Reflection?

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.                                                                  Ephesians 5:11-12 NIV

It’s all around us, in our neighbourhoods, communities, and countries. I sometimes wonder if it’s the same in every nation around the world. Have some escaped? The trouble is this: the appearance of this particular ‘reflection’ is everywhere, but rarely seen by our own eyes, and seldom if ever in our families or circle of close friends.

Lurking behind all these closed doors must live a number of horrible people. They yell at everyone in the family group, use profane language, swear openly and often, have affairs, live an adulterous life, be secretive to their spouse, abuse their own children, lash out causing severe physical harm which sometimes needs hospital care, and even to the point of murder. Did you know about this? When you see and meet your neighbours, do you ever wonder what goes on behind their closed doors. Are they all safe, or in some kind of danger?

All of these terrible practices go on week in, week out on the movie screens and they don’t always carry a warning. When any question is raised with the movie industry, we are told they are only reflecting society. They don’t make society what it is. Really? Do you believe that explanation? At least you can avoid the cinema, and choose wisely and carefully those things you and your family watch. But what about the TV in the corner of your room? Let’s be honest, every soap and reality show depends on screening any or all of these salacious activities. It is not even safe to watch the trailers for some programs which will appear at any time of the day, interrupting a program which is safe!

What should we do when faced with these evil lifestyles on our TV? They have no place in our homes or lives, but we make excuses for them in the interests of the wider storyline. When we have a believing heart, and an open faith, we must “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness done by the ungodly, as the Bible says: For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:10 NLT