In this blog series we have looked at how Philippians 4:8 can be used to shape our media choices. We have covered things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and good report.
But there are two more qualifiers the apostle Paul would have us consider. He recommends that whatever that subject may be, it should be virtuous and praiseworthy.
Let’s start with virtue. The primary definition found in the Oxford dictionary defines virtue as: behavior showing high moral standards. In other words, we can’t just know that things are right and wrong. It must be reflected in how we live our lives, our behavior. The Bible clearly reflects this concept in James 1:22-23
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:”
The best way to align yourself with the ideals of virtue is to go to the source of virtue. Read the Word of God, in it you’ll find the high moral standards that are used to compare all other content.
Last but not least, there is the concept of praise. Did what you behold cause you to give thanks, admiration, respect, glory and praise to God? This is a mindset as much as it is an admonition.
I’ll give an example. What if I sit down to watch a documentary about Whales? In the documentary some information is covered about how whales were hunted for their fat. I may come away from that sad that many whales died. And there is nothing wrong with that. But the more elevated thinking says that after watching this, I thank God that in heaven, no such thing will happen again. I praise Him because there will be no more death, nor sorrow. I don’t just walk away only thinking about the whales.
It’s important that we don’t just watch things using these guidelines but that we consciously look at things through a lens which reveals Jesus, what He has done and what He is doing.
Many people ask our ministry after hearing our seminars, “What do I watch now?” As we spoke about in the first blog, maybe that’s not the question to ask.
Maybe the question is, how can I see Jesus?
Jesus makes it easy. You don’t have to find Him on TV, you can find Him in the Bible. (It’s a lot cheaper than a TV too.)
Jesus speaks to us though His Word with this encouragement:
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13
So the next time you think about that next piece of media, recall Philippians 4:8 and you’ll have to tools to be media wise.
