Whatever is true...

This week in class we are talking about means of communication.  One type of communication is television and movies.  It communicates the ideas and values common in society.  This discussion lead to how our society has become desynsitized to things we once thought were graphic.  For example, I was about 8 when Ellen came out of the closet.  At that time she had a show on primetime, and parents everywhere, christian and non christian alike were outraged at this news.  Since then, it has become the norm to have a token gay person on a show.  I brought this conversation home to Matt, and we talked a lot about how our watching things on TV that we would never do in real life is in a way approving of bad behavior.  Almost all shows on primetime TV at least mention some of the main characters having sex outside of marriage, make inappropriate jokes, make marriage look dull and boring, and elevate homosexuality.  It is an easy downfall and easy to become accustomed to that which we see on TV.  Matt and I got to talking about how so much of what we watch is not only a bad example for little Haley, but also it simply not good for us to be putting these things in our head. 

Then Matt asked the hard question:  "What do you want to do about it??" I said  "Well I want to keep watching my favorite shows but if I feel convicted that I should put garbage into my head, then if  I continue watching them, I am acting as if I do not care about my convictions."  While there may or may not be anything sinful about watching these shows (matter of opinion), we can read in Philippians 4:8-9:

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Therefore, we are trying to put this verse into practice in every facet of our lives.  In the last few days without the shows we like, we have spent a lot more time talking and enjoying other people as well.  This is not an easy task for us because we like to watch TV and just veg out and relax our minds at night.