My dear friends, Recently we read of an experiment conducted in West Germany. A firm that was making a study of human behavior recruited about 200 persons to test whether they could live one year without watching television. The researchers were astounded when within six months' time the "boob tube" had vanquished them all! The more surprising because these individuals had been selected because of their respective independent attitudes and personalities. They had entered into the program confident that they were superior to any enslaving habit; nevertheless an overpowering force drew them back to the "screen."
Have you or we, dear Christian friends, ever experienced something of this nature as we have trifled with that which we had felt we could easily dominate, but to our dismay discovered that we were not masters of the situation? Self-confidently we had exposed ourselves to temptation that resulted in heartbreaking loss of communion with our Savior and compromise of good testimony before men.
How often it has occurred that well-meaning Christians have introduced television into their homes with firm declarations that they will control it: just particular programs at certain hours, and never on the Lord's day; but their good intentions were soon vaporized in the warm glow of the "tube," as were the vain aspirations of the 200! This illustrates how very weak the flesh is; the believer must be careful as to what he "looks upon" if he is to grow in things worth while, to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." It is a well-known fact that whatever enters into our minds through the "eye-gate" has far more effect upon us than that which is received through the other senses.
It has become commonplace for some Christians to have this fantastic instrument in their homes. But, my dear friends, as Christians, as "Christ's ones," ought we not to be very careful as to what we introduce into our little "sanctuary," our home? Have we left our first love? Have we fallen into such a low state that we willingly expose ourselves to the strong and ever present temptation to let that which is "of the world" afford entertainment for us and our children? Is not Pro. 23:3131Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. (Proverbs 23:31) instructive? "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red." Wine is the stimulant of nature. Ought we not to avoid looking upon that which spoils our taste for what is infinitely better?
Where then should we be looking? "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb. 12:22Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2). The Apostle Paul said, "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." He had seen Christ in heavenly glory! Have we by faith caught the heavenly vision? Do "we see Jesus... crowned with glory and honor"? Are we seeking "those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God"? Is our mind set "on things above, not on things on the earth"? Do we know that "when Christ, who is our life, shall appear," then we also shall "appear with Him in glory"? In a word, are we obedient to the "heavenly vision" in a thorough-going devotedness to Christ, or are we enslaved by man's television?
"Be Thou the object bright and fair
To fill and satisfy the heart;
My hope to meet Thee in the air,
And nevermore from Thee to part;
That I may undistracted be
To follow, serve, and wait for Thee."