Christianity and Worldly Entertainment: Mindful Engagement for Faithful Living
The age-old statement, "Everyone is doing it; how bad can it be?" echoes in our culture so strongly it's hard to find the line between what is still considered good and bad.
I find the hardest struggles are in the simplest of things; a book, a movie, a song. These small choices can impact us in ways we can't fully comprehend. This is why it is so important to live mindful of the reality that spiritual battles are being fought for our soul, and any foothold the devil can take, he will.
And while it's easy to dismiss what we consume as a "guilty pleasure," there is a reason we are told to guard our hearts. (Prov. 4:23)
Because from our heart springs forth life.
Luke 6:45 reminds us, "Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (ESV). This verse tells us what we treasure in our hearts will also be what is spoken on our lips. There is no hiding the heart from God.
Philippians 4:8 (pictured) rings so true in what we should be striving to consume. This verse acts as a filter for what is honoring our heavenly Father:
My sister, we are called to be a light in this dark world. Sometimes that means sacrificing entertainment that doesn't align with the gospel. You may be the only Christian light a person ever encounters. Knowing this, let us not forget we are called to stand apart. (Matt 5:14-16)
I want to encourage you to select what you consume with discretion. Measuring it up to the standard God has placed before us and the conviction we feel from the Holy Spirit. Do not allow the altar of compromise to sway you away from the Lord.
If you are struggling, know this: there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ! (Rom. 8:1) There is mercy abundant at the foot of His throne. Christ knows your struggles and walks with you through them.
Lean on Christ and fellow believers who will love, support, and encourage you in pursuing Christ and His likeness.
To love Christ is to surrender your life wholly to Him.
I promise you, that whatever you are holding onto will never compare to the goodness our Heavenly Father has planned for us.
Meet the Author || Maddie Powers
Maddie is a follower of Christ, wife of nine years, and mother to three young boys. She is a nurse turned stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Her passion is to share with wives, mothers, and women who are struggling with the mundane to see the beauty, importance, and worship that can be found in it. Maddie enjoys days spent by the ocean, hikes with her family, and a good book at the end of the day.
