The Bible provides clear guidance on guarding one’s heart and mind against immoral and corrupt influences. By exploring scriptural teachings and principles, Christians can learn how to evaluate and navigate their media choices.
“Bad things” in media encompass content that promotes or glorifies actions, behaviors, or ideas contrary to Christian values and biblical teachings. This includes explicit sexual content, gratuitous violence, coarse language, and any form of media that encourages sinful behavior such as dishonesty, greed, or idolatry. Additionally, media that subtly undermines faith, promotes cynicism, or distorts moral truths can also be considered detrimental. These types of content can negatively influence viewers by normalizing sin, desensitizing them to moral corruption, and distracting them from a Christ-centered life.
By examining scriptural teachings, notable biblical examples, and practical applications, the outline aims to equip believers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today’s media landscape wisely. This structured approach will help Christians make informed decisions about what they watch, fostering a media environment that supports their faith and spiritual development.
What Does The Bible Say About Watching Bad Things?
In the modern world, media consumption is an integral part of daily life. With an abundance of content readily available, it’s essential for Christians to consider what they are watching and how it aligns with their faith. The Bible provides clear guidance on maintaining purity and integrity in all aspects of life, including what we choose to view. This article explores What Does The Bible Say About Watching Bad Things, offering insights and practical advice for Christians seeking to honor God with their media choices.
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Psalm 101:3 – “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”
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Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
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Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
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1 Corinthians 6:12 – “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
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Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
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Matthew 6:22-23 – “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!”
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Ephesians 5:3 – “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
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Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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1 John 2:15 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
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James 1:14-15 – “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
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Matthew 5:28 – “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
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Job 31:1 – “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”
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1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
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1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
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Titus 2:12 – “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
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Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
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Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
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1 Peter 2:11 – “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
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Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
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1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
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Romans 14:21 – “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
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Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
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Luke 11:34 – “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.”
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1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “Reject every kind of evil.”
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2 Timothy 2:22 – “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
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2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”
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Matthew 15:11 – “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
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1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
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Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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Galatians 5:16 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
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1 Corinthians 15:34 – “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.”
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Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
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James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
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Proverbs 4:25-27 – “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
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1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
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Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
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Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
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Galatians 6:7-8 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
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Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
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1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
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1 Peter 1:13-16 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
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Psalm 119:37 – “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
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Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
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2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
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Matthew 5:29 – “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
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Luke 12:15 – “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”
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1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
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2 Peter 2:19 – “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for ‘people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.’”
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Romans 8:5-6 – “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
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Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
These verses collectively emphasize the importance of guarding one’s heart and mind, avoiding sinful influences, pursuing holiness, and staying focused on what is pure, true, and godly.
Biblical Principles on Guarding One’s Mind and Heart
The Bible places significant emphasis on the importance of guarding one’s mind and heart. As Christians, understanding and applying these principles are crucial for maintaining spiritual purity, discernment, and a steadfast commitment to living a life that honors God. Let’s delve into these biblical principles and their practical implications for believers.
The Call to Holiness
- Be Holy as God is Holy (1 Peter 1:15-16): This verse reminds believers of their call to holiness, mirroring the holiness of God Himself. It underscores the importance of living a life set apart from sin and worldly influences, striving for moral excellence and spiritual purity in thought, word, and deed.
- Set Your Minds on Things Above (Colossians 3:2): Colossians urges believers to focus their minds on heavenly things rather than earthly concerns. By fixing our thoughts on God’s will, eternal values, and His kingdom, we guard against being swayed by worldly distractions and temptations.
The Influence of Thoughts and Actions
- Guarding the Heart (Proverbs 4:23): Proverbs emphasizes the need to guard our hearts diligently, as they are the wellspring of life. This verse highlights the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions, urging us to keep our hearts pure and free from corrupting influences.
- Renewing the Mind (Romans 12:2): Romans instructs believers to renew their minds, transforming their thinking to align with God’s truth and will. This process of renewal involves rejecting worldly mindsets and embracing Godly perspectives, leading to transformed attitudes and behaviors.
Conclusion
These biblical principles provide a solid foundation for Christians to cultivate a mindset of holiness, discernment, and spiritual growth. By guarding our minds and hearts according to these principles, we can navigate life’s challenges with wisdom, resist temptations, and pursue a life that glorifies God.
Scriptural Warnings Against Immorality and Corruption
In the Bible, there are clear and strong warnings against engaging in immorality and corruption. These warnings serve to guide believers in living lives that honor God and uphold moral purity. Let’s explore scriptural passages that highlight these warnings and their significance for Christians today.
Avoiding Sexual Immorality
- Flee from Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18): This verse from Corinthians exhorts believers to actively flee from sexual immorality. It underscores the seriousness of this sin and the need for decisive action to avoid falling into its trap.
- Not Even a Hint (Ephesians 5:3): Ephesians urges believers to abstain not only from overt acts of immorality but also from any hint or suggestion of it. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining pure thoughts, words, and actions in all aspects of life.
