We will
engage in those activities which glorify God in our body and which
avoid the fulfillment of the lust of the flesh. We will read, watch,
and listen to those things which are of positive benefit to our spiritual
well-being.
Glorifying God in Our Body
Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are to glorify God
in our body (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are
to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians
5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted
in several passages of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9,
10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices, which are
made prominent and condemned in these scriptures, include homosexuality,
adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt
communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing,
murder, drunkenness, and witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the
practices of the occult, which are forbidden by God and lead to the
worship of Satan.
Reading, Watching and Listening
The literature we read, the programs we watch, and the music we listen
to profoundly affect the way we feel, think, and behave. It is imperative,
then, that the Christian read, watch, and listen to those things which
inspire, instruct and challenge to a higher plane of living. Therefore,
literature, programs and music which are worldly in content or pornographic
in nature must be avoided. A Christian is not to attend (or watch
on television) movies or theatrical performances of a demoralizing
nature (Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:8).
Benefiting Spiritual Well-Being
The use of leisure time in the life of a Christian should be characterized
by those activities which edify both the individual and the body of
Christ (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31,32). We are to avoid places
and practices which are of this world. Consequently, a Christian must
not be a part of any other types of entertainment which appeal to
the fleshly nature and/or bring discredit to the Christian testimony
(2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1 John 2:15-17).