Persausive Essay

Why is it Christians seem to think it is okay to view movies that have immoral material in them, simply because, in the end, such behavior is condemned? We seem to think that even though there is fornication, profanity, or immorality in a movie, it is okay to watch the movie if, in the end, it gives the message that such behavior is wrong. Since the sin is condemned or not promoted as 'good' or morally acceptable, we seem to think that it is okay to view such ungodliness and allow such content into our minds. But viewing such conduct goes against God's commands to us in His Word. The Lord makes it rather clear that not only are we to abstain from taking part in immorality, we are to have nothing to do with it, and keep our hearts and minds pure and far from immorality.

Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This verse alone tells us what we are suppose to be thinking about. Thus, if a movie has a sexual, promiscuous, scene in it, we are polluting our minds with the said garbage when we watch it. Such content is far from pure, most certainly isn't lovely, and definitely lacks in virtue. If we are to think on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and admirable, things of virtue, then we shouldn't be polluting our minds, thoughts, and hearts with immorality, even if it is condemned. If the makers of the movie were really condemning immoral conduct, why put it in there? Why include promiscuous scenes, when it is wrong, and is an abomination to God? Why view such conduct, when it is so far from what we are to have our thoughts dwelling on?

Philippians 4:8 isn't the only verse that speaks on this subject. Proverbs 4:23-27 says “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. ” Now, if we are to 'keep' our hearts, which is the same thing as guarding our hearts, I hardly think that allowing evil and immorality to seep into our minds---by willfully watching it--- is the way to go. Verse 24 says to keep perversity, which is evilness, far from our lips, and to rid ourselves of a deceitful mouth. If we are to keep perverseness from our mouths, should we not also keep perverseness/evil from all aspects of our lives, too? If we are to keep corrupt talk far from our lips, should we not keep it as far away as possible from our ears as well?

So many times we watch a movie, despite the profanity that might be in it, and/or despite the slightly 'racy' scenes that are mixed into it, simply because it is 'okay' compared to other movies that are out there. Despite the fact that the main character takes the name of God in vain 20 times, or the heroine seduces a guy to come into her bedroom, since it is 'cleaner' and more moral then other movies, we watch it; we have come to the point where we don't even cringe or bat an eyelash when the character in a movie curses God, and his lady friend is shown without a shirt. We no longer fight to keep immorality out of our hearts and homes, but instead welcome as much of it into our homes as we can get away with. But when did God say that such relaxed standards are okay? Does not the Lord refer to such immorality as an abomination to Him? I thought He told us to 'resist the devil', not welcome him into our homes. (bible reference)

If we are Christians, if we are followers of Christ, then we, of all people, should not be viewing immorality, and allowing it into our homes through movies and T.V. shows. We are called to a higher standard, as Christians; not the standards of the word, but the standards of God. We should be fixing our thoughts on things of purity and virtue, things of God. When you allow yourself to view immorality, and listen to profanity constantly, and willfully, you desensitize yourself to those sins.

When we become desensitized to sin and immorality, we place ourselves in a very dangerous place, and we will succumb further and further into sin. If you really are a follower of Christ, and really love Him, you will want to seek Him and all things pure. You won't want to fall into the trap of nonchalance and tolerance of sin. So I challenge you; turn away from immorality and sinful conduct. Don't even watch it, or listen to it. Stay as far away from it as possible. Don't be tolerant of sin. Resist the Devil and refuse to become desensitized to sin. Don't place yourself in that situation. Don't allow yourself to become used to sin and immorality. Don't become insensitive to evil. Because if you do, you may never get out of the trap of indifference, and thus will never reach your God-given potential. You will miss out on what you could have done for our Savior and Lord.