Is This Really Necessary?

By Carolyn Weeks May
 
Have you ever been in the middle of a television program or movie and thought, “Is this really necessary?” I have. On numerous occasions I’ve changed the channel continuously, trying to find a good family-friendly movie or series segment without success. It made me want to write a letter and complain.  But did I? Of course not; although I tell myself I will, when I’m not so busy. In the meantime, I just continue my mental complaining.

I frequently watch the Christian channels, but why can’t we find more shows worth watching on regular stations? So many programs have unnecessary vulgar language or profanity and others include sexual situations that don’t add anything to the show.  That wasn't the case in the good old days.  I watch the old reruns like The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, and a number of others, but I’ve seen these so many times, I almost have the scripts memorized. Once in awhile, I like to see a new show that’s fun and entertaining, or a mystery with lots of suspense and intrigue, but finding something that’s wholesome, family entertainment is far more difficult than it should be.

I think back to the days when you didn’t have to worry about content of entertainment because inappropriate scripts were unheard of on television or in movies. Luci and Desi slept in separate twin beds and both wore pajamas instead of being half-naked.  I ask myself, “Is it really necessary to have all the bad language or suggestive, and sometimes blatantly explicit, inappropriate behavior? My answer has to be, a resounding, “NO!”

Why do people believe that the only reason the entertainment industry is making T.V. shows and movies with all the bad language, sex and violence, is because that’s what society wants? Is there some new form of Christianity that I know nothing about? Even though believers have the freedom to do a lot of things, it’s not being legalistic to be doers and not hearers only of the Word of God. The Lord knew garbage in and garbage out, and He also gave us the solution to the garbage problem. In Philippians 4:8-9 Paul says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their need, and that it may benefit those who hear it.” In chapter 5 verse 4 he says, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talking or coarse joking, which are out of place.”

It’s so great to have a Father who loved us so much that He gave us a how-to manual to live by, which improves our lives.  Why would we not want to read it and follow His directions?

Christians, if we don’t stand up and do something when things continue to get worse, we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves. Who would have believed that in such a short time the entertainment industry would go from where we were twenty-five years ago to where we are now. If you aren’t willing to write letters or make phone calls to voice your opinion, then you will never have the right to complain. If we step up to the plate, the Lord will make the winning run for us. Batter Up!

About the author:  Carolyn Weeks May lives in Georgia and writes spiritual poetry to encourage readers who are going through hard times. She has published a book of her poetry, Reflections of His Love – Inspiration for the Soul, which can be found at Amazon.

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