Streaming Temptation
As more and more people are at home, more and more people are streaming entertainment. According to a study done in April of this year, 75% of people are watching more streaming content now than before the pandemic. We have more content to consume than we’ve ever had in the history of human civilization, and with smartphones and LTE, it’s never been easier to consume this content—we can stream anything, anywhere. But not all of the content on the various streaming platforms is good—sometimes it’s downright sinful and it can be tempting to indulge in it, especially when the story or trailer for a movie looks really good, or everyone is talking about how good it is. When Jesus was tempted in the desert, He used Scripture to fight back against the temptations. We would be wise to follow His example, so here is a short list of verses to help in those times of temptation when you are scrolling through your streaming options.
“You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.” (1 Peter 4:3)
“So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then.” (1 Peter 1:14)
“Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
“Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)
With all this streaming content, it can be tempting to tip a toe into a world of sexual lust and immorality, but we must remember that the old life is gone and the new has come. No story or visuals or action sequence is worth committing a sin against the Lord. You’ve had enough of the evil things in the past; now you are a child of God so you must live as His obedient child. We can try to justify it all we want, but God examines our hearts. The next time you find yourself tempted to watch something you know you shouldn’t, combat that temptation as Jesus did: with powerful Scriptural truths.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
—Redeemed
