Television…touchy subject, at times. We are now more careful (than we used to be) about what our family watches. We have always thought about what we watched, but mainly paid attention to the Rating.
But, sometimes, the “G” shows are not what I would consider a “G” show…and well…The Passion of the Christ is “R”….but, what an amazing movie to witness the love Jesus has for us.
A few months ago, I was sitting at the table with my children and we were talking about movies we used to watch,…no longer watch and how the TV is turned off (for the most part) except for a minimal amt of time each week. During that conversation…my oldest asked about the ratings of certain movies, what they meant and if those ratings had changed over time….and then,he asked this question: If the Bible was made into a movie, you know EXACTLY like the Bible, without any changes…what would it be rated.
Oh, loaded question at the time….I was Reading through the Bible in 90 Days…and was currently reading (and blushing through) the Song of Solomon (so, it was fresh on my mind)…..and, I grinned a sheepish grin and said: Rated X
OK…I did not think about the fact that my son had no idea what that (rating) meant…and at one point during the winter, we let him watch (bad idea)….a movie that will remain un-named….It’s a movie, that we should have kept at a parent level. Well, he thought it should be rated X…
So, I had to sit down and tell him what Rated X meant….at a level that was suitable for him.
I chuckle a little at this learning experience….and am thankful for the loving conversations we have with our children…including the ones where we think we are the teachers, but end up being the students!
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness.” Matthew 6:22-23
Oh, I’ve goofed several times in parenting and I’m sure I will again. Adam and Eve were the first parents…and not perfect. Cain and Abel were amongst the first siblings we learn about…and well, they show the epitome of sibling rivalry. I do not think that lets me off the hook, but gives me insight that perfection as a parent…is not attainable. Yes, training our children’s Character and giving them a foundation in the Bible helps….but, it’s still the Father who has to work on the hearts..of our children…and our own! I’m thankful for grace and mercy from my Father and my friends…and pray that I give the same grace and mercy to them.
It’s time to plant some Mustard Seeds with Jennifer Janes. I hope you’ll drop by her post….it’s always so beautiful and filled with sweet love. As always, you can find more inspiration at The Wednesday Word, iFellowship, (in)Courage and A Holy Experience. While you are here, leave a comment or link up…no rules, you don’t have to mention us or use our button…..just words to encurage others!
That is an excellent question!! Wow – never thought about what the Bible would be rated as a movie. Going to ask the hubs!
It definitely gave us an opportunity for some interesting conversations…that are ongoing!
I had that conversation with my daughter recently. They had no idea what Rated X was. We, too, are very careful what and how much they watch. This verse is a great reminder when our values are being challenged, why we made the choices we did. Thanks for linking up!
Tammy, thanks! It’s interesting…the conversations we have, as they grow older!
Great post. I love your approach on this subject matter. I must keep this in mind as I am sure the day will come when we will be having this same discussion.
Debbie, I just had to laugh a little at the situation….the black/white/gray of it all!!!
What a great conversation to have with your kids…blessings!
Wow! Truly great approach to a delicate subject! Thanks for allowing us to smile while being reminded of the importance of what we take in with our eyes.
I had to laugh about it….we all make mistakes…Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!
The Bible has a lot of aggression and sex in it that has required me and my husband to have to explain some things. At least it is better than having to explain content from a movie or friends’ comments.
Sharon, very true statement…what better way to teach them than with God’s words…about that precious wedding gift!
Ah – television. I remember when my mom turned off cable back when I was in middle school for “Turn Your TV Off” week in April. It never came back – and to be honest, the only things I miss are HGTV, the History Channel, and the Food Network! Ha! They should make a homemaker/homeschool version of cable with just those kinds of components – maybe discovery channel, too. Anyway – great words on the subject. We need to re-evaluate the types of media we consume – especially with little ears and eyes around now.
Alle,
There are some programs out there….we do have Ameba tv…and netflix, but I feel like we have more control over those. We have considered…AngelTV…I think is what it’s called…but have never purchased it….there are somethings I miss…but, they do not outweigh what I do not miss!
Yes, it’s so easy to let “little” things slip into our lives that seem small but reap big harvests! I know that I even deal with being on Pinterest too much! (My eyes see so much that I could do or want to do, and I start focusing on the things that I don’t have instead of being grateful for the things that I do have!) Thank you for the reminder that as parents we do make mistakes.
Oh, and Angel TV is okay…they have some good, old-fashioned programming (like the Waltons), but they also have Hallmark and GMC (gospel music channel). While both can be good stations, they can also have some questionable material. I’d rather stick to Netflix: no commercials and I can pick and choose what I want my daughter to watch (when we get to that point!)
Jennifer, Thanks! Maybe that’s why we decided not to go with it…it’s been a couple of years since we researched it.
Hi there! Stopping by from iFellowship! I love your blog. And I love your post today. It is so true that God is the One who does the work in the hearts of our children, and not us. It is so easy to be convinced that we are responsible, and try to drive that nail in…but it is Him, and oh how wonderful He does it! Thanks for sharing =) Have a great week.
Kelli,
Thank you. I chose the name of my blog…because of the mustard seed…how it grows…and to remind myself..I’m planting them all day, in every moment…the Father has to water them. However, I’m human..oh, so human and get it wrong a LOT…which means we talk about Grace and Mercy…for Mommy…a lot!! Thanks for dropping by! You have a GREAT week, too!
We’ve recently come upon this conversation as well. We gave our kids the freedom to try and choose a show to watch on Netflix and they chose Power Rangers. We talked through the show with them and watched it realizing what we once thought was borderline was actually really cheesy! I agree it’s better to see the content and make a choice then go by ratings!
Beth, It’s hard some times…..to know exactly what to do….to educate our children and prepare them, but also protect them!!! Thanks!