As a Christian, we worship God in every way we can. Yes, in every way. That includes our thoughts, actions, belongings, attitudes, perspectives and especially on our consumption of media.
The shows we watched or the books we read or the apps we use may have content that can make us corrupt. They have been influenced by certain spirits that are not of God.
It is important to guard our hearts because it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). Evil knows that humans have flesh and so, we are easily deceived if we don't really discipline ourselves to seek God and cling to Him.
This is why there are Christians who lost their faith. They had succumbed to the cultural pressures of the world because they have not put on the armor of God (see Ephesians 6: 10-18).
The battle starts in our mind. We need to be equipped to face evil's lures and deceptions. And so, we should be discipline to read and meditate on God's Word day and night. We need to cut off ourselves from some people. We need to carefully choose our friends and to meticulously examine what we feed to our brains because it will ultimately shape our beliefs and values.
When I realized this, I knew God was calling me to limit the youtube videos that I have been watching. Same with the music I have been listening.
Videos... There's not much a problem because I don't really like to watch a lot too. But music... Music is life. It is super tough not to listen to pop culture's music. It is played everywhere, in the jeepney (The Philippines's most common mode of transportation), in work, in malls, in home, etc.
It took a lot of discipline to change my playlist. It was a deliberate choice. At first, it is really hard but then I just got used to listening Christian songs even when I'm resting or working.
I was actually blessed to have some Christians playlist handy because whenever I'm down or angry or distressed, I am reminded of God's faithfulness, love, compassion, mercy and righteousness. I always remember Jeremiah 29: 11 and Genesis 50:20. I have kept them close to my heart and they give me hope and endurance for many challenges to come.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a futures.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is being done, the saving of many lives.
Here are some of my favorite songs:
1) Waymaker
And so, I guess I would like to point out really that the world is not really for us, Christians. It has many schemes to divert our paths so we have to be deliberate with everything. If we let the world choose for us, it will not really be for good. It will not allow us to worship God.