Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs
4:23
There is a battle going on for the minds of our children and grandchildren. In fact, Satan and his diabolical demonic hordes want to corrupt the minds of adults as well! Satan is getting the upper hand in our culture because many Christians are oblivious to the tactics the adversary is using to pollute the minds of men, women, boys and girls. While many Christian adults would catch blatant demonic doctrines, the truth is, Satan seldom mounts a direct assault on believers or their children. Rather, he, through his human helpers uses subtle, clandestine, deceptive methods to advance his evil doctrines and corrupt values. The Bible passage that point out this "modus operandi" is 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 which says, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Make no mistake. Though Satan candy coats his teachings, there are hooks inside. He and his minions are on the prowl and they are making an all out effort to take our children (and us) captive. Peter warned, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.
How can we protect our children and our-selves? The Bible tells us that whatever we do is to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." What does that mean? Simply stated a Christians should only be involved with those things that our Lord would approve of. Since God is concerned with the things that we eat and drink, it follows that He is also concerned with the books we read, the TV programs we watch, the music we listen to, the games we play, etc. If we are going to protect our children and ourselves we need to know how we can determine whether something is good or evil, right or wrong. We must practice 1 Thessalonians 5:21 -- "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." We must "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9.
The natural question is this: Where can we find a reliable standard which we can use to determine what is acceptable and what is not? The Holy Bible is the "yardstick" we are to use to determine whether something is acceptable or unacceptable (right or wrong). The Bible tells us what's right, what's not right, how to get right and how to stay right. Look at 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (what's right), for reproof (what's not right), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right)."
Obviously, it is impossible for our Logos staff to review every book, TV program, game, toy, video game, video, DVD, music CD, etc. that comes on the market and then report to you whether they glorify God. However, we do try to review the most popular ones. But there is something that we can do that will enable you to discern whether these things measure up to the Biblical Yardstick. Below are some key Biblical guidelines that will assist you in making Christ-honoring judgment when it comes to the toys that you buy, books that you read, music you listen to, TV/videos you watch, etc.
- What belief system and/or doctrines are evident or advocated?
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
- What values & philosophies are evident?
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you (take you captive) through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
James 3:15-17 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
- Is Supernatural power evident and what is the origin?
Psalms 62:11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
- Are there occult, witchcraft, psychic, satanic, or New Age, vampire-Goth practices or symbols incorporated?
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
- Are the imaginations and thoughts of the participant steered in a wholesome or unwholesome direction?
Proverbs 6:16-18 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Does it depict immorality, is it sensual or immodest, or does it arouse lust?
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts
- Does it glorify evil or violence?
Romans 12:9 Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Psalms 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Genesis 6:5-6 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Psalms 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil
- Is the language clean?
Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
- Will it build godly character?
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith (see 2 Peter 1:5-9)
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (read the rest of the chapter).
So, let me quickly review the principles that we should use in making our judgment.
- What belief system and/or doctrines are evident or advocated?
- What values & philosophies are evident?
- Is Supernatural power evident and what is the origin?
- Are there occult, witchcraft, psychic, satanic, or New Age, vampire-Goth practices or symbols incorporated?
- Are the imaginations and thoughts of the participant steered in a wholesome or unwholesome direction?
- Does it depict immorality, is it sensual or immodest, or does it arouse lust?
- Does it glorify evil or violence?
- Is the language clean?
- Will it build godly character?
Paraphernalia that do not pass the test should be disposed of.