In the process, I separate the meat into one bowl and the inedible parts into another. As I was doing this the other day, I was thinking of the verses in the Bible that tell us to examine things in our lives and keep the good and get rid of the bad. Whatever we surround ourselves with, that is what gets into our heart. We should constantly review the activities in our lives to make sure they are things that will help us focus on what is most important in our lives: God and His Word.
Some time ago, my husband and I decided not to watch "R" rated moves. Even if some of the offensive material could be screened out, the theme of those movies is generally worldly in nature. Sometimes the most dangerous things are not the overtly sinful actions, but the subtle nudges to accept sinful attitudes. Recently, we've made the decision to cut out any TV that is not wholesome and helpful to our spiritual lives. This means we have chosen to watch virtually nothing that comes from Hollywood.
I once heard an excellent story that helps us understand this point. A child wanted to go to the theater to watch a movie that her parents had deemed inappropriate. The child argued that there were only a few bad words and one bad scene. In an effort to teach the child the concept, the father said he was going to make some brownies. The child became excited and couldn't wait for the delicious brownies. Then the father announced that he was going to get a scoop of dirt and add to the mix. "Just a little," he told his child. His child decided that she didn't want to eat the brownies or go to the movies.
What you choose to allow into your life depends on your study of the word of God. It is our guide for life (2 Peter 1:3-4). Unfortunately, most of the time we think we will just eat the good part of the brownie that is around the dirt without eating the dirt. It just won't work.Today, I have found some scriptures for you on this topic.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10)
"Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." (1 Corinthians 5:7)
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8) --How much of what we call entertainment fits those criteria?