Into the Fire

I have heard pastors preach from the pulpit that if it isn’t safe viewing for the children, how could it possibly be acceptable for parents to watch? Forgive me . . . but give me a break. I no longer need a burp rag or a bib when I eat (most of the time anyway). I no longer crawl, and I’m potty trained. I know my time tables and can do long division. My vocabulary is fair, and I’ve been married and have had children. (That means I’ve experienced . . . sssshhhh . . . sex.)

When our son was young, we monitored the television like a hawk. It wasn’t on often, and when we wanted to watch something for adults, he was either in bed or otherwise occupied. There were a lot of “McGee and Me” films when he was ready for fun movies of his own.

The point is I think it’s absurd to teach that adults cannot seek entertainment in television or films made for adults. Yes, they must be wise in their choices and continue to guard what their children observe as well as their own eyes and hearts, but explain to me how it could be wrong for adults to view “The Passion of the Christ”, for example, without taking their children to see it until they are able to assimilate the horror of Christ’s death.

There are many offensive films and television shows made today. Films rated PG-13 are not generally suited for even 16 year olds, let alone 13 year olds. However, every now and then you will find a rare “R” rated film suitable for young people—in other words, it doesn’t have a bunch of repulsive language or explicit sex.

Some people will say, “I have to hear bad language all day at work—why would I want to listen to it in a movie or watch entertainment which includes it?” That’s an excellent question, and for that person it’s an easy decision.

My husband, son, and I went to a critically acclaimed movie directed by an actor we’ve enjoyed watching in other films. The rating was “R”, but even that “R” didn’t prepare us for the vulgarity and obscenity which we walked out of shortly after viewing just a few minutes of the film. No way were we going to sit through a film which attempted to capture every putrid sin on the planet in the first 15 minutes.

Each person has to conclude what is acceptable for him to watch. To be an adult Christian means you are accountable to the Lord for your decisions. You know that some things are not suitable for you, and you know the reason(s) why. You also know that it’s not up to you to determine what is suitable for your neighbor unless they seek your opinion on the matter.

I respect a pastor who is honest with his congregation about the dangers of corruption and temptations on the television or at the movies, but don’t assume that adults cannot be trusted to view either medium beyond the age limits of their children. Not only is that offensive, it’s inane.

Father, we are living to please you. We want to make decisions to honor you. Help us to be discerning without being legalistic. Help us to understand what you desire for us. In our areas of talent, may we bring joy and pleasure to you, honoring you and blessing you, being ambassadors of your love and forgiveness. Thank you, Jesus, for setting us free from sin and help us to steer clear of it, not allowing it to ensnare us in our moments of weakness. Help us instead to turn to you and remember that we live for you and because of you. Holy Spirit, convict our hearts when we lean toward wrong behavior and desire evil. Be strong in us, and may our ears be tuned to your voice and urging. We love you, Lord, in the Name of Jesus.