Rejecting Corrupt and Unwholesome Speech
- No Unwholesome Talk (Ephesians 4:29): Ephesians emphasizes the importance of speaking only what is good and beneficial for building others up. This includes avoiding corrupt or unwholesome speech that can harm relationships and dishonor God.
- Pure and Lovely Thoughts (Philippians 4:8): Philippians encourages believers to focus their thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This mindset helps guard against corrupting influences and promotes spiritual growth.
These scriptural warnings serve as guideposts for Christians, reminding them of the need to uphold moral integrity, purity in thought and action, and wholesome speech. By heeding these warnings and aligning their lives with God’s standards, believers can walk in righteousness and bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace in their lives.
Examples of Biblical Characters and Their Integrity
Throughout the Bible, we encounter inspiring examples of individuals who demonstrated unwavering integrity in the face of temptation and adversity. These biblical characters serve as role models for believers, showcasing the power of faith and commitment to God’s principles. Let’s explore three notable examples:
Joseph and His Refusal of Temptation (Genesis 39:7-12)
Joseph, the son of Jacob, faced a severe test of integrity when he was seduced by Potiphar’s wife. Despite being in a position of vulnerability and potential gain, Joseph remained steadfast in his commitment to righteousness. He responded to her advances by saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” This exemplifies Joseph’s unwavering devotion to God’s commands, even at great personal cost. His refusal of temptation showcases the strength of his character and his prioritization of spiritual values over worldly desires.
Job’s Covenant with His Eyes (Job 31:1)
Job, known for his unwavering faith in the midst of immense suffering, also demonstrated integrity in his daily life. In Job 31:1, he declares, “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” This statement reveals Job’s commitment to purity and self-control, especially in the area of sexual temptation. Despite facing numerous trials, Job remained steadfast in upholding God’s standards of righteousness and moral integrity.
Daniel’s Resolve to Stay Pure (Daniel 1:8)
Daniel, along with his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, exemplified integrity and faithfulness throughout their lives. In Daniel 1:8, we see Daniel’s resolve to stay pure and obedient to God’s dietary laws, even in the midst of pressure and temptation in the Babylonian court. This decision not only showcased Daniel’s commitment to God but also resulted in God’s favor and blessings upon him and his companions.
These examples of biblical characters and their integrity serve as powerful reminders for believers today. They inspire us to prioritize righteousness, maintain unwavering faith in God, and stand firm in upholding God’s principles, even when faced with adversity or temptation. By following their example, Christians can strive to live lives marked by integrity, honor, and devotion to God.
Practical Applications for Modern Christians
In today’s media-saturated world, modern Christians face numerous challenges in maintaining spiritual integrity and honoring God in their daily lives. However, by applying biblical principles and wisdom, believers can navigate these challenges effectively. Here are practical applications for modern Christians:
Evaluating Media Choices
- Assessing Content through a Biblical Lens: Modern Christians should evaluate their media choices through a biblical lens. This involves discerning whether the content aligns with God’s values, promotes virtue, and avoids glorifying sin or immorality.
- Using Discernment and Wisdom (James 1:5): James 1:5 encourages believers to seek God’s wisdom when making decisions, including media choices. By praying for discernment and relying on God’s guidance, Christians can make wise and spiritually beneficial media selections.
Setting Boundaries and Filters
- Establishing Personal and Family Guidelines: Modern Christians can set clear guidelines and boundaries for media consumption, both personally and within their families. This includes defining what types of content are permissible and creating time limits for media use.
- Utilizing Technology for Accountability: Christians can utilize technology tools such as content filters, parental controls, and accountability software to help maintain healthy media habits and guard against inappropriate content.
Fostering a Godly Environment
- Surrounding Oneself with Positive Influences: Believers should surround themselves with positive influences, including fellow Christians, mentors, and uplifting resources. This fosters a supportive and encouraging environment that reinforces biblical values.
- Engaging in Uplifting and Edifying Activities: Modern Christians can prioritize engaging in activities that are spiritually uplifting and edifying, such as attending church services, participating in Bible studies, volunteering for charitable causes, and pursuing hobbies that align with their faith.
By implementing these practical applications, modern Christians can effectively navigate the challenges of media consumption, maintain spiritual integrity, and cultivate a lifestyle that honors God in all aspects of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of being mindful of what we watch and consume. It emphasizes the need to guard our hearts and minds against immoral and corrupting influences, reminding us that our thoughts and actions should reflect God’s holiness and righteousness. Through various passages, the Bible warns against engaging in activities that promote sin, immorality, and corruption, urging believers to prioritize purity, discernment, and spiritual growth.
As modern Christians, we are called to apply these timeless principles to our media choices and consumption habits. By evaluating content through a biblical lens, setting boundaries and filters, and fostering a godly environment, we can navigate today’s media landscape with wisdom and discernment. Ultimately, our goal should be to honor God in all that we do, including what we watch, listen to, and engage with, striving to fill our hearts and minds with things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, as outlined in Philippians 4:8.
I’m father joaquin perez, we are a catholic church with all the sacraments where everybody is welcome. we celebrate catholic mass every Sunday at 12:30pm at saint stephen episcopal church at 2750 McFarlane road, Miami, Florida