TV and the Bible
Giving Our Approval
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:26-31
Key Verse: Romans 1:32
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
The apostle Paul is not referring to believers as he writes in Romans 1:18 to the end of the chapter. He is describing for believers what God will do to the godless. Romans 1:18 summarizes the balance of chapter one: “The wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” It is the very last line of the last verse that I want to highlight “but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32c). The apostle is telling us here that God not only takes note of those “committing” the sins, but also of those who sit back and simply approve of those who commit the sins!
Though these verses are, indeed, written about godless people, I do think the warning should be heeded by Christ followers! The TV show you may watch might give opportunity for you to “give approval” to the sins that the show may portray! When we allow ourselves to be entertained by story lines that dishonor the principles and spiritual guidelines in the Bible, we “give approval” by not turning it off! As we draw close to God via our daily time with Him, the Holy Spirit will nudge us when to change channels or turn it off! TV shows can make us laugh at things we shouldn’t be laughing at, if we don’t listen to the nudges of God’s Holy Spirit!
Father, thank you for giving us so much for our good and for our rich blessings. Grant us direction in discerning the evil that slips into some of that good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.