What is biblically permissible when it comes to entertainment?

With the onset of the Internet, smartphones, and HDTVs, the average person swims through a constant waterfall of entertainment advertisements every day. There has never been a time in history when one’s senses have been so assaulted by worldly media.

We need to be aware, then, that the Bible standard is very high. In Philippians 4:8, we read, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just … meditate on these things.” If you apply these criteria to what you’re watching, reading, and hearing, you will be following the very best counsel available.

King David writes, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). When we follow this as a guideline, we’re more likely to choose activities that nurture the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. No one can escape the truth that we are changed by what we behold (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). As we worship and look to Jesus, we become more like Him. As we worship and look to the world, we will become more like the world.

Ultimately, this is the bottom line: “What would Jesus do?” What would He watch, what would He read, and what would He listen to? If He suddenly walked into your room, would you quickly change the channel, slip that novel under your pillow, or delete your browser history? Actually, He and His angels are there now, so these are very good questions to ask yourself in every situation.

A Christian is a follower of Christ, so Jesus’ example should be foremost in our minds and hearts. The only way to really find that out is to study to know Him better through your Bible. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

Key Bible Texts

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)