“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Discerning Our Choices
As we face the decision of whether to watch horror movies, we must approach this choice with discernment. Our entertainment choices reflect our values and beliefs. We should ask ourselves if the message or themes conveyed in these films align with what we stand for as followers of Christ. It is essential to focus on content that uplifts and brings peace rather than fear and unease. We need to think critically and choose wisely to maintain our spiritual well-being and to ensure what we consume doesn’t negatively impact our faith or mindset.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
The Impact of Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion that can dominate our thoughts and feelings. Watching horror movies often plays on this fear, pushing boundaries that may leave us feeling anxious or unsettled. We should be mindful of the emotional and spiritual impact horror content may have on us. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to dwell on peace and reassurance rather than fear and anxiety. It is vital to prioritize what brings us hope and comfort, leading us closer to our Creator.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
Proverbs 1:33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” – Proverbs 1:33
Uplifting Entertainment
When it comes to our viewing habits, we should seek out films and shows that inspire and uplift us. Entertainment can be a powerful tool for spreading messages of hope, love, and faith. By choosing content that aligns with our beliefs, we can create a positive environment for ourselves and those around us. We should embrace entertainment that fosters joy, kindness, and spirituality, drawing us closer to God and each other.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
1 Peter 3:10
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Setting Boundaries
Having boundaries in our entertainment choices is essential. They allow us to protect our hearts and minds from content that could lead us away from our faith. It is perfectly okay to set limits on what we watch and how much we consume. By being intentional about our choices, we can make sure they align with our desires to grow spiritually and to stay rooted in Christ’s love.
Matthew 5:29
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” – Matthew 5:29
1 Corinthians 6:12
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
Encouragement and Strength
We often need encouragement and strength when making entertainment choices. Watching horror movies may not align with our values, and it’s okay to seek support from others in our decision-making. We can turn to friends, family, and church communities for guidance and encouragement. Together, we help one another stay aligned with faith and walk confidently in our choices.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
Choosing Godly Content
As we think about what to watch, let’s be intentional in seeking godly content. This means looking for movies that reflect positive values, encourage good character, and portray love and kindness. By filling our minds with content that draws us closer to God, we can experience spiritual growth and a joyful heart. Let’s remember to ingest media that provides us with hope, wisdom, and strength.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” – Psalm 101:3
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“But test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Matthew 12:34
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Final Thoughts
In the decisions we make about what to watch, we must remember to seek God’s guidance. Choosing to watch horror movies can lead to fear and anxiety, emotions that are contrary to the peace God wishes for us. Instead, we should concentrate on uplifting content that draws us closer to God, enriching our hearts and minds. As a community, we can encourage one another to explore entertainment that reflects our faith and values.
God calls us to surround ourselves with positivity and hope, and we can stand firm against choices that don’t align with our beliefs. We all want to make choices that honor Him and benefit our lives. Let us build each other up, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.
If you’re curious about other topics related to our faith, I encourage you to explore more. You might find inspiration in 1 John 5:1 and in 1 John 4:21.