Not only are VOICES very influential in your health and growth (see my last Blog entry: “CHOICES and VOICES”), but PICTURES are even moreso. We live in a digitized age where pictures are seen everywhere. Probably the greatest invention ever, so far as the broadest influence, is the TELEVISION. Making pictures available along with sound to hear and watching it all continually moving in time is mesmerizing. Television certainly is highly influential (more than most realize) and is even an important aspect of many tragedies….
No matter what is argued, there is no doubt that moving pictures control us. This may also come in the form of video games or even movies (including self-made home movies). Movies are also recorded and watched repeatedly and are playing constantly on Television and even the Internet. Television is the most broadly influential of all, as it is viewed by those of all ages, and by the most human beings worldwide.
Friend, it is tragic in itself that we fail to realize the effects that Television has on each of us. Certainly, video did mean much to the 04-16-07 VT Shooter (Seung Hui Cho), as he made his own and even sent it to NBC News in between his shooting rampages that day. This video was then televised to people tuned in all over the world until pressure and time replaced the story. Consider also the massive impact that video websites such as You Tube have on so many people worldwide. Television is a great tool for good, yet is often used to promote evil. Commercials and advertisements help run our economies, yet even they can negatively convey information. Violence, profanity and even immorality are mainstream today and constant exposure is, at best, not healthy.
I have personally been very careful at what I and my children have watched on Television over the years and have also noticed how important this is for others. Having now been involuntarily placed in three different mental health facilities, I have also seen how Television effects (more negatively than positively) the mental health of the patients in these facilities. At best, it confuses those who are mentally weak or troubled. Television will also negatively oppress your spirit, and at the same time, often improperly stimulate your body.
Scripture is helpful here. Consider the following verses for further thinking:
“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.” Psalm 101:3
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23
Please consider the incredible impact of Television in your life and seek to avoid the tragedies that can come with it. Your health, growth and ability to prevail are at stake.
Lessons To Learn Ministries 