Wednesday, August 28, 2013

VMA Recap…& What Would Jesus Think

Didn’t mean to be misleading… but I didn’t watch the VMAs.

In fact, I can’t honestly remember the last time we even turned on our television other than to play the Advocare DVD at a mixer. Based on what I read on FB and a few blog posts about Miley though, I’m thankful I “missed out.” And I’m thankful that wasn’t even in my home at all. (I know Baby Jase is little, and wasn’t even awake probably, but I feel a strong obligation to monitor what I allow in our lives, our home, etc.)

My newsfeed was seriously blowing up about it, & everyone agreed it was a lot of garbage & disgusting. But I wonder how many turned it off?? Not judging at all...just curious. I know things like that are like a car wreck- it’s so awful, but you can’t take your eyes off of it.

(I know FB can be junk too, but I can’t help it…I LOVE connecting with people there… seeing milestones, pictures of my friends and their families, celebrating events, etc. that I wouldn’t ordinarily get to be a part of….it’s just cool to me.)

Don’t get me wrong….I LOVED me some N Sync & Justin Timberlake as a middle school girl. And yes, I’m sure it’s true that JT “brought sexy back” like everyone said (ha!)…

But Jonathan & I drew a line in the sand a while back regarding entertainment. And here’s the reality. Television, movies, & concerts, are not getting us closer to accomplishing our life goals. They aren’t adding value to us as people. And the majority of what is on tv, the radio, & in movies is certainly not pleasing to the Lord. If we claim that our ultimate goal is to serve Him and bring Him glory, than we need to honor Him with our thoughts, words, & actions…and that includes what we allow in our homes.

That doesn’t mean we think we are any better than anyone else or “holier than thou” because we don’t. It’s just a personal conviction for us. I’ll be the first to admit we used to watch some trashy junk on tv, & I am definitely not proud of some of the playlists you would find on my i-pod (wherever the heck that thing it).

I am not a perfect Christian. In fact, I screw up…a LOT more than I’d care to admit. And to me, that means I have to work even harder to guard my heart and mind.

That may seem petty to some, or too extreme, or whatever. Maybe watching a simple tv show seems insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But what I know is the Lord tells us very specifically what he wants us to focus on in our lives, and most modern-day entertainment does not fall into any of these categories.

Here’s what I try to ask myself as often as possible. “What would Jesus think?” If He were sitting right next to me on the couch, would I still be watching that on tv? Listening to that song? Wearing that outfit? Thinking those thoughts? Reacting that way?

I don’t know about you, but I have to do “self-checks” a lot and I’m so thankful for the Holy Spirit convicting me. (Gotta be transparent again…I don’t always respond. Sometimes I act like a brat to my parents and my husband. Sometimes I compare myself to others when I shouldn’t. Sometimes I allow my priorities to get out of order. I’m DEFINITELY a work in progress.)

I wrote a few other blog posts about this same topic a while back. May be worth checking out. Just some food for thought, anyway…

What Goes in, Must Come Out

Some thoughts on Entertainment Choices

12 comments:

Janna Renee said...

I couldn't watch the VMA's either. I totally agree that there are better and more productive things to do and see than that garbage that is overtaking America!

Luisa said...

Hi! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Unfortunately, my husband and I watched these mind numbing events on the VMAs and our jaws were dropped to the floor the whole time. Nope...we didn't turn it off. Like you said, it's hard to look away from something so...crazy?? I just wanted to comment on the point of your blog. I'm not a big TV person, but my husband is. I've been slowly trying to pry him from it. He has quickly learned that if I am in the same room...there are certain shows that I cannot tolerate. Recently, a new show came on that he was going to watch...I think it was called Mistresses? Anyway, I told him that we really didn't need to bring a show that if based on adultery into our lives...he agreed. He owns his own business and it is very stressful and I know that when he comes home he only wants to "dumb himself out" and relax. I understand this, but I have tried to incorporate different things into our evenings to pull him away from the TV...dinner at the table instead of on the couch with the TV on...evening dog walks...extra devotional time. Anyway...thought I'd share my thoughts with you! I'm going to let him read your blog too :-)

Unknown said...

We *missed* the VMA's as well, however I was very upset when Cory got on my laptop to do homework and pictures of Miley gyrating were on the msn home page, and he saw it. Obviously I can monitor the movies and/or TV shows he watches, but not every little picture snippet that shows on newscast and it's obnoxious. "Miley's appalling act and click here to see it again," link is tiring, along with the majority of young stars trying to "prove" themselves as a young adult. Gimme your hand, let's go find Billy Rae Cyrus, and all go learn about Jesus.

Tiffany said...

So true, Danielle! I remember when I was pregnant with my first, I went through all our DVD's and got rid of any of the ones I wouldn't want my kid watching someday. Being a parent puts things in perspective so well.
My kids have been learning a little song at church that says "If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do? Would I think of his commandments and try harder to be true? Would I try to share the gospel? Would I love more reverently? If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?"
Hearing their sweet little voices has helped me so much and helps me remember that Jesus IS always with us. Such a good reminder.
Thanks for the great post!

Brandy said...

Wow, this is great Danielle! Thank you so much for posting this. I will definitely share this with my hubby. We definitely monitor what we watch (both tv & movies), but maybe we should look a little more into it. Thanks again! Hope you, the hubby and the little one are doing great!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for this post! You're an inspiration. Keep up the good work. God Bless!

Unknown said...

Thank you for this post! I didn't watch the VMAs either but I did go and google the video and watched it....twice! My heart hurts for her! I need to monitor more of the music we listen to as well as movies! Thanks again for a wonderful post!

~Lindsey said...

Thank you so much for this encouragement~ that is so true! May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in the Lord's sight.

Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

We don't own a television, but I did watch Miley's "performance" on my computer later on. And I have since read several fascinating articles about how what was done on stage really reflects where we are as a society in terms of racism, sexism, objectification of sexuality, womens' bodies, etc. I encourage you to check them out if this is something you're passionate about. Even from a totally secular standpoint there are heaps of things wrong with what happened at the VMAs.

Victoria Strader said...

I love this so much. Your heart is incredible, and I can tell that a lot of care went into this post.

Joyfully,

Victoria

Les said...

When God started working on our materialism and time management, He lead us to remover our cable and now we only have Netflix. It is shocking how many people, including our friends, find it strange that we don't have cable. They can't believe that we don't turn on our TV every day. While it was quiet an adjustment in the beginning (I was a Grey's Anatomy girl...sad, I know) now I can see what a huge waist of God's precious time the TV was. I am so thankful that he gently brought about this change in our marriage and our family. With three children to raise, I don't need half-naked VMA performers giving them any ideas!

Anonymous said...

Great post! So hard to turn off the trash sometimes, but you are right!