By Al Menconi
Al Menconi Ministries
August 1, 2006

(AgapePress) - What would you think of a man who spends the evenings prowling through the neighborhoods peeking into bedroom windows, watching couples having sex? What if he shares his voyeuristic exploits with his friends, and claims that his "habit" is simply normal entertainment? Would you consider this perverted?

Think about it. Isn't that what much of today's entertainment does? Doesn't it often put our mind's eye into somebody's bedroom so we can watch their sexual activity? Now I've never seen a porno movie, but from what I've heard, it's nothing more than a series of sex scenes strong together for about an hour-and-a-half. Is it less of a porno movie if they show sex scenes for only a half-hour? Is it less pornographic if it's cut to 15 minutes? How about if they just have a couple of sex scenes?

Do you see what I'm getting at? Many of today's TV shows and movies contain immoral sexual behavior as part of the story line. It may have a legitimate story to tell, but do they include sex scenes to excite the viewer? Are you allowing your mind to "peek into someone's bedroom?" Are you acting like the pervert we just described?

How does this affect us? Romans 12:1-2 commands us not to be conformed to this world's morals and values, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. How do we know if we are conforming to the values of this world? One way is to examine our entertainment. Are we entertained by immorality, violence, and profanity? Are we just excusing it away, rationalizing that it's normal because everyone else watches it too? If so, we are learning to conform to the world's values.

I've noticed that I have learned to accept more and more immorality in my entertainment. I remember reviewing the movie Superman II and being offended by all the violence and mayhem. I was especially disturbed that Superman had sex with Lois Lane. I was sitting next to a little boy who was laughing and cheering at all the destruction and lusting at the sex scene. At the time, I was wondering what was wrong with his mother to let him watch this. But when I saw the same movie again recently on television, it didn't bother me. It seemed normal. Like that little boy's mother, I'd gotten used to it, which is another way of saying that I am learning to conform to the world's values.

We can use the acronym CAN to explain this phenomenon. Whatever is Common in the entertainment media is considered Acceptable. And if it is acceptable in society, it must be Normal. Common, Acceptable, Normal. But it is often not acceptable or normal in God's eyes! I am ashamed to say that it was becoming more acceptable and normal in my life. Has this acceptance of immorality invaded your life as well?

Reflection: What CAN We Do?

• Remember we are in a spiritual war with unseen powers for control of our mind. The battle is for our mind! The sinful mind is hostile to God (Romans 8:7).
• Resolve not to entertain yourself with the godless values of this world. Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies (Colossians 2:8).
• Replace the empty philosophies of this world with Christian values through Christian music. (Read about the "Full Tilt Media Challenge.")
• Verse of the Day: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).