Baptism Into Television

When I figure out how to do it, I will be posting Greg Simpson’s classic poem, ‘Ceremony.’ 

Simpson and his wife, Kim, were used by the Lord to pull me away from television, and indeed, to begin to question the effects of entertainment not only on the culture, but on the Body of Christ.

I hope, when I finally get ’Ceremony’ up, that the Lord uses it as powerfully in your lives as He has in mine. 

Christians “compartmentalize.” We can praise our God, read Scripture, serve in ministry, yet think nothing of watching the foulest entertainment. It is difficult, yes, because in these times, most entertainment is offensive to God. So what do we do?

“Kill your television” comes to mind. Of course, we have the internet, video games, movies, and much more. We have The Shack, Twilight, and many other things that do not honor Him.

For some time now, God has been treated as if He were an entertainment device.

These things you have done and I have kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes. (Psalm 50:21)

It is about far more than foul words and nudity. These things that we feed on affect us, and affect our walk with God. Yesterday on Resurrection Sunday, my pastor noted that for the past fifty years we have (correctly) celebrated the love of God; but we have not done so well in understanding His holiness, righteousness, and yes, wrath.

For if we did, we would not watch the things we watch, not read the things we read.

Your words were found and I ate them, And your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)  

It is through entertainment that the world is pouring into the church. The ‘Ceremony’ Simpson writes about is exactly where many of us place our children.

Too late for me–but maybe not for you.