For the first two years of our married life, Steph and I decided not to have satellite TV or cable in our home.  Every once in a while we would rent a movie, but for the most part we found other ways to entertain ourselves.  Well, last November we finally decided we would sign up for cable TV after our long hold-out.  I would be lying if I said that we have not enjoyed our venture back into the world of television.  Almost every morning we watch the Today show and we love the Travel channel, HGTV, and TLC.  Those of you who know me well will not be surprised to learn that I watch the odd sporting event. 

While we have enjoyed being back in the TV world, we have also been shocked and dismayed by the amount of garbage we’ve been exposed to.  It seems as though there is no “safe” time or program or channel these days.  No matter how guarded you are, eventually you are bound to stumble across something you shouldn’t see or hear.  Whether it is half-naked women, filthy language, or anti-Christian messages, no one is free from the junk we find today on the tube. 

This past Monday, I was reading in Philippians when I came across a familiar verse.  “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)  To say the least, this is a convicting verse.  Paul makes it clear that what we expose ourselves to and think about is critically important.  If we continually fill our minds with garbage and worldly things, it can only affect us in a negative way. 

As I read through this verse, I came to realize that the only thing that fits Paul’s criteria is the Word of God.  If we want what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise, then the best thing we can do is to fill our minds with the truth of God’s Word.  Anything else falls short of the apostle’s standard. 

Should we get rid of our TV?  Steph and I have yet to come to that conclusion.  One thing is for sure – we need to spend less time in front of the tube and more time in God’s Word and in family worship.