How do you decide on which movie to watch?

I like movies. I'm an off-the-charts visual person that loves a good story. Movies are one of my favorite ways to relax. But with the variety of movies out today and the line becoming more grey on what is morally acceptable, how do we decide on which ones to watch and which to avoid?

I read a powerful post in Relevant magazine this past week that thoughtfully explained our culture as it relates to media intake. Check it out here: "Movies and Morality." 

Every generation responds to morality. Jesus tells us, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16. How do we struggle through being holy and watching movies?

I've noticed two extremes of movie goers: - "I am more concerned with the content and what I allow into my mind" - "I am more concerned with the art, director, story-telling and I don't really care about the content."

No matter your opinion on the movie style, writing and delivery - content trumps art. 

It matters what you and I watch. Nobody is a "super-Christian." Every one of us has a sinful nature. Whether you believe it or not, what you watch affects your mind, heart, and soul. What you and I put into our minds will negatively or positively affect our relationship with God and others. This is why it is important to evaluate the content in any movie you watch.

"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." Philippians 4:8

Our mind is a sponge. The mind is the open door to our soul. What we place into our minds will seep into our thoughts and spiritual life. The moment that we quit caring about the content of a movie, is when our mind becomes seared. Our culture thrives on celebrating evil and making fun of innocence. Paul writes about the importance of focusing our minds on purity.

"But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong." Romans 16:19. 

Decide ahead of time what you will watch. Me and my wife, Cassidy, decided when we were dating in college that we would check the ratings and content before going to see a movie. It matters to us what we put in front of our eyes. Read Ephesians 5:3-20 as it relates to our choices.

"I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." Psalm 101:3a

Evaluate the message of the movie. Look for themes in the story that correlate with the gospel. It is amazing to watch a movie and see the storyline unfold. The art, effects and lighting are becoming more stunning with all of the new technology. Ask questions to learn from the story and have fun talking about what it means following the movie.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth... Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:2, 5

Use movie apps to help you decide on what to watch. Plugged In Kids-in-mind  (both of these are downloaded on my iPhone)

Movie choices are not easy. I hope that you embrace the challenge of looking beyond the outward exterior of movies and into the heart of what it is teaching you.

How do you evaluate movies? How does your faith intersect with your media choices? How important is it to be wise about what we put into our minds?

3 Minute Devotional: 1 John 3:23-24

"And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us" 1 John 3:23-24.

(3:23). John explains the main focus of life! The first part is that we believe on the name of God’s son, Jesus Christ. The second part of the command is that we love another. The word used for “believe” means to have faith, belief or to give credit to. An excellent summary is presented in this verse that brings all of John’s instruction to a main point.

(3:24). In this last and final verse in this passage and the chapter, John gives a final test of genuine follower of Christ. The word used for “fellowship” means to remain, dwell, abide, endure, last, preserve, to stand firm or steadfast, to remain alive. If we are in Christ we will love fellow believers and will have the desire and power to do what is right and keep God's commands.

How can you love people today?

3 Minute Devotional: 1 John 3:20-22

"Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him." 1 John 3:20-22.

(3:20). The heart was an expression used for the mind. The word used for “condemn” means to incriminate or pass sentence upon. Every person whether lost or saved has a conscience that either condemns or excuses them.

(3:21). John goes on to say in this verse that if our heart does not condemn us then we are in the spiritual clear. The word used for “confidence” means freedom or frankness in speaking, freely saying all one thinks, or all that he pleases. This denotes a personal relationship and confidence toward God. However, it is not an arrogant presumption or cockiness, but a test for genuineness. If the readers pass this test they can breathe a sigh of relief. Since verse 14 John has laid down tests. If they have made it through the tests so far, they are assured.

(3:22). Prayer is the subject of this verse. Many modern church members and ministers would say that this verse teaches that we can ask and receive anything from God. We must look at the whole context of the verse in order to understand the whole meaning. The word picture for “ask” is like a beggar from the giver, a child by the parent or most importantly, man from God. The reason why “whatever” we ask of God is answered is found in the latter part of the verse. “Because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in the father’s sight.” Those who truly know the Lord will not engage in a constant self-centered prayer life. A follower of Jesus will ask according to God’s will, those things which are “pleasing”. Therefore, God will answer a true believer’s prayer because the request is in alignment with God’s will.

Do you feel that you can come to God with confidence? Begin to pray for God with confidence and obedience!