Television is very influential. It…
Calls to all
Contaminates most
Controls many
Consumes some.
“Look here!” it appeals. “Think of this. Try it, you’ll like it.”
Every Christian needs to consider carefully what place TV shall have in his life.
Considered from an amoral, purely human point of view, TV gets an A+ rating as a scientific achievement. It is a powerful medium and quite educational when it wants to be.
From an entertainment point of view, there is the matter of its recreational value.
After all that is weighed in, however, television must face moral judgment. In this regard there are few programs on the plus side and the industry must be charged with great failure. Its educational or recreational value cannot cover the multitude of its moral sins. So damaging are its displays that even mature Christians can be affected.
Television must be brought under proper control by Christians. This can be done by meeting three requirements. Each believer should strive to meet these.
I. DISCRIMINATION
To properly discriminate between TV’s many offerings, certain tests need to be made by each viewer: 1) Are wrong thoughts, attitudes being stirred within? Is a carnal state being induced? 2) Would Jesus approve? 3) Is hunger for the Word of God and prayer being spoiled?
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23.
- II. MODERATION
A second requirement of Christians who would control TV rather than becoming its slave is that of moderation. Scripture teaches us that all things must be done in moderation. This is no simple matter, for every TV set strives to rule the home.
The Apostle Paul declares that no matter how legitimate certain things might be, “I will not be mastered by anything.” (I Corinthians 6:12b)
One needs to ask frankly what causes the “drugged” state of mind as one becomes glued to the tube? This remarkable mental condition is induced because the lusts of the flesh enjoy being fed, indulged and intoxicated.
Furthermore, a kind of passive trance comes over one after sustained viewing of TV. Sitting there disengaged from all responsibility, the personal will and other faculties float and drift idly — and the drift is ever downstream!
To avoid being hooked, one must play the man and set bounds, make decisions as to when the set will be turned off. This must be done before intoxication!
III. CORRECTION
This is a third requirement to be met by Christians who would bring television under control. This powerful industry needs Christian response to it.
First, govern and settle your own life and viewing standards.
Next, make your opinions and views to be heard and felt by the industry. In order to do this effectively, you will need to be familiar with their arguments. Over and over they play these lines:
“The public wants this kind of entertainment, so what can we do? Don’t blame us!”
“We are only reflective of society.” (One wonders if they tell prospective sponsors they are so weak and ineffective as this?!!)
“The actors have their rights. Censorship! Shriek!” (At this outcry no further reasoning is to be allowed, they feel.)
“If it seems a bit immoral and seedy, we must be true to life.” (Philippians 4:8 is God’s answer to this fallaciousness.)
You may make your voice heard by contacting the channel by phone or mail. Ask for or address the program director or channel manager. Going directly to the network headquarters is of some benefit also. Federal Communications Commission in Washington can also be written, and the FCC must OK the channel’s right to continue on the air.
The most effective of all is a protest made to the sponsor. They will sometimes react drastically when even a few letters or calls are received. A while ago, Some evangelicals got wind of a planned program which they felt would demean Christ. They carried their protest directly to the huge sponsoring industry. Immediately, sponsorship was withdrawn.
Christians, get back in control. Don’t be bossed by the “little box”!