Entertainment is a big part of modern life, but how should Christians approach secular media? While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention movies or music, it does offer principles on guarding our hearts and minds. Let’s explore what scripture says about engaging with the world’s entertainment while staying grounded in faith.
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What Does The Bible Say About Secular Entertainment
Psalms 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a standard of righteousness in our entertainment choices. As Christians, we should not endorse or participate in anything that promotes immorality or goes against the principles of God’s Word.
Secular entertainment often glorifies sinful behavior and promotes values that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. Therefore, this verse reminds us to be discerning and intentional about what we consume, ensuring that our entertainment aligns with God’s standards.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly indulgences. While secular entertainment may provide temporary pleasure, it can distract us from focusing on heavenly things and developing a deep relationship with God.
By directing our minds towards things above, we cultivate a heart that seeks after God and desires to honor Him in all areas of our lives, including our entertainment choices.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
This verse encourages us to intentionally dwell on positive, wholesome, and uplifting things. Secular entertainment often contains elements that contradict these qualities, such as violence, immorality, and negativity.
As Christians, we are called to guard our minds and protect our hearts, filling them with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This verse reminds us of the importance of intentionally choosing entertainment that aligns with these values.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that our actions, including our choices in secular entertainment, should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. When we engage in entertainment that dishonors Him, we fail to fulfill this purpose.
By striving to find joy and fulfillment in entertainment that reflects God’s character and values, we can use even our leisure time as an opportunity to glorify Him and be a witness to those around us.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse reminds us that as Christians, we are called to be counter-cultural in our thinking and actions. Secular entertainment often reflects the values and priorities of the world, but this verse calls us to be transformed by renewing our minds through God’s Word.
By immersing ourselves in God’s truth, our discernment increases, enabling us to differentiate between what aligns with His will and what does not. Through this process, we can make wise choices regarding secular entertainment that reflect our commitment to following God’s perfect and pleasing will.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
This verse encourages us to avoid participating in or endorsing anything that promotes darkness or sin. Secular entertainment often glamorizes destructive behaviors and can desensitize us to the negative consequences of such actions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to expose these fruitless deeds of darkness, not by engaging in them but by living lives that exemplify light and righteousness. This includes making conscious choices to distance ourselves from secular entertainment that goes against God’s principles.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.”
This verse reminds us of our responsibility as Christians to reject all forms of evil in our lives, including the entertainment we consume. Secular entertainment often promotes values and behaviors that are counter to God’s Word.
By intentionally avoiding evil, we demonstrate our commitment to honoring God and maintaining a lifestyle that is characterized by goodness, holiness, and purity.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. Secular entertainment often distracts us from pursuing a deeper relationship with God and can consume our time and thoughts.
By intentionally seeking God and His righteousness first, we align our hearts and minds with His purposes. As a result, we may find that the allure of secular entertainment diminishes as we discover the fulfillment and richness that comes from wholeheartedly following Christ.
Proverbs 4:23-24
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
These verses remind us of the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against the corrupt influences of secular entertainment. What we allow into our hearts shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
By intentionally choosing entertainment that promotes purity and refraining from engaging in corrupt talk, we preserve our hearts for the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns us against being deceived by empty and misleading worldly philosophies. Secular entertainment often propagates ideologies that rely on human wisdom and values, rather than the truth found in Christ.
As Christians, we are called to be discerning and to weigh everything against the truth of God’s Word. By avoiding secular entertainment that promotes worldly philosophies, we guard ourselves against being led astray from the solid foundation of our faith in Christ.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse expresses a prayer for God to turn our eyes away from things that are worthless and undeserving of our attention. Secular entertainment can often be categorized as “worthless things” that distract us from focusing on God and His Word.
By seeking God’s guidance and strength, we can intentionally turn our eyes away from the empty allure of secular entertainment and find fulfillment and preservation in the truths found in His Word.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse reminds us to be vigilant and aware of the enemy’s schemes. Secular entertainment can sometimes serve as a tool the enemy uses to subtly infiltrate our hearts and minds, leading us away from God’s truth.
By maintaining a sober mind, guided by the Holy Spirit, we can discern the negative influences that may be present in secular entertainment and protect ourselves from being devoured by the enemy’s deceptions.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
These verses highlight the importance of separating ourselves from the ways of the wicked and immersing ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. Secular entertainment often promotes and glorifies the lifestyle and values that go against God’s commandments.
As believers, we are called to delight in the law of the Lord and to constantly meditate on it. By choosing entertainment that aligns with God’s truth, we position ourselves to experience His blessings and live a life pleasing to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse warns us about the negative influence of spending time with people who do not embrace godly values. Secular entertainment can introduce us to characters and behaviors that may negatively impact our character and choices.
By being intentional about the company we keep and the entertainment we consume, we safeguard our character and ensure that our lives remain aligned with God’s standards of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse reminds us to be cautious about forming close partnerships and associations with those who do not share our faith. Secular entertainment can often promote beliefs and values that are contrary to the biblical principles we hold dear.
By being discerning in our choice of entertainment and surrounding ourselves with fellow believers, we can avoid compromising our faith and ensure that our lives are not entangled with darkness but rather characterized by the light of Christ.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and avoiding the influence of foolishness. Secular entertainment can often present foolish and detrimental behaviors as desirable or entertaining.
By surrounding ourselves with wise individuals and being intentional about the entertainment we consume, we position ourselves to grow in wisdom and avoid the potential harm that can come from aligning ourselves with foolishness.
Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse encourages us to focus on living in a manner that reflects our connection to Christ, rather than indulging in fleshly desires. Secular entertainment often capitalizes on and promotes gratifying the desires of the flesh.
By intentionally clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, through prayer, studying His Word, and surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can resist the temptations presented by secular entertainment and instead pursue a life that honors and glorifies Him.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others. Secular entertainment can sometimes lead others astray from their faith or cause them to stumble.
By being mindful of the potential influence our entertainment choices may have on fellow believers, we can make decisions that promote unity, edification, and the spiritual growth of others, rather than causing them to compromise their faith.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse warns us about the dangers of becoming too friendly with the world and its values. Secular entertainment often reflects the mindset and desires of the world, which can breed enmity against God.
By choosing to align ourselves with God and His truth, rather than being swayed by the world’s influences, we demonstrate our loyalty and commitment to Him, cultivating a relationship that honors Him and is characterized by His love and grace.
Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
These verses highlight the importance of wholeheartedly serving God, rather than being divided in our allegiances. Secular entertainment can sometimes become an idol that competes for our devotion and attention.
By recognizing that we cannot serve both God and the pleasures of secular entertainment, we can prioritize our relationship with God and ensure that our choices align with our commitment to Him rather than being ruled by worldly desires.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This verse reminds us of the consequence of our choices and actions. Secular entertainment can sometimes feed into our sinful nature and lead us down a destructive path.
By being mindful of the seeds we sow through our entertainment choices, we can ensure that we reap a harvest that is pleasing to God and in line with His will for our lives.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who challenge and encourage us in our faith. Secular entertainment can sometimes perpetuate negative mindsets and values that do not sharpen us spiritually.
By choosing entertainment that aligns with our Christian values and engaging in meaningful fellowship with other believers, we create an environment that edifies and strengthens our walk with Christ.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
These verses emphasize the power of goodness to overcome evil. In the context of secular entertainment, this means intentionally seeking out content that promotes positive values and encourages moral growth.
By choosing to engage with entertainment that uplifts, inspires, and reflects God’s goodness, we can overcome the negative influences of secular entertainment and be a light in a world that desperately needs it.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
This verse offers guidance for maintaining purity in a world that often celebrates impurity. Secular entertainment can sometimes glorify behaviors and attitudes that compromise our purity.
By centering our lives on God’s Word and choosing entertainment that aligns with His standards of purity, we equip ourselves to walk the path of righteousness and remain steadfast in our commitment to holiness.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
This verse encourages young believers to live in a way that sets a positive example for others. Secular entertainment can sometimes present a skewed perspective on what is considered valuable or honorable.
By making intentional choices in our entertainment consumption that reflect purity, love, faith, and righteousness, we establish ourselves as beacons of light and role models for believers of all ages.