Over the last year or so, Mr. OverKill have become even more conservative regarding the TV shows, movies and books that we allow the children to watch and read. Recently, I have had more than one conversation with other moms regarding what our kids watch. Some are very conservative, just as we are, and have been a big help regarding setting standards and recommending good movies.
Other moms have stated that they use TV shows and movies as a teachable moment, a “what not to do” example. I couldn’t put my finger on it at the time, but something didn’t set well with me about that approach. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it didn’t set well with me because the Bible is very clear, that we are to guard ourselves (and our children) concerning evil. Let’s look a few verses, shall we?
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
Abhor being a seldom used word, let’s grab a definition for it, from Merriam-Webster: to regard with extreme repugnance : loathe. Okay, just to satisfy my curiosity, let’s also look at “repugnance.” Again, using MW: the quality or fact of being contradictory or inconsistent, strong dislike, distaste or antagonism.
Now, let’s put all that together, we are to loathe, and/or contradict, have a strong dislike, distaste, and be antagonistic towards evil. I think we can all agree that “evil” is anything that is contrary to God, His character, and His commandments.
I don’t see how we can be antagonistic toward evil, and yet allow it into our homes on a daily basis…. There are things that happen in life that are teachable moments, things that our children witness that is out of our control. We do the best we can to use those teachable moments to show God’s heart regarding the situation. With television and movies, we have a choice, we choose to bring that into our homes, we choose to allow it to influence our lives. When given the choice, we need to keep evil from our homes.
Let’s check out another passage from Romans.
For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. Romans 16:19
Be wise to what is good, and be simple or innocent concerning evil. I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Check out the definition for “innocent” from Merriam-Webster: free from guilt or sin especially through lack of knowledge of evil.
I am so thankful to the Lord for showing me this passage!!! I often wonder if I am doing my children a disservice by “sheltering” them. But you know what? My kiddos all go to bed and turn the lights out and sleep soundly. They aren’t scared! I have wondered if I need to tell them all the bad things that can happen to them…but look what that verse says, be wise in what is good, and simple(innocent) concerning evil. Trust me, my kids are aware that they can be taken away from us, and bad things could happen to them. They know that children die, and it’s not always an accident. But I don’t think they need specifics, and as adults I don’t think we need to dwell on specifics either.
Scripture says in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
It is wise to be aware, but not to dwell on evil.
What are we studying? In what are we becoming wise, evil or good? I guess I look at it this way, sure the kids could watch a movie that doesn’t reflect our values as Christians. During which, I could point out all the things we don’t agree with and explain why. But it seems like all I am doing at that point is showing my kids 15 different ways to disobey God. It feels like I am teaching them more about evil than about good….
Let’s face it people, we humans do a great job sinning all on our own! We really don’t need media giving our kids pointers. Whether we realize it or not, we are studying something, evil or good.
Only, it isn’t packaged as studying… it’s packaged as entertainment.