Jesus and the Bad Girls Club

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I was at the gym today, working out without headphones to listen to the television or music.  I sometimes choose to do this to allow my thoughts to flow without interruption or influence from outside sources.  Though music often helps me remain energized when I exercise, it is equally as refreshing to me to have my mind flow freely without influence.  Going to the gym then becomes as much as a cognitive exercise as it is a physical one.

That is not to say that I am not somewhat distracted by the television screens that are all around me.  The "Oxygen" network was airing at the gym and the show "The Bad Girls Club" was on.  I am not very familiar with the program.  I know that the show consists of women behaving poorly while wearing very revealing clothing.  While this may appeal to the carnality of men, my spirit does not enjoy watching these types of shows.  Frankly, it upsets me.  Most of these women would benefit from some deep healing, really good therapy and perhaps some psychotropic drugs.

Watching these women behave in such inappropriate and childish manners caused me to think about the a majority of the television programming that Americans view regularly.  Reality television shows like "The Bad Girls Club," "Jersey Shore," "Housewives of _________(insert wherever here)," "The Bachelor," and even "Survivor" all seem to maintain its audiences by attracting them with the sin of others.  It seems that most Americans, including Christians, find others' sin to be enjoyable entertainment.  We find the ridiculous appealing because it supports the defense of "at least we aren't that bad."  Perhaps we enjoy these shows because we will not allow such immorality in our own lives; we can view these programs to vicariously experience the consequences of decisions our sinful nature longs to make yet our fear of the consequences will not permit.  Or maybe Americans are sadistic and enjoy watching the spiritual, emotional and physical suffering of others.

It does not surprise me that the world would highlight and glorify sin through mainstream media.  Why wouldn't the world do that?  Sin is the world's master and Satan its prince.  It does surprise me that so many of us Christians watch these shows without second thought of their impact on our own spirits and hearts.  God has always been more concerned with the matters of the heart than He has with the outward signs of our allegiance to Him.  What good are the words of our mouths if the meditations of our hearts are displeasing to Jesus?  Delighting and finding entertainment in the sin of others is equally as offensive to the righteous God who has set standards of conduct for our betterment and protection.  Ultimately, what about these programs do we find entertaining? We have to ask ourselves these questions because we are held to a higher standard because the Spirit of Christ dwells within us.  Furthermore, the world holds us to a higher standard of conduct and attitude because we claim to reflect the light of the God of the Universe.

Many will state that I am making a mountain out of a molehill.  I am absolutely willing to admit that I am convicted by my own words.  I am an avid Netflix user and enjoying watching shows like "Bones," "Law and Order SVU" and "In Plain Sight."  These dramas all include immoral behaviors and perspectives.  Still, my intention in writing this post is not to be the legalistic television police to make Christians feel guilty for watching a certain television show.  My intention, however, is to push us to ask ourselves the hard questions.  Why do I find this program entertaining? Does this feed my spirit or my flesh?  What is God's opinion of this show?  Reality programming offers a unique line of questioning, supposing that the shows are not all scripted and may potentially involve the hearts and lives of real people rather than actors playing real people.  Jesus loves the women of "The Bad Girls Club" and wants to transform their hearts so they no longer fit in with that club.  Jesus desires to speak to the hearts of the women on "The Bachelor" to tell them they do not have to line up to win the heart of one man who will enjoy manipulating and neglecting their hearts.  He wants to be their Rose of Sharon.  The examples go on.

I have a lot of growth that I need to experience in this area of my life and faith walk with God.  Perhaps we can all work towards gaining more integrity in even the seemingly unimportant areas of our lives (like television).  True story.