I was reading a book the other day by noted evangelist and pastor, Dr. David Jeremiah. He was talking about the vast and spreading influence of pornography in our culture. One statistic he cited was that according to one porn site, in 2015 alone over 87 billion x-rated movies were viewed (Is This the End? Dr. David Jeremiah, p. 8).
This was one site, in one year. So we have to imagine that the problem is so much more widespread. It seems more than plausible to say that what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and who we spend time with is going to have a lasting and profound impact on our lives.
I think those of us who are a little older can look back on the transformation of media over the decades and can see that the landscape has changed dramatically. I remember watching “America’s Funniest Videos “ with youth groups when I was a youth leader. Now I probably couldn’t even stomach some of the options available for viewing.
I used to tell young people, “Junk in, junk out.” Listen to music full of violence and anger, and that’s often what comes leaking (or gushing) out. Watch shows full of death and murder, and pretty soon it seems normal and commonplace. Is this why we listen to our local news, and hear of shooting after shooting, and murder after murder?
We need to get back into the practice of reading Scripture. Of listening to music which praises God and points to Jesus. We need to read books and “follow” social media sites that promote positivity and love.
The evil of our day is no joke. The Prince of Darkness is waging a battle for the souls of human beings, and he is trying to recruit people into his forces of darkness.
But on the other side is the Prince of Peace, The Light of the World. The Way. And He is calling us to righteousness and Eternal Life.
Matthew 6:33 tells us “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness…” Goodness in, goodness out. Peace in, peace out. Hope in, hope out. Love in, love out.
Go after the good stuff!
Thoughts From the Garden 