Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: October 24, 2004
TELEVISION AND YOUR CHILDREN
Wayne Jackson
The most precious possession that a youngster has is his mind. The mind (sometimes designated as the
“heart” in biblical jargon) is that element of the human being out of which “choices” emanate, and thus that
which controls the direction of one’s life. Little wonder, then, that Solomon cautioned, “Keep your heart with
all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life” (Pro. 4:23). Christ himself warned that the vilest of evils
begin in the mind (Mark 7:20-23).
There is another proverb — not in the Bible, but nonetheless true — “as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.”
“Twigs” should be “bent” in the right direction, or, as Solomon said elsewhere, “Train up a child in the way he
should go . . .” (Pro. 22:6).
Training children is not an easy task. It requires patience, discipline, and perseverance. At times there will
be a clash of wills. Domestic skirmishes may ensue, but godly parents must “hang tough.” Ideally, they
should know what is best for their children, far better than do the children themselves.
Television is a wonderful medium of communication, valuable in many respects. It affords a wide range of
educational opportunities — many of which one otherwise would never be able to access. But this “highway
of information” is not necessarily a “highway of holiness” (Is. 35:8). It also is one of the most dangerous
venues of intellectual contamination.
Even organizations like the American Medical Association recognize this. The AMA has released a number of
studies warning of various liabilities associated with a child’s over-exposure to television, e.g., in the areas
of violence and sexual stimuli. The following are some of the guidelines that have been recommended by
various professionals who are interested in the care and training of your youngsters.
1.) It is recommended that children not watch TV more than one or two hours, at the most, each day.
2.) Do not permit children to have a personal TV in their room; you cannot monitor what they watch when
they are isolated from your supervision.
3.) Do not allow children to watch TV at meal times. Parents and youngsters should engage in meaningful
conversation at these times.
4.) Do not allow your children to watch TV if they have failed to do their homework (either their school
lessons or their preparation for Bible classes).
5.) Do not permit your youngster to spend hours playing video games. These will take their toll on their
reasoning skills.
6.) Do not allow your children to watch TV without monitoring their programming. TV these days overflows
with graphic lewdness and undisguised propaganda, the design of which is to break down moral barriers. The
Bravo channel has an aggressive pro-homosexual agenda. Remember, the crop “harvested” will be the results
of the “seed” that is sown, and your child’s mind is the “field.”
On the more positive side, encourage your children to read more. Introduce them to some of the older
classics especially written for youth, e.g., Robinson Crusoe and Little Women. Reward them for reading good
books.
With a scholastically sound, yet easy-to-understand version, initiate for them a reading program of short
segments from God’s Word each day. Help them secure a small library of tools that will enable them to
better comprehend the Scriptures.
Train these precious little minds in the right way while they are under your management. If you don’t
educate them, someone else will. The day will shortly arrive when they will be on their own. If parents have
not taken seriously their tutoring responsibility, serious consequences could occur, and years of regret will
be your companion.
— via “Christian Courier On The Web”
— www.christiancourier.com/penpoints/televisionAndChildren.htm
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NOTE: The above article is a timely reminder that we as parents should take heed to. It is a real shame that
many parents allow their children to spend hours on end watching the “idiot box” and playing video games.
Concerning point # 2 in the above article, I agree wholeheartedly, but with this disclaimer. I am not against
children having a TV period in their room. I see nothing wrong with allowing children to have their own TV
with the intent of playing video games. But, as point # 5 emphasized, they shouldn’t be allowed to spend
hours playing video games. I am, however, against allowing children having access to cable or satellite
connected to their TV. This was what point # 2 emphasized — “you cannot monