6 Things to Consider About Your Media Choices
When you are seeking out entertainment, the sheer breadth of options can be overwhelming. There are always songs on the radio, shows on TV and movies in theaters that you can enjoy. How much do you think about this media, though? Do you ever wonder what effect it is having on you and what messages it is imparting? If you are a person of faith, these are questions that you should be asking yourself. These questions are even more important if you have a family, too. The media choices you make matter, and you should be careful what you consume.
The following are six questions every believer should ask about the media they are consuming. Whether you are a movie addict or a casual pop culture fan, keep these considerations in mind the next time you are looking for entertainment. You might be surprised by the difference it makes in your life to be more selective with the media you enjoy.
Is it Edifying to Your Faith?
In addition to the media choices you will find in the mainstream, you can seek out movies and music that are created for a Christian audience. Whether or not you choose media that is specifically faith-themed, you should consider how the media you are consuming is impacting your faith. Is it edifying? Does it encourage you spiritually and leave you feeling refreshed? Too often, the answer is no. Even if there is nothing explicitly offensive about the media you are consuming, if it is not edifying to your faith, it may not be a worthwhile investment of your time.
Does it Suit the Whole Family?
Finding family-friendly movies is a challenge. You might think that cartoons or comedies are a safe bet, but there is often questionable content even in these films that makes them inappropriate to watch with the kids. You should assess the media you are consuming to consider whether it is appropriate for the whole family. What messages and ideas are you exposing your kids to? Is their faith being strengthened by the movies you watch and the music you listen to? Organizations such as The Way International offer resources to build your family’s faith and make better media choices.
Does it Promote Poor Morals?
Sometimes, a piece of media is egregiously offensive to the point that it promotes poor morality and bad choices. Are you watching a movie that glamorizes promiscuity or trivializes lying? You might understand that this is wrong, but continually accepting media that says otherwise can gradually erode at your principles and make it more difficult to maintain your own moral standards. Whether you realize it or not, you are absorbing moral lessons from the movies, music and TV that you take in every day. Even the strongest believer cannot resist the influence of these forces.
Are You Uplifted By It?
The media you enjoy has the power to influence your mood profoundly. Whether you are listening to a song or enjoying a move, you might be moved to joy or tears simply because of the emotional impact it has on you. Music, for example, can make you feel an intense happiness that few other mediums have the power to produce. In addition to considering its impact on your faith, you should consider the impact that any piece of media is having on your overall mood. Nobody benefited from being sad, but plenty of media feeds aggression rather than contentment.
Do you know the things to consider about media choices for your family? Find out six great ones over at Click To Tweet
Is It Supporting Something Positive?
When you choose to consume a piece of media, you are also choosing to support the company or creator that has produced it. Money talks, and you are directly funding their efforts with your decision. Consider whether you are supporting something positive with your decisions. Is this a company that you would be comfortable promoting? Are you comfortable with the other media that they produce? If the answer to either of these questions is no, perhaps it is time to reconsider. There are better options, including those recommended by ministries such as The Way International.
Are You Proud of Your Choices?
At the end of the day, you need to be proud of the choices that you are making. If you watch movies and listen to music that you know your friends and family would disapprove of, it is likely time for you to consider what your priorities are. You are faced with choices every day, and it is important to make decisions that you can be proud of. Doing so will have a positive impact on your life and reinforce your faith rather than degrade it. That is something that you can truly be proud of.
These questions are important for anybody who wants to make better choices regarding the media they consume. Do not settle for sub-par movies and music when you can find media that is uplifting and edifying to your faith.
Disclaimer: I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate TigerStrypes Blog located at www.tigerstrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have no affiliation with these said companies, and have received compensation for posting about their service/product. The review that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience; I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.