The Danger of Worldly Entertainment
In today’s world, movies, novels, and music are everywhere. Much of it is designed to entertain, but behind the entertainment often comes messages, values, and ideas that can shape the way we think. As Christians, we must be careful about what we allow into our hearts and minds, because these influences can slowly weaken our faith in God and shift our focus away from Him.
1. The Bible Warns About Worldly Influences
God’s Word makes it clear that what we take in with our eyes and ears matters deeply.
Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
1 John 2:15–16 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
When we consume worldly entertainment that glorifies sin, violence, greed, lust, or rebellion, it subtly trains our hearts to become comfortable with things God hates.
2. Entertainment Shapes Our Thinking
Movies and novels are not neutral. They tell stories that often push the world’s values—selfishness, materialism, lust, or even mockery of faith. Music especially has great power to influence our emotions and thoughts.
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
If we constantly fill our minds with worldly messages, we risk being conformed to the world instead of being transformed by God’s Word.
3. Losing Focus on God
Spending too much time on worldly entertainment can also crowd out the things of God. Hours that could have been spent in prayer, reading Scripture, or serving others may instead be wasted on what cannot satisfy the soul.
Hebrews 12:1–2 – “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
Our focus should be on Jesus. But when our hearts are distracted and filled with worldly noise, our vision of Him grows dim.
4. A Weakening of Faith
Faith grows when we hear and meditate on God’s Word (Romans 10:17). But if worldly movies, novels, and music become our constant diet, then our faith is slowly starved. Just like physical junk food can harm the body, spiritual junk food can harm the soul.
Psalm 101:3 – “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.”
Philippians 4:8 – “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.”
The more we fix our thoughts on what is pure and godly, the stronger our faith becomes.
5. Choosing Godly Alternatives
This doesn’t mean Christians should never read, watch, or listen to anything. But we must carefully discern. Ask: Does this draw me closer to God, or does it pull me further away?
- Seek out Christian books, films, and music that point your heart to Christ.
- Use entertainment as a tool to glorify God, not as an escape from Him.
- Fill your mind with Scripture and worship daily so that worldly messages lose their appeal.
Conclusion
Worldly movies, novels, and music are not harmless distractions—they carry messages that can weaken our faith and steal our focus from God. The Bible calls us to guard our hearts, renew our minds, and set our eyes on Christ.
Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
When we keep our hearts fixed on Jesus and fill our lives with His Word, we will remain strong in faith and unshaken by the world’s influence.