Daily Power #283

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

Not long ago, I planned to take Amy to the movies for our date night. So many friends had recommended a new comedy that had just released, and I thought it would be a perfect choice. Reviews online were mixed, but I didn’t read in-depth so I could avoid spoilers.

We got a sitter, bought our tickets, and were happily munching popcorn when the lights went down and the movie started. We lasted about ten minutes. At the risk of sounding like an old fuddy-duddy, I was so upset by what I saw and heard in just that short amount of time. Graphic violence and death were trivialized, and sexual jokes flew faster than the f-bombs coming out of the actors’ mouths.

Our culture encourages us to accept graphic language and violent images as no big deal. We’re encouraged to be openminded about sex and accept pornographic scenes as commonplace. Human suffering, prejudiced behavior, and evil are punchlines.

More than ever, if you want to follow Jesus, you must be willing to take a stand for what’s right, what’s true, and what’s good. Once you see something, it’s in your head forever. Once you hear something, it continues to echo in your mind.

Stop letting others poison you. Instead dwell on the goodness of God: his Word, his creation, and the amazing changes at work in the lives around you.

Power Lift

Give me wisdom and discernment, Lord, so that I’m willing to protect my mind, my heart, and my body from harmful words and images.