Many people have asked if watching TV is a sin for Christians. While stories about television can provide entertainment and moral instruction, the effects of television on our lives and our faith can be both positive and negative. We can learn from the Bible that we are stewards of what we have been given, and when it comes to our time, we should use it for God’s glory, as Father suggests. We should also respect the Sabbath by not engaging in vain and worldly activities.
Like all media, TV can influence a person’s values, morality, and beliefs. It can be used to glorify God and build faith and to promote virtues that reflect God’s character, or it can be used to mislead and manipulate. From modern television, it is not hard to understand that much of the values promoted are very much in contrast with what the Bible teaches. In addition to this, modern television often bombards viewers with excessive violence, coarse language, promiscuity, and gratuitous sexual innuendo.
When we watch television, we are exposed to a message and a set of values filtered through the lens of the secular world. Sadly, the majority of television that bombards us serves to entertain at the cost of moral values and the truth of Godly principles. For Christians, the messages on television should line up with the Bible or else it may be easier to be drawn away by something that is not good for our soul. It is also important to note that most of the message presented by television is often in direct opposition to Godly values and beliefs.
So, is watching TV a sin for Christians? In general, Scripture does not specifically address television viewership. It’s up to us to use our discretion, to consider the messages we are exposed to, and to make choices based on our faith. Watching TV in moderation can be enjoyable and can also provide educational and moral lessons. But be mindful to use it discerningly and always weigh the value against the time, money, and mental and spiritual resources that could be used for something more beneficial or meaningful.
Impact of Watching TV on Faith
When it comes to consuming television, it is important to consider how it will impact our faith and relationships with others. Television can reflect what people think, it can influence our beliefs, and it can also be a source of temptation. We should be careful as to what we watch and ensure that what we expose ourselves to will bring us closer to God rather than drawing us away.
The Bible warns us that we should throw away the old sin-saturated life and nature and instead live in the freshness of the Spirit. Neglecting to do so may result in us living a life according to the world’s standards rather than the Lord’s. Therefore, it is critical that we are mindful of the messages portrayed on television, how they will affect or thinking, and align our choices with Gods will.
Using TV for Evangelism
We should also examine television from a perspective of evangelism. Television is a great way to introduce people to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to influence greater truth across a larger scale. Unfortunately, there still remains a strong influence of paganism on TV networks. We can use this as an opportunity to spread the truth and the wonderful news of salvation to those who don’t believe.
The church should make use of television opportunities to share God’s word with viewers who may never enter a church building. It is important to be mindful that even when using TV for evangelism, the messages portrayed should remain constructive and in line with Biblical principles. Otherwise, the house of God is better respected when its members strive to reflect the highest standards of living in the eyes of the world.
Relationships with Other Christians
It is also important for Christians to use television for fellowship and edification with other members of the church. Watching religious-based programs or attending Bible-teaching seminars can help strengthen our faith and increase our knowledge of the Word in ways we would not experience in church alone. This can be a great tool for connecting with other members of the body of Christ and maintaining deeper roots in the vineyard of God.
We should also take the opportunity to share our faith with those around us by watching Christian movies and programs with non-believers. This can help engender in those around us a better understanding of the faith and may possibly lead some to commit their life to God by accepting His will.
Actively Engaged with TV Programs
By actively engaging with television, we can receive its benefits as outlined above, but we should also be mindful to use it constructively. Of course, not all television is bad and there are many programs meant to bring us edification. We can make use of this by making changes to our television consumption patterns.
We should look for wholesome religious programs and always watch with discernment. We can also adjust the environment we watch television in to ensure that the messages are heard and understood. One way to do this is to create discussion topics based on television shows to ensure that we all benefit from the messages shared.
Balancing Similar Media Sources
It is also important to balance similar media sources. Watching too much television can lead to feelings of restlessness as too much of it can cloud our judgement. Similarly, when we are becoming too devoted to something such as a particular show or series, it is important to diversify sources by considering books, articles, or lectures that could bring us more knowledge in a more structured and meaningful way.
We should also take the opportunity to hear from others and learn from their wisdom. Dedicated Christians have learned from the generations before us that we can use television as a powerful tool for spreading the goodness of God. Listening to our brother’s and sister’s stories or experiences can help us have a better perspective on how to correctly use television.
The Role of Community
We should also use television in community by involving peers in our television watching activities. Watching television with others can help create conversations and friendships as we share our views and opinions. This also helps to ensure that we are monitoring our content, as others are there to provide guidance.
In the Christian community, television can be used as a tool for evangelism and for edifying one another about God’s love. But when possible, we should try to include others and have meaningful conversations about the benefits of watching television for the church and for ourselves.
Integrating Mortals with the Divine
Finally, when it comes to media consumption, we should always strive to integrate what is good, true, and honourable with the divine. We must ensure that all our entertainment reflects God’s character, so we should use our discernment and make sure that the messages portrayed are inline with scripture. But remember that we are stewards of our time and resources, therefore all our entertainment should be done to the glory of God, not to the detriment of our faith.
