Unforgiveness: Media
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, Who is the Image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, to those who say, 'Let God hurry; let Him hasten His work so we may see it. The plan of the Holy One of Israel--let it approach, let it come into view, so we may know it. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Isaiah 5:18-21 (NIV)
How does this age of modern media relate to the sting of unforgiveness? More than you might think.! If a steaming pot of irritation yields a sickening stew of resentment, too many Christians gulped down the wrong food.
' 'Eat and drink!' he says to you, but his heart is not with you' (Proverbs 23:7).
Today, Satan serves graphic immorality–catching the faithless and the faithful… in a lavish dish of ENTERTAINMENT.
'The prince of the power of the air' (Ephesians 2:2) smiles at a harvest I call DOUBLE TROUBLE.
For the faithless, he brews idolatry. For the faithful, he brews unforgiveness. Which is more harmful? Only God can judge, yet this much I know: Christians hold the Cure–but unforgiveness prevents the treatment.
In these decades of growing decadence, Christian anger is understandable. But… if Hollywood’s worst shows are like weeds, then ‘snipping’ at the weeds won’t kill their roots. (Ignoring the weeds doesn’t help either.)
Earth’s Creator and Master Gardener demonstrated how to get to the root and win all dirty battles IN 4 WORDS:
‘Overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21).
His victory plan has a guarantee:
‘Love never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Consider two necessary prequels:
God’s missionaries must enter the field to affect its crop. As in, you’ve got to get down and dirty.
Christ’s ambassadors must live in the land to nurture goodwill. As in, you’ve got to work with the natives.
Because our huffs of self-righteous anger make us emissaries of the dragon— and not the Son Who came to save the world!
In summary:
'Seek peace and pursue it' (Psalm 34:14, 1 Peter 3:11). Uproot the unforgiveness in your own heart, and get into the field of media. Embrace its workers and fans. Show them love. Show them the fullness of joy you carry. It's called 'The Bread of Life' (John 6:35).
Unforgiveness: Media (Part 6)
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.