind that God will always protect those who are mistreated; those wronged can find relief eventually from their treatment; but this doesn’t guarantee they will escape suffering altogether.
Any individual or organization who steals from the poor is an irresponsible criminal, taking money away from those in need and leaving them without food and clothing. God will punish such actions; therefore it is essential to act ethically and help those in need.
One cruel act to commit is pouring acid on the soap. Not only will this ruin its quality, but the acid damage to the body and mind could potentially harm both parties involved – be they or someone else.
The last proverb of this chapter’s first part serves as a warning against becoming surety for debts, as this can put someone’s property and freedom at risk if they cannot repay their obligations. Therefore, the Bible implores us to stay out of debt while respecting other’s rights.
Romans 13:13
Romans 13:13 is often taken out of context. While it seems to make a blanket moral statement that could apply in any situation, this passage forms part of an extended discussion about relationships among individuals and authority figures. Romans’ author suggests we listen and obey those appointed by God as governments – not all governments, just God-appointed ones that we pay tributes (taxes). He states specifically that we owe taxes back as these authorities serve the Lord instead of opposing it.
Paul refers to “governing authorities” as the city and country governments where we reside – these “rulers” appear in verse 3 as “rulers”, though other translations translate this as meaning policemen! Paul speaks of these authorities being appointed by God and they serve us by punishing wrongdoers and rewarding those who do good; we should respect and obey them since they work on God’s behalf for our good.
Romans 13:13 is another verse that cautions against “reveling,” the KJV word for rioting. This refers to loud, immoral parties. Romans 13:13 employs the Greek term komos which has only ever been seen three other times (Galatians 5:21 and 1 Peter 4:3) for intemperate religious celebrations and drunken parties; this Greek term often connotes drunkenness within pagan religions and was therefore often employed when discussing these festive occasions in New Testament writings.
Finally, the Bible warns against watching bad things such as pornography and other negative media. Pornography can lead to sexual sin and idolatry; if you find yourself drawn to pornography it is important to pray for help and seek God’s forgiveness, before redirecting your life toward what is true, noble, right, pure, beautiful, and praiseworthy. If you need assistance stopping viewing pornography a spiritual mentor can assist on this journey to recovery as can support groups for people struggling with addictions – make sure they love and encourage you away from watching this type of content – this way your loved ones can help.
