Commentary
The Power of Television to
Influence Your Mind
by Carol Douglas Lyles
H
ave you ever wondered who decides
what you see on TV or why programs
seem to follow certain themes—
reality shows, crime scene investigations
and immoral lifestyles? If you haven’t, perhaps you should. Every program you see was
decided by writers and producers who bring
their view of the world into focus right or
wrong, good or evil. Like everything else, what
they think, their values and integrity (or lack
thereof) influences their decisions—and YOUR
thoughts if you allow yourself to get hooked
on one of their programs.
Just how important are the producers’
thought process? Does it matter whether
10 HimPower October 2015
they have a godly or worldly mindset? It goes
without saying, if there are small children
or impressionable teens in your life, it’s very
important that you screen what they watch—
especially if you are trying to teach them
Christian values. But what about the young
adults in your home and you, does it matter
what impressions you are forming based on
what you see and hear?
The short answer is yes. The long
answer beckons us to understand the “why”.
It is rare to see a prime-time TV program that
does not sell sex directly or indirectly. Much
of what is seen on TV, glamorizes all manner
of immorality and ungodly living—sexual sin,
profanity, deception, back-biting, jealously,
to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can
hatred, murder, and other unrighteousness.
it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh
The sad truth is, many of those who profess
cannot please God.” (Romans 8:5-8 NIV)
Christ as personal Lord and Savior are among
Without the benefit of this knowledge,
the most ardent revelers in gatherings that
making unwise choices can lead to dire consegleefully rehash the most notorious programs, quences. “And he that sat upon the throne said,
glorifying their characters.
Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto
Some would argue it’s only a television me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
program, so what’s the big deal? Others would And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and
say that adults have the right to watch what
Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give
they choose. While
unto him that is athirst
technically, the answer
of the fountain of the
is right of both, it is
water of life freely. He
wrong for each. Intelthat overcometh shall
Thoughtful
introspection
lectually, we recognize
inherit all things; and I
and prayer should be the
that TV programming
will be his God, and he
generally isn’t preshall be my son. But the
cornerstone of the decisionsented as truth. Howfearful, and unbelievmaking process to ensure
ever, few would argue
ing, and the abominapersonal
interests
are
in
that television isn’t
ble, and murderers, and
alignment
with
God’s
plan
a powerful medium
whoremongers, and
for Kingdom work.
with the means and
sorcerers, and idolaters,
resources to make
and all liars, shall have
things that are wrong
their part in the lake
appear right—furnishwhich burneth with fire
ing a blanket endorseand brimstone: which is
ment, an unspoken validation if you will. And
the second death.” (Revelation 21:5-8 KJV)
even though adults have the right to choose,
Ultimately, each believer must decide
it doesn’t necessarily mean their choice will
for themselves what they will choose.
be the right one. “Those who live according to
Thoughtful introspection and prayer should be
the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh
the cornerstone of the decision-making prodesires; but those who live in accordance with
cess to ensure personal interests are in alignthe Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit ment with God’s plan for Kingdom work.
desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death,
If God’s plan was for you to become
but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and
a missionary, for example, how well would
peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile
you be prepared to labor in the vineyard if
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