Navigating Faith-Based Media: Practicing Biblical Wisdom and Discernment in Our Entertainment Choices
**Introduction: The Call to Discernment for the Christian Media Consumer**
We live in an age where media saturates every corner of our lives—from streaming movies and podcasts to the music we hear in shops and on our phones. For the follower of Christ, this presents an important question: How do we interact thoughtfully with the flood of media surrounding us every day? More than ever, spiritual discernment is crucial. Discerning believers recognize the powerful impact that stories, music, and imagery can have on our thoughts, hearts, and habits. The Apostle Paul encouraged the early church to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). As twenty-first-century Christians, we are called to evaluate the media before us, seeking not just what entertains, but what shapes us toward Christ-likeness.
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**Biblical Standards for Consuming Entertainment**
God calls His people to a higher standard—one that transforms even ordinary activities like watching a movie or listening to music. The psalmist prays, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways” (Psalm 119:37). This earnest petition sets the tone for a discerning approach to media.
Here are three biblical principles to serve as guideposts:
- **Test all things by Scripture:** Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 instructs us to evaluate *everything*, not just obviously immoral content. Entertainment should be weighed in light of God’s revealed truth.
- **Guard your heart and mind:** As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Media can subtly shape our desires, fears, and hopes. John Calvin observed, “Our senses, prone to wander, must be bridled by the Word, lest we stumble into vanity.”
- **Pursue what is good and true:** Ephesians 5:8-10 calls Christians to “walk as children of light, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” We are to seek out that which aligns with God’s character—beauty, justice, mercy, and truth—while rejecting works of darkness.
Matthew Henry underscores the vital connection between holy living and careful entertainment choices when he writes that our amusements should never dull our conscience or estrange us from the things of God.
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**Evaluating Christian Movies and Series**
Christian media can be uplifting, but also requires discernment. Not every “faith-based” label guarantees gospel faithfulness or biblical depth. While some Christian movies and series offer powerful portrayals of redemption and hope, others may simplify or even distort essential truths.
When assessing Christian movies and shows, consider:
- **Theological accuracy:** Does the story reflect the fullness of the gospel—the reality of sin, grace, Christ’s atonement, and hope of resurrection?
- **Scriptural worldview:** Is the message merely moralistic, or does it point to the necessity of Christ?
- **Portrayal of faith and doubt:** Does the narrative deal honestly with struggles, or gloss over real-life complexity?
Evaluate any media—however positive in intent—by God’s Word. As Henry suggests, “True wisdom will teach us to distinguish between the appearance of holiness and its reality.” Seek entertainment that enriches your understanding of grace and leads you into deeper worship.
**Gospel-Centered Recommendations:**
- **"The Chosen"**—thoughtful dramatization of Jesus’ ministry, humanizing biblical figures without straying from Scripture’s central themes.
- **"Paul, Apostle of Christ"**—depicts the hardship and hope of early believers, grounding suffering in the comfort of Christ.
- **Documentaries like "American Gospel"**—critically examine modern misrepresentations of Christianity, encouraging biblically-rooted discernment.
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**Music & Podcasts Through a Gospel Lens**
Music and podcasts reach us in personal and pervasive ways. They can reinforce faith, spark worship, or, if unexamined, dull our affections for Christ. Ephesians 5:8-10 urges us to “walk as children of light,” testing what “pleases the Lord.” This test applies to our playlists and subscriptions just as much as to our reading lists.
When engaging with music and podcasts:
- **Lyrics and messages:** Do they turn your heart toward God’s greatness, grace, and truth? Do they encourage holy living and honest faith?
- **Spiritual fruit:** Notice how your spirit is affected—are you stirred to greater love, peace, and hope?
- **Worldview presented:** Even in secular content, look for echoes of gospel truth and opportunities to engage thoughtfully with cultural questions.
Some recommended faith-enriching media:
- **Music:** CityAlight, Shane & Shane, Keith and Kristyn Getty—musically excellent, deeply rooted in Scripture.
- **Podcasts:** “Ask Pastor John” (John Piper), “Knowing Faith” (The Village Church), “BibleProject Podcast”—thoughtful application of biblical truth to contemporary life.
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**Recommended Resources for Growing in Discernment**
Spiritual discernment matures through practice, community, and study. These resources can help sharpen your ability to evaluate media biblically:
- **Books:**
- "Disciplines of a Godly Man" by R. Kent Hughes
- "A Practical Guide to Culture" by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle
- **Websites:**
- The Gospel Coalition (gospel-centered reviews and articles)
- Plugged In (detailed content breakdowns for families)
- **Classics:** Seek Calvin's *Institutes* and Henry’s commentaries for robust discussion of wisdom and holiness.
Above all, immerse yourself in God’s Word and seek wise counsel. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
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**Conclusion: Choosing Christ in All Things**
Entertainment is a good gift—meant for joy, rest, and reflection. But every choice shapes who we are becoming. As Christians, we are set apart by our devotion, intentionally filtering our media so that it fosters faith, encourages worship, and builds godly wisdom. Whether choosing what to watch, listen to, or share, fix your eyes on Jesus, and let every decision “try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10). By God’s Spirit, walk in light, and delight in Christ even in your downtime.
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**Bible References Cited:**
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Psalm 119:37
Ephesians 5:8-10
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 11:14
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