Discerning

I’m always on the lookout for a good romantic comedy/drama and this week I found a TV programme that seemed to fit the bill. But like many things I stumble upon in my quest to find something “light”, it took things to the edge with some of its content and language.

I found myself feeling uncomfortable as these elements kept pushing their way through an otherwise entertaining programme. Yet because I was enjoying the storyline, I excused the parts that were challenging and kept watching.

And then this scripture:

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”   John 3:19-21 MSG  

Here’s what I took from this: God is trying to shed light into our lives and sometimes, when that doesn’t suit us, like when we are watching something that is essentially (and intentionally) “dark”, we keep watching it [in the dark]. I justify to myself that I can handle and discern the content I am watching… but can I?

My conscience nudging me is a sure sign my actual attention is needed. And instead of hiding my little “dark” secret and thinking it doesn’t matter, why don’t I ask God if it does?

I realised that the reason I hadn’t asked was that I didn’t want the answer to be “No”.  

If I truly want God-light in my life, then I have to be prepared to ask Him, “Is this ok?” and to step away from it when it’s not.

Photo by Francisco Andreotti on Unsplash