the usefulness of giving up something useless

I just realized that I didn't watch a show tonight I normally would watch.  Meaning, I used to record it and watch it later in the evening when the kids were in bed.  You know, because of "some of those jokes" in the show.

Only as I was setting up my shows to record this season I had this internal conviction (Holy Spirit?) that I'd felt last spring when the show ended.  Namely, that the values in this show ran against the grain of what I value... and I was compromising because it was "hilarious."

Rather than avoid that reality, I've chosen to face it.

And the funny thing is... I don't miss that show at all.

And it turns out I actually feel more consistent than I did before.  At least, in this moment.  I'm by no means perfect in this, and hypocrisy on some level may be unavoidable (because we are all on some level imperfect).

But what can't be avoided is the choice we have to be hypocritical on purpose... or not.

Notice that I haven't shared what the show is.  It's irrelevant... because I'm not asking you to adopt my values. Rather, I challenge you to be faithful to the ones you say you maintain.  Especially if you are a Christ-follower.

I mean, if you are... and I am... shouldn't you and I follow Christ in all things?  Including entertainment?

Or not?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)