WATCHFUL WATCHING
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Be sober minded; be watchful.” 1 Peter 5:8a
Theme: Because you aim to follow God, pay attention and consider the things you consume, even when they seem to be the cultural norm.
IT’S HARDER THAN YOU THINK
This week, we’ve been taking care of four of our grandchildren, aged 12 (and a week away from being a teenager, as I am frequently reminded) to six. The shows we pick to stream never suit all four of them. When I add to that language, innuendo, inappropriate sass or romance, it is so hard to pick something to watch.
The kids are not allowed “You Tube” without adult supervision. They had a favorite funny guy who pulls pranks on his friends and who participates in challenges with them. But honestly, the words they used just didn’t sit well with us. Not the worst words even: butt, sucks, Jeez, and once or twice, God or Lord. We just could not approve of that show.
There is a teenage version of “Bay Watch” that they love, but one of the moms has rightly reported that their “sass” level rises exponentially after they watch an episode or two of that. There is much teenage angst that doesn’t need to be amplified and taught to our kids!
IN MY LIFE
As diligent as I have been this week, I am unsure if I apply the same standards to my own life. Do the shows I watch promote kindness and godliness? Do the books I read promote immorality or inappropriate speech -- or honesty and uprightness? If I tune into or read the news, does it cause anger or compassion within me? (I’m not saying don’t read the news, but how do I allow it to affect me?) Are my conversations uplifting, encouraging, and do they build others up? Or do I spend my time criticizing, gossiping, or grumbling—particularly about other people?
In short, I need to be as diligent to monitor my intake – no matter what form – as I carefully guard the innocent minds and hearts of my grandchildren. This is God’ request of me: to focus on the pure and to put aside the tantalizing “other.” When God asks me to be sober-minded, I take that to mean be self-disciplined in all areas. And this is an area where we can allow the world to tell us what is “okay” rather than listening to the Spirit.
IT CAN BE EASY
In some ways, it is easy. My grands make bold, black-and-white statements like, “He can’t watch that. It’s PG-13 and he is not 13 yet.” They do this without reading the fine print and wondering if it is language, smoking, slight nudity. They just say “No, not appropriate.” In some areas, my senses are keen, and my judgements are sharp. We don’t watch shows that promote having a love affair or betrayal of a spouse. But unfortunately, I can put up with a few minor curse words. That needs to stop. The books, movies, or even conversations that do not point me to God are pointing me away from Him. It’s as simple as that.
Make It Personal: In what area do you need to regulate your viewing? Is it easier to be watchful for dependents than it is for myself? Go to God and ask for Him to help you notice the things that you need to pay attention to or that are hurting you.
Pray: Lord, hone my senses to determine good from evil as You do. Help me sense Your Spirit in every minor decision and choice. Give me the strength to be sober-minded and disciplined in what I see, hear, read, or say. I want to honor You and be a vessel worth of Your purposes for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Zachariah 7:10-12
Weekly Memory Verse: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV