Mobile Technology: A Troubled Word

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.

Romans 1:28-31 (NKJV)

We're busted. We’re hit us in our media-screened faces. But these screens don’t begin to protect us. Instead, without God’s defense, they blind us.

Consider the 40 charges above. By entertainment standards, they’re teasers: boasting of hot action and adventures that tempt our eyes to everything… but God. Are we like the audiences cheering the blood sport at Roman coliseums? Evil and gory acts beg attention.

We're busted. But who are the ones most responsible?

  • Is it prodigal stars and naughty shows?

  • Is it bad storylines and directors?

  • Is it media and studio kings?

  • Is it advertisers who front the cost?

  • Is it fans who choose to watch bad content?

Judging is God's job, but think about it:

'For where there is no law there is no transgression' (Romans 4:15).

Is God relying on those ignorant of His Law to straighten up and fly right? Or is He asking US to 'Make straight paths' (Hebrews 12:13) and 'Build up the highway' for His people (Isaiah 62:10)?

Because 'To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin' (James 4:17).

The people MOST busted are us: Christians… when we KNOW what’s right, but still choose what’s wrong.

David said, 'I will not look with approval on anything that is vile' (Psalm 101:3).

  • If you glue your eyes to salacious screens,

  • If you strut, hate, or gossip in a post,

  • If you clap for the dark acts around you,

  • Then you contribute to a troubled world.*

Mobile Technology: A Troubled Word (Part 6)

* Should you, as actors, models, and talent for Christ, refuse to watch outrageously sinful shows? God says we must NOT be ignorant of the enemy’s devices, and yes, you need to know the field you enter: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But… studying and awareness don’t mean fixation and applause.

* Should you refuse roles in sinful shows? Jesus didn’t. He starred in the most sinful show on earth. He didn’t ask His Father to take us out of the world. Instead, He sends us into it. BUT… you must, must, must be strong in the Lord… and surrounded (in your off-work time) by godly fellowship.

* Pray before each role. God will guide you. Also remember, where the outside world is concerned, you’re not the judge. You’re a bright and loving ambassador for Christ, offering a troubled world the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey ArbanComment