For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
How does one bring into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ whilst filling our eyes, ears, and minds with the very nonsense that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in the first place. How can it ever be said that we are bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ when we persist in watching that which God hates; reading and listening to that which God hates; and taking pleasure in that which God hates? For me, the answer is clear — one cannot glorify God in this manner, in the manner of thought captivity, whilst filling our minds with such foolishness… We are simply adding sin to sin.
Seeing that “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5), how can we (especially when one’s heart and conscience has been thoroughly pricked) continue to watch violence and other wickedness on the movie, television, gaming, smartphone, and/or computer screen? How many more simulated murders, fights, robberies, thefts, sexual acts, other lustful acts, lying and deceitful acts, can we watch? How much more foolish jesting, foul language; uber-materialism and consumerism, the taking of the Lord’s name in vain, and other forms of immorality and mayhem can we continue to justify and endure? Oh but it’s sci-fi violence only; oh, but it’s my favourite shoot-em up western; oh this crime drama has excellent storylines and plot twists; oh, but this show is funny and I need a good laugh after today’s hardships… How long can we go on deceiving ourselves? How long can we continue to dishonor God rather than redeeming the time? How long can we endure such things without embracing harm, harm to our spiritual, psychological, emotional, and (as a byproduct) physical lives? How many times can we listen to songs about envy, broken relationships, lust, pining, covetousness, licentious living, adultery and fornication, violence, drugs, revenge, etc. and still claim that they neither negatively affect us or negatively reflect upon us (especially as it pertains to our Christian witness and profession). Should we, who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death… have pleasure in them that do them (Romans 1:32… whether they are doing them in reality or (often quite realistically) in a simulated sense makes no difference — sin is sin and people are acting out these evils for pay).
God has been exceedingly long-suffering with me in these matters; but He has also given me great victory in it. So I know how strong the temptation is and know that I must continue to strive for watchfulness and vigilance. Since God has been patient with me on such matters, I cannot be, and should not be, harsh with anyone else. I simply encourage you to forsake such things; for your own good; for the good of the kingdom; and for the good of your profession. The Bible is too vast, too comparatively unread, and too blessedly blessed to forsake it in favour of such foolishness. The time is too short, the need too great, and the price too high to continue to embrace the wicked visions and programming of the unregenerate who write and produce such things.
To God be the glory!
Spiritual Wrestlings 