A Perfect View

Every day we are faced with choices about what we’re going to permit ourselves to see. Are you going to choose to see only those things that admonish and encourage you to live a godly life, or will you choose to allow yourself to view things that have the strong potential of tempting you to indulge in the sinful lusts of the flesh?

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Transcript

It is vital that we are extremely careful and continuously attentive to what we allow our eyes to see. What you see has a powerful influence on what you think, and what you think determines what you do. Does it not make sense then, that if what we do is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), what we think should glorify Him? Does it not also make sense that for my thoughts to glorify God, what I allow myself to see and hear should also glorify God?

Welcome to the Point of Purity Podcast! I’m your host Steve Etner – author, National Speaker, Certified Professional Mentor TM and Purity Coach for The Pure Man Ministry and this is Episode #181. This week’s Episode is entitled “Enjoying A Perfect View.”

Every day we are faced with choices about what we’re going to permit ourselves to see. Are you going to choose to see only those things that admonish and encourage you to live a godly life, or will you choose to allow yourself to view things that have the strong potential of tempting you to indulge in the sinful lusts of the flesh?

If you truly want your life to glorify God, the Scriptures are clear that what you fill your heart and mind with make all the difference in the world. For example, speaking of “those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires” (2 Peter 2:10 NASB’95), Peter says, “they have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin.” (v. 14 ESV) Again I repeat, whom you choose to worship determines what you choose to think. What you see influences what you choose to think. What you choose to think about determines what you choose to do. And what you choose to do determines the consequences that result. When your eyes and ears are focused on ungodly, sinful things, your behavior will follow suit.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!” (Matthew 6:22-23 NLT) Jesus uses the word “lamp” to refer to something that shows the body which way to move (much like a flashlight in the dark of night helps you walk safely). What you see has a powerful influence upon what you do. If your eyes are “good”, if they are focused on the things that will glorify God, then the choices you make and the things you do will also glorify Him. However, if you allow yourself to continuously see things that are ungodly, your lifestyle will reflect that choice.

Daily we need to make decisions about what we will read, watch, or even what we choose to listen to. Are there certain types of media that God has put His stamp of approval on? Are there others that He has definitively said not to watch? The answer is yes, but not in the way you might expect or desire. Paul challenges us to “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17 NASB’95)

God does have a will for you in what you should see and what you shouldn’t. He says the wise man will understand what His will is (Daniel 12:10 and Hosea 14:9). But you will not find a listing in Scripture that says, “Thou shalt watch these things and shalt not watch those.” Wouldn’t it be so much easier if God published “The Throne Room’s Weekly Theatre Reviews: Heaven’s Movie and TV Guide” to show us which movies and TV programs received His two-thumbs-up approval? Instead, God expects us to exercise godly wisdom and discernment – which the Holy Spirit gives us through God’s Word.

“Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” (Proverbs 17:24 NLT) Solomon also declared that “the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” (Ecclesiastes 2:14a NLT) Oh, my friend, don’t be a fool. Understand God’s will for purity and godliness, and don’t let your eyes wander. Rather, “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27 NASB’95)

The way to discovering God’s will for what you should or should not see is to become a faithful student of God’s Word. Within the pages of Scripture, you discover who God is. And as you become intimately familiar with the Author of Scripture, it will become easier for you to understand the way and the will of God for your life. 

Listen to what Jesus says in John 14:26. “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (NASB’95) And in John 16:13 Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (NLT) Here’s my point: The Holy Spirit will use God’s Word to direct you, to help you discern between things that will help you grow spiritually and those that can draw you away from a deeper relationship with your Heavenly Father. You must choose to follow Him.

We are instructed in Philippians 4:8 to ensure that our minds are thoroughly occupied with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Let me remind you that since what you see has a direct impact on what you think, and what you think strongly influences what you do, then it stands to reason that the things you see should also be true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Now yes, we are living in the age of Grace, and as Christians we have great freedom. However, we must be vigilant in guarding our heart lest we wrongly conclude that we can view whatever media we choose, even if it may be sinful because God’s amazing grace gives us that freedom. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NLT)

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16 ESV)

We must always be careful about what we allow our eyes to see. It would be to our benefit if we daily cried out to God “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” (Psalm 119:37 ESV) Things that are worthless are those things that hold no eternal value, things that do not lead you into a deeper relationship with God. They are utterly worthless.

It is vital in your Christian life that you are always “careful to lead a blameless life, ... walk in [your] house with a blameless heart ... set before [your] eyes no vile thing.” (Psalm 101:2-3 NIV’84) When you choose to look at things that are vile, things that are good for nothing, spiritually unprofitable, and can lead to destruction, you are also choosing to expose your mind to those things. With enough exposure, your mind will become accustomed to what you are seeing, and your thought process will be altered. This, in turn, directly impacts and changes your behavior. This is precisely why God instructs His children to “Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, ... and do not defile yourselves with ... idols ....” (Ezekiel 20:7 ESV)

Let me be as practical here as I can. What do you choose to watch on television? Consider the movies you allow yourself to see. David declared, “He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.” (Psalm 101:7 NASB’95) Now I know that some of you will argue with me about this, claiming that the TV show or the movie you’re watching is “just harmless entertainment”, and that you are able to discern the difference between what’s happening on screen versus what goes on in real life. I hear you loud and clear. But let me challenge you to carefully consider the subtleties that lie just beneath the surface of that sitcom, that drama, that comedy, that action movie, etc.

Could it be Satan’s way of desensitizing you, causing you to be more susceptible to his deceptive lies. Without even realizing it, you are choosing to allow those “who practice deceit” and “speak falsely” to stand in your presence. You are choosing to let your eyes see things and your ears hear things that have the powerful potential of filing your mind with things that are not godly and are therefore destructive to your spiritual walk. 

Let me read to you a lengthy quote from my latest book entitled “Purely Satisfied”.

“You see, I’m deeply concerned over the things we are allowing into our homes through the television set. Now, before you brand me a religious nut case and think I’m too “legalistic” or “restrictive” please hear me out.

Imagine for a moment that you are in church for Sunday worship. The pastor stands behind the pulpit and announces a three-week mini-series on marriage. To help illustrate the need for proper communication skills, he begins a role-play (a dramatic skit). He’s playing the part of the husband, and the church secretary is playing the part of the wife. 

An “argument” has just taken place between the “married” couple. The “husband” then initiates a conversation that de-escalates the situation and calms things down. Once the differences are settled, the “husband” (played by your pastor) wraps his arms around the “wife” (played by his secretary), and they engage in a long, drawn-out kiss. Right there on the platform, in front of everyone.

Are you picturing this scene as I’m describing it? Are you reacting negatively to it? You should be. Why? Because the pastor and the secretary are not literally married (assuming the church secretary is not actually the pastor’s wife). They have no business hugging and kissing each other, even if it is just “acting.” Right? You should be incensed at what’s happening on the platform behind the pulpit!

Pastor now steps back behind the pulpit to preach some more as the stage crew changes scenes. As Act 2 opens, the scene is quite obviously a bedroom. The “husband” (still played by your pastor) and the “wife” (pastor’s secretary) are now in bed, under the covers, propped up against the headboard, deep in conversation. Her head is on his chest as he is running his fingers through her hair and kissing her forehead. 

“Hold your horses!” you scream. “Wait just a minute here! That’s wrong! That’s sinful! The pastor should be fired on the spot!” you exclaim. “They’re not married! I don’t care if it is just ‘acting’ they have no business doing that. Especially in church, on a Sunday, in front of the congregation!” And you would be right.

Here’s my point. Again, please hear me out. Why do we deem it to be wrong on a Sunday morning in church, but ok on a Monday (or even Sunday evening) on the television while in the privacy of our home? Why is it sinful to watch a scene like I just described between two actors (your pastor and his secretary) at church, but it’s okay to watch the same scene unfold on our television set or movie screen between two individuals who are not married?

My purpose here is not to focus our attention upon the duplicity and double standards, as much as it is to point out the subtlety and deviousness of our enemy. What are we allowing to enter our minds as we sit mindlessly enjoying a TV show?” (End of quote: again, this was taken from Chapter 10 of my newest book entitled Purely Satisfied, pp. 164-165)

The Apostle Paul urges us “to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” (Romans 16:17 ESV) Let me pose this question for you to consider. Could it possibly be that the things you allow yourself to watch on TV and the movies are subtly creating “obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught”?

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul warns us to be wary “if anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness.” (1 Timothy 6:3-7 ESV) Again I pose the same question. Are the shows you watch and the movies you view teaching “a different doctrine”? Do they “agree with the sound words” of Christ in Scripture? Do the standards they portray and the examples they put forth stand in “accord with godliness”?

And John warns us that “many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. ... Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.” (2 John 7-11 NASB’95).

Please do not misunderstand me. I am not saying you should never watch television or see another movie ever again. I am saying this: “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NASB’95) The word Paul uses for “examine” (“examine everything carefully”) literally means to scrutinize intently with the purpose of approving (or disapproving) it. That verb is written in the present tense, active voice, and imperative mood. In other words, you are to consider carefully that TV program, movie, website, or even computer game and examine it intently (test, analyze, dissect it). Determine if its content and underlying message glorifies God or not. Not just once, but constantly (present tense). Don’t rely on others to do it for you (active voice), this is your responsibility. This is not an option for the Christian, it is God’s command (imperative mood).

We are to always “carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10 NLT) That includes what we allow our eyes to see and our ears to hear. The fact is, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV) Why? Because “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV) And what you see influences what you think, and what you think impacts what you do. And what you do will always have consequences.

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16 NASB’95)

Remember, the world desires everything it presents to you to be seen as pleasurable, entertaining, harmless. The world’s intent is for you to like what it is offering, enjoying it, even embracing it. Don’t forget God’s warning to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV) Satan wants to use the world’s form of entertainment to numb you and deceive you for the purpose of drawing you away from growing in your personal relationship with God. Oh, my friend, “give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27 ESV) If it does not bring honor and glory to God, have nothing to do with it!

A powerful litmus test for what you should allow your eyes to see and your ears to hear should be this: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 NLT) Take note of the use of the word “all.” Never forget that when God says “all” – “all” means all and that’s all “all” means! In the final analysis, anything you see and hear that draws your love and attention away from glorifying God, away from living out the truths of His Word and from doing His will ... that does not belong in your life.

If you do not guard your heart, by being careful about what you choose to see and hear, the subtle deception of the enemy of your soul will slowly creep in and warp your thinking, pulling you away from God. You must choose daily to “drive out the inhabitants of the land, [if you don’t] those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble.” (Numbers 33:55 NIV’84)

As Paul declared, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV) So, I must ask: what kind of “company” are you allowing into your home and into your mind through the things you choose to watch and listen to? If you allow your eyes to see (and ears to hear) that which does not glorify and honor God, you are choosing to let your mind think on things that do not glorify and honor God. This can result in a life that does not glorify and honor God. Is it worth the risk? “Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see!” Why? “With eyes full of adultery, [you will] never stop sinning.” (2 Peter 2:14a NIV’84)

I challenge you right now to make the commitment David did to “Not set before [your] eyes anything that is worthless.” (Psalm 101:3 ESV) The New Living Translation puts it this way: “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar ... I will have nothing to do with them.” Make the decision today to say, “My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.” (Psalm 25:15 NLT)

OK. Let’s hit the pause button until next week’s episode. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about today’s study, or if you’re interested in learning more about The Pure Man Ministry (what we do to help men across the globe find freedom and victory over sexual sin), be sure to visit our website to see the multitude of resources we’ve made available to you – you can find our website at ThePurityCoach.com.

One of these powerful resources we are making available to you is my book called “Overcoming Temptation: 4 Steps to Spiritual Victory.” You see, saying “No” to temptation and choosing to live an upright and godly life is a daily decision you must make. Every time you are faced with a temptation, you are also faced with a decision: Do I give in, or do I stand firm in my faith and fight it? Do I yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit and live to glorify God, or do I focus on King Me and give in to my fleshly desires?

This book “Overcoming Temptation: 4 Steps to Spiritual Victory” presents, in a very clear and practical way, how to live a life that is holy and pure, how to say no to sin and live by the Spirit in a way that glorifies your creator, your Savior, your Heavenly Father. Again, the title of this book is “Overcoming Temptation: 4 Steps to Spiritual Victory.” You can find it on Amazon.com or on my website (ThePurityCoach.com) in our Resources section.

So go to our website, ThePurityCoach.com, and check out our resources page, or go directly to Amazon.com and purchase your copy of “Overcoming Temptation: 4 Steps to Spiritual Victory” today.

And if you haven’t subscribed to this podcast yet, let me encourage you to do so today so you won’t miss any of our upcoming episodes!

So, until next time this is Author, Speaker, Certified Professional MentorTM and Purity Coach Steve Etner reminding you that if you are going to glorify God in your everyday living, He must first be glorified in your every moment thinking.