I'm turning off the TV for a while. I'm not sure for how long, and quite honestly I'm hoping to be back before the end of the season.
Why am I doing this? I can only tell you that I'm feeling convicted that this is what I need to do. I have actually felt this for several months and chosen to interpret God's calling in ways that still let me watch my shows. I'm feeling like I can't do that anymore.
I am scared to do this. I'm scared that my friends are going to think I'm a weirdo. I'm afraid of not having any input when the girls get together and start talking TV. I'm afraid of making them feel awkward around me, or feel like I'm judging them for watching the shows that I really want to be watching.
Friends, please believe me that this is not the case. I see this as a very personal conviction and I don't in any way think that this is something God is calling everyone to do. I don't think that it is a sin to watch 24. But for me, I feel like at times I've become more passionate about what Jack Bauer is doing to save the world than what Christ has already done. I just need to reshift my focus for a little while.
I hope it doesn't sound like I see this as any great sacrifice for the faith, nor do I consider myself a TV martyr. There are so many people around the world making real, true sacrifices for Jesus, that to suggest this compares to anything important is ridiculous. Right now I just feel like God has something he wants to teach me, and I'm more afraid of missing whatever that is than I am of missing Prison Break.
Do I want to know what's happening on my shows? Yes. So I will still enjoy hearing my friends discuss it. Please don't feel weird around me. What has kept me from being obedient up until now is the fear of what you will think. Satan is a deceiver and he has used this lie to keep me from doing what God is telling me for far too long. In my heart I know that we are bound to each other in friendship by the blood of Christ and not the epic saga of Jack, Kate and Sawyer.
But I will miss them. :)
3 comments:
I think we all need to assess what is becoming an idol to us and limiting our relationship with God. Paul's challenge of Moderation in all things is hard with the messages of the word. Good luck on your TV fast.
Listen, sweetheart, I would NEVER make fun of you or make you feel uncomfortable based on your personal God-driven convictions. I often feel the same way which is why I haven't picked up any new shows and won't once my faves go away. I was actually excited when Alias was cancelled (one less show to watch) and hope for the day when Jack Bauer conquers all badness; Jack, Kate & Sawyer find their way home; and Linc & Michael clear their names. We've been talking about stumbling blocks in Sunday School and we all have to ensure we don't become that for our friends. Instead of asking each other, "Hey, did you see this on TV..." shouldn't we be asking, "Hey, did you ever really read this verse in the Bible?" You inspire me - don't ever apologize for that.
This such a tricky thing. I don't watch TV. I guess I cannot say that I don't watch it at all. I see Curious George and Clifford most mornings on PBS. Beyond that, I just see an occassional "Numbers" show. There have been many times I have felt totally clueless in social gatherings. I just end up saying, "Oh, I don't watch much TV." I do it because I don't find TV very valuable. I want to encourage you that any time you have a personal growth challenge, you will be strengthened. Why did I say this is a tricky thing? (This isn't profound) Not watching TV frees up my time. But many things can zap my time even without TV. Without redirecting it appropriately, I am not any better off.
I will be praying for your passion.
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