When we think of Entertainment, we usually think of something that is fun, relaxing and enjoyable. Rarely do we consider that while we’re enjoying our favorite movie, TV program, video game or song, we are being ‘educated’ by someone’s philosophy. However often times, that is exactly what is happening.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ”(Colossians 2:8).
All genres of entertainment have philosophies. They have belief systems about people, sex, marriage, family, violence, life, death, etc. If these philosophies are based on human tradition and the principles of this world rather than on Jesus Christ and His teachings they are at best HOLLOW and DECEPTIVE.
The Bible warns us to not be taken captive by these hollow and deceptive philosophies. I’m sure we’ve all seen images of someone who has been taken captive. I see the image of someone being detained unwillingly. A person sitting in a prison cell with a sack over their head and being hand cuffed on both their hands and legs. That doesn’t sound like a very comfortable place to be. In fact, I would describe it as downright scary and helpless. You may be thinking, “I’m just listening to a song or watching a movie”. I’m not scared or helpless. I’m just having fun!” You may be having fun for now. Until the lies of those hollow and deceptive philosophies take hold of your life. Lies like:
1.) Sex before marriage is acceptable and harmless
2.) Getting high or drunk is an acceptable way of having fun and dealing with life’s problems
3.) Violence is an acceptable way of dealing with other people when they anger or frustrate me.
4.) I don’t have to respect authority. I can do things anyway I want to.
Many of today’s movies, TV programs, video games, and music provide a steady diet of these lies and many more as well. The philosophies of this world are fun for a season but will inevitably take you captive. You may end up CAPTIVE to a broken relationship or marriage, CAPTIVE to drugs and alcohol, CAPTIVE to hurting people you love, CAPTIVE to a prison cell for committing crimes that you never thought imaginable, CAPTIVE to your own anger and hate. Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and make you pay more than you ever wanted to pay. Are you being fed the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Word when you are being entertained or are you being fed hollow and deceptive philosophies? Won’t you consider this question the next time that you make an entertainment or media choice. The truth of God’s Word brings FREEDOM. “And you shall know truth and the truth will set you free.”(John 8:32)
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
