The problem with novels and soap operas - a practical tip for spiritual growth.
Christian damsels, we're back!!!
I do hope all is well with you!
In this post I'll be sharing a practical tip for spiritual growth that I have proven to work!
Of novels and soap operas...
I was recently asked if I read novels. My answer? No....
The inquirer said she perceived that I was a reader and wanted help finding an app that would locate novels for her phone.
Her observation was true, as I am indeed a reader, and always have been!
But, like I said to that young lady (who, by the way, wasn't a Christian), I stopped reading novels a looong time ago! 😁
And I am glad!
The same is true for movies. I mentioned how I'm not into movies in my film review of High Calling.
And I don't regret it!
When you get delivered from fantasy, lust and sexual perversions (yes, that's plural!), that were fed by steamy novels and messed-up soaps, you never want to go back! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That leads me to my practical advice for your spiritual growth:
If you watch movies or read novels, it is time you stop! And if you haven't, don't start! I can tell you that it took many years for me to forget the pictures I had in my mind!
Of course I'm not referring to solid, Bible- based, clean Christian films which do exist, and which I have watched. But, to be honest, those are rare!
So what is really wrong with these kinds of entertainment?
Where do I start?!
Spirit of fantasy, sexual immorality, unnecessary explicit description of sexual experiences that should be found out only in marriage, basing the value of relationships on sex only, having no honour for the sacredness of marriage...
I think that's all I can remember for now!
So let's start with fantasy
Fantasy is defined as "the power or process of creating especially unrealistic or improbable mental images in response to psychological need", according to Merriam-Webster online dictionary.
I can testify that the problem with fantasy is failure to deal with and maximise reality - the reality of the world; the reality of what relationships are really like; even your own reality.
Fantasy makes life look pain-free and perfect, and that is a lie!
The end result is ignorance and fear when certain realities hit us. So, rather than acknowledging it all and turning to God for comfort, direction, healing, deliverance and hope; rather than using all our distress as an opportunity to grow and become more mature in Christ, we end up weak and emotionally crippled.
God doesn't want us to deny our realities. Instead, He wants us to face them, depending on Him every step of the way!
Now let's talk about sexual immorality etc...
God is for sexual purity, both in body and in the mind!
Didn't Jesus make that clear when He warned about adultery in the heart? (Matthew 5: 27-29)
Sexual purity embraces abstaining from sex until marriage, but it also abhors mental lusting for it. Why is lusting so bad? One problem is that lust sets an image of sex, so when you do get married, you subconsciously expect the experience to flow the same way.
You painted a mental picture of the weather, the words, the undressing, the time of day, the music, the process, and even how he would romantically embrace you when it's over...
Lies! All lies!
And believe it or not, that is one way of opening the door for disappointment, criticism, and having regrets about your husband.
Lust also walks with masturbation. Just like lust, masturbation primes your body to expect sex a certain way. Then when your husband doesn't proceed according to your habit, he disappoints you and you don't enjoy it.
Let's focus on purity and get deliverance if we're still on the wrong side of purity!
Soaps and novels also falsely depict love and marriage as being based on sex. That's a devastatingly dangerous error! All marriage relationships must be founded on agape love, that is, unconditional love for a soul.
That's the love that will respect even when it is disrespected; submit even when it can't see why; support though tempted to criticize.
Now on to the sacredness of marriage
Typical romance novels and movies downplay God's perspective on marriage. In these works, marriage may happen, but it's always after sex, and/or moving in together.
It is never promoted as essential for the thriving of love between a man and a woman.
And then if problems arise we can just get a divorce and marry someone else. 🤦🏽♀️
The sacredness of marriage is subtly watered down and we must purge our minds and hearts from these seeds that may have been sown in us.
Marriage is a serious and sacred institution and covenant before God. It's not something to be treated with scant and frivolous regard.
Conclusion
Our spiritual growth and holiness are affected by the media we consume.
I have proven that these films and books can mess you up.
I have also proven that replacing these with the simple, yet powerful activity of Bible reading will help you grow in grace.
I challenge you, my dear Christian damsel, to take the step and make the change toward progressing in holiness!
God bless you!
Reading this was another eye opener, I am not a fan of reading, but I love to read my Bible and some Christians books like : Purpose driven books, & warfare and spiritual growth. But love movies, in the middle of reading I had to stop and ask the Lord to cleanse me, cleanse my mind, delete all that was downloaded and fill that space with spiritual things. Thanks very much I really enjoy this
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! I'm happy to know you enjoyed it and learned something! Awesome!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 God bless you in your walk with Him🤗
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