In my media seminars I educate people about the rating systems for TV, movies and video games. The Television Industry, the MPAA (motion picture association of America) and the ESRB (Entertainment Software Review Board) can all be helpful aids in our media discernment. Are they 100% reliable?
At the top of my list of practical suggestions concerning media choices is check out the content! I don’t advocate channel surfing on the TV set or blindly walking into a movie theatre or store to buy or rent a movie or video game. Today’s media rating systems can help us make some choices. However, as followers of Jesus Christ we must be aware that God and His word are usually not a part of the equation when it comes to the world and its thinking. All of the rating systems have some moral framework which can be helpful but that moral framework is eroding and changing right before our very eyes. What the world views as rated G may not in actuality be suited for ‘all audiences’ from Gods’ perspective. In fact what used to be PG seems now to be G and what use to be R is now PG-13. The standard of morality in our society is falling lower and lower by the moment. Should that surprise us? The Bible proclaims that Satan is the ‘Prince of this world’. He has a powerful influence on every part of it, including mainstream media. Several years ago we were able to trust (for the most part) the MPAA when they gave a movie a rating of G or PG. Those days are long gone! We as followers of Jesus Christ must filter all of those rating systems through the ‘unchanging Word of God.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 exhorts us to, “Bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ;” not obedience to the TV networks or the MPAA or the ESRB. Our obedience is to be to Jesus Christ and His Word.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
( 2 Peter 1:3-4)
How encouraging to know that with God’s Word in our hearts we are thoroughly equipped! Do you know God’s Word in a way that It helps you to make wise and God honoring media choices? Our ministry would like to help you in that decision making process. We’ve created a booklet entitled “Biblical Filters for Your Media Choices”. This booklet is filled with ‘Biblical Principles’ that will guide you as you seek to obey the Lord in your media and entertainment choices. Why not order a copy for yourself or several copies and consider starting a small group Bible study or Sunday school class. Please go to Focus Publishing for a copy.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Mathew 24:35)
