"My neighbor invited me over to watch a wrestling match on his new television set. I replied, `I am going to the prayer meeting this evening, and hoped he would not ask again, but he has not dropped it, and insists that I come later. He is a professing Christian and I do not want to offend needlessly, but do not intend going to see his television show. How best can I answer him?"
ANSWER: It is well that you came right out the very first time and showed your colors by telling him you were going to the prayer meeting; and you will probably be better off to let him know that the reason you do not come is that you are not interested but have something better. Your desire not to offend is good, and we need special wisdom from above to know how to Walk in separation from the world or worldly-minded Christians and yet give a testimony that is most likely to win them for the Lord. Our answers should be with "meekness and fear," as we seek to set before them our treasure in Christ who is in heaven. They need to know that our separation from the world's pleasures is not monkish asceticism, but the preoccupation of a person who has something infinitely better. Who would condemn a man for refusing to accept some copper coins if he were already loaded to capacity with gold? Our friends and neighbors should know that it is not that we feel we are better than they, but that we have found a better value and greater joy in Christ than anything the world can possibly offer.
If they speak about television, what vision does it bring? The world in its glory, its pleasure, and its crime-the world that is stained with the blood of the Lord Jesus. Does not Christ our glorious Head in heaven surpass any vision that earth can give? Should not ours be the language of Ephraim, "What have I to do any more with idols?" We have a treasure in the heavens that never fails, and where nothing can ever spoil it; it will last forever, while every vanity down here is but for a season. "The things that are seen" (by the natural eye, even in television) "are temporal; but the things that are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor. 4:1818While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18).
O worldly song and pleasure,
Your charms are spread in vain;
I have a greater treasure,
Where all is lasting gain.