God's Word on Discernment and Nurturing Our Spirits

One of the best Scriptures for direction on media discernment is Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world rather than on Christ.” Every movie, TV show and song contains someone’s philosophy. Of course, not all entertainment is “hollow and deceptive,” but much of it is. And unlike being taken prisoner during war time, the captivity process of the mind occurs slowly — a gradual desensitization.

Anyone taking a stand against immoral entertainment can rest assured that God’s Word backs them up. While self-righteously wielding the Bible can leave others cold, inviting them to thoughtfully and humbly consider what Scripture says about nurturing our spirits and being discerning Christians may have a different affect.

If you're a parent, be creative. You may want to walk through the verses below systematically as part of your family devotional time. You could share a verse each night at the dinner table. If you're single, talk about media discernment with friends and invite them to join you in reviewing these verses. Good Christian friends can hold each other accountable for making wise media choices.

The Bible verses below include links to their NIV translations.

The War Within Us

• John 3:1-21: Jesus talks about flesh and Spirit
• Ephesians 2:1-5: The sinful nature brings death
• Ephesians 4:17-24: Out with the old, in with the new
• Romans 7:14-25: Paul admits his own struggles
• Romans 8:1-17: Jesus: Cure for the sinful nature
• Galatians 5:16-25: Keys to living by the Spirit

Avoiding Indecent Exposure

• Exodus 20:1-21: God’s original Top-10 list
• Psalm 1: Be careful whose counsel you accept
• Psalm 11:4-7: The dangers of loving violence
• Psalm 101: David’s pledge of purity
• Romans 12:9: Hate what is evil
• Ephesians 5:11: Have nothing to do with darkness
• Philippians 4:4-8: Your heart’s best defense
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21: Test everything
• Colossians 2:8: Watch out for deceivers!
• Colossians 3:1-10: Trading junk for jewels
• 1 Timothy 4:7-16: A call to young Christians
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4: Don’t waffle on the truth

Preparing a Defense

• Ephesians 6:10-18: The full armor of God
• Matthew 6:19-24: Protecting the eyes
• 1 Peter 1:13-16: Follow the Commander
• 2 Peter 1:3-11: Weapons of spiritual battle
• Psalm 119:9-16: Armed with God’s resources
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Training to win
• 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: Taking thoughts prisoner
• Romans 12:1-2: Don’t be conformed; be transformed
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8: Control your passions

The Value of Wisdom

• 1 Kings 3:7-12: Solomon asks for discernment
• Proverbs 3:21-26: Benefits of discernment
• Genesis 41:15-40: Joseph interprets dreams
• Ecclesiastes 9:13-18: A tale of wisdom as strength
• Matthew 5:10-16: Salt and light to the world
• John 10:1-18: Knowing the Shepherd’s voice
• Philippians 1:9-11: The apostles’ prayer for you

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