Watching movies is a popular pastime today, but it raises the question: what kind of entertainment aligns with Christian values? While the Bible doesn’t mention movies, it offers principles for guiding our choices about what we consume. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about watching media responsibly.
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What Does The Bible Say About Watching Movies
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse reminds us to focus our minds on heavenly things rather than worldly pursuits. While watching movies can be entertaining, it is important to prioritize our spiritual growth and not allow ourselves to become consumed by earthly distractions.
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.”
When choosing movies to watch, we should apply the principles outlined in this verse. We should seek content that aligns with truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, and admirable qualities. By focusing on excellent and praiseworthy movies, we can guard our minds and hearts from negative or harmful influences.
1 Corinthians 10:23
““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything,” but not everything is constructive.”
This verse reminds us to consider the benefits and constructive nature of our actions. While watching movies may not be inherently wrong, it is essential to evaluate whether a particular movie is beneficial and constructive for our spiritual growth and overall well-being.
Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”
As Christians, we are called to avoid condoning or participating in anything vile or faithless. This verse reminds us to be discerning in our choices of entertainment, including movies. We should refrain from watching films that promote sinful behavior or compromise our values.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our hearts are the wellspring of our actions and attitudes. It is crucial to guard our hearts and carefully consider the impact that movies can have on our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Watching movies with caution and discernment allows us to protect and nurture our hearts in alignment with godly principles.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
When choosing movies, we should consider the impact they may have on others. This verse encourages us to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of others. If watching a particular movie could be a stumbling block or cause offense to someone else, we should lovingly choose to abstain from it.
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.”
As Christians, we are called to live differently from the world and allow our minds to be renewed by God’s truth. When selecting movies, we should ensure that they do not conform to worldly patterns but rather align with God’s will and contribute to our transformation into Christlikeness.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
We are called to avoid participating in or supporting deeds of darkness. This verse urges us to discern between movies that promote darkness, such as immorality, violence, or evil, and expose them rather than indulge in them for entertainment purposes.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
While movies can be a source of entertainment, they can also become distractions from what is truly valuable and beneficial. This verse encourages us to turn our eyes away from worthless things and instead focus on God’s Word, which brings life and guidance.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reminds us to approach all of our actions with the mindset of honoring and glorifying the Lord. When deciding whether to watch a movie, we should evaluate if it can be done in the name of Jesus and if it will allow us to give thanks to God for the blessings and opportunities He has given us.
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.”
As young believers, we should strive to set an example for others in every area of our lives, including our entertainment choices. This verse reminds us to consider how our movie-watching habits reflect our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, and to choose movies accordingly.
Psalm 11:3
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
In a world where the foundations of righteousness are often disregarded or undermined, it becomes important for Christians to be cautious about the movies they watch. This verse prompts us to consider the impact of our choices on our spiritual foundation and to ensure that the movies we watch do not contribute to its destruction.
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.”
Similar to food and drink, the movies we choose can have an impact on others. We should be considerate of the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. If watching a particular movie could cause someone to stumble or compromise their faith, it is better to refrain from watching it out of love for them.
1 Peter 2:12
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Our actions, including the movies we watch, should reflect the goodness and righteousness of God. This verse encourages us to live in a way that stands out among unbelievers, demonstrating our faith through our choices and ultimately bringing glory to God.
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.”
Choosing movies that align with worldly values and ideologies can create a divide between us and God. This verse reminds us that our allegiance should lie with God and not with the world. We should avoid becoming friends with the world and instead seek movies that strengthen our relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 8:9
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
Our freedom in Christ should not be used in a way that causes others to stumble. This verse emphasizes the importance of considering how our movie choices may impact those who are weaker in their faith. We should be mindful of their spiritual journey and avoid movies that might lead them astray.
Proverbs 23:7
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.”
This verse reminds us that our thoughts shape our character and ultimately determine who we become. The movies we watch have the power to influence our thoughts and shape our attitudes. It is crucial to choose movies that align with godly principles and contribute to our spiritual growth.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Seeking peace and pursuing good are essential aspects of the Christian life. When selecting movies, we should consider if they promote peace, goodness, and positive values. Movies that contain excessive violence, immorality, or negativity may hinder our pursuit of these virtues.
1 Timothy 6:11
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”
This verse encourages us to flee from ungodliness and pursue righteousness and godliness in all areas of our lives. It reminds us to prioritize movies that reflect values such as faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, rather than movies that promote unrighteousness or compromise our commitment to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Our thought lives are important to our relationship with God. This verse reminds us of the need to evaluate our thoughts about the movies we watch and make them obedient to Christ. If a movie’s content goes against biblical truths or leads us away from the knowledge of God, we should take captive those thoughts and choose not to watch it.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to put to death any sinful desires that belong to our earthly nature. This verse highlights the importance of avoiding movies that promote sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, or greed. Instead, we should feed our minds with content that promotes godliness and purity.
Psalm 101:2
“I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.”
This verse encourages us to live blameless lives and conduct our affairs with godly integrity. When watching movies, we should choose ones that uphold ethical standards and do not compromise our commitment to leading blameless lives in the eyes of God.
Proverbs 23:6
“Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies.”
Similar to being cautious of the food we eat, this verse suggests that we should consider the source and intentions behind the movies we watch. It encourages us to avoid consuming entertainment that comes from a begrudging or immoral source, as it may not be beneficial or align with our values as Christians.
Psalm 119:36
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.”
When deciding which movies to watch, we should strive to align our hearts with God’s statutes and avoid seeking selfish gain. This verse reminds us to prioritize God’s will over personal desires and to choose movies that contribute to our spiritual growth rather than indulgence in selfish pursuits.