From so many years ago I don't remember when this was. 2008ish?
In a moment of weakness, boredom, and not spending nearly the time I should have in God's Word about 8 months ago, I ordered a satellite dish to be installed in our home. I want to preface this post by saying that I am not judging anyone who has cable, satellite, or the like. I am not saying it is sinful to watch TV. I am saying that one must be careful what he allows into his home. The programming seems to be the major issue in our home, and for me personally, what I watch is the worst part.
Now, I am not watching pornography or anything like that, but the world certainly does creep into our home when we sit in front of the "idiot box"(as my dad used to call it ). Mostly, the problem for me is just wasted time that could be used for something more productive.
I like to think of myself as a man of moderation, someone who can use his time wisely and keep my priorities straight. This has been a lesson a long time in the making, I FAIL OFTEN. I am the type that makes habits, and the habit I had for many years was to come home, eat supper and plop down in front of the TV. In the past few years, I have done better. I only watch TV after the kids go to bed. The problem with that is that you tend to be lured into watching shows that are not really good to watch, but deemed "safe" as long as the little ones are not around. This logic fails quickly when tested, as anything that I do not want my kids to see is something I also should not see. SO, the TV will not be used much anymore, and when it is, it will be only for a movie that we own(all safe for family viewing) and even at that, not often.
We have only so much time to spend as a family, just with my wife and I, and we admittedly could spend more time in the Word and in prayer together. We need to use the time we have to honor and glorify God, to draw closer to Him, and to spend time talking about what God is doing in and through us as a family. The TV only hinders our spiritual progress. I know there is religious programming available, but most of it is not Biblical, and tends to become entertainment rather than edifying.
I don't mean to blather on and on about this, so I will leave it to what I written so far. I pray that those reading would consider the warnings set forth here and re-evaluate your own personal time spent in front of the tube. I don't think any of us could honestly say that we are exactly where God wants us, and thus we have room for improvement.
Tonight, we may read a book together, or just sit and talk. I love my family and I love spending time with them.
Mark
