NOVEMBER 21, Psalm 101:3

Jeremy and Alicia were lying on the floor watching a television show when their parents arrived home. “What’s on?” Dad asked, as he sat down in his favorite chair.

“Oh, some show about an undercover policeman who’s trying to break the mob’s secret code.” Jeremy kept his eyes glued to the television set as he answered.

“Oh, wow! Look at that, Jeremy!” Alicia kept her eyes fastened on the television set. “He’s breaking into the mob’s warehouse where they store their drugs. See! He’s got a shotgun, and he’s going to blast the bad guys.” “Wait! There’s his girlfriend! I wonder if they’re going to kill her?”

Alicia sat up straight. “I hope not! They just fell in love at the beginning of the show,” she said. Just then, a loud burst of gunfire pierced the stillness of the living room, followed by a torrent of staccato machine-gun fire. The mobsters began to fall to the ground while the hero continued to recklessly shoot around the warehouse. It was a violent scene.

Dad got up, walked over to the television set, and turned it off. “I thought you two knew better than to watch such a programme,” he said. “Doesn’t that violence bother you?”

“It’s not real,” Alicia protested weakly. “Real or not, this kind of entertainment is wrong,” replied Dad. “In fact, just this morning I read some verses that talk about these kinds of television shows.”

“Aw, Dad, the Bible doesn’t mention television shows,” objected Jeremy. “Well,” said Dad, “Psalm 101 says, ‘I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.’Wouldn’t you say that could be applied to programmes like the one you were watching?”

Mother nodded in agreement. “You kids did not make a good choice when you picked that show.” Jeremy and Alicia looked ashamed.

“But Mom,” protested Jeremy, “there’s nothing better on.” “You forgot one option,” said Dad. “You could shut the television off – in fact, that’s what you should do.” He smiled. “Now, how about if Mom and I challenge you two to a board game? Alicia, you pick one out.”

Thought: Are you careful with television or computer games that have violent themes?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be discerning with regards to what I watch on television and the games I play on my computer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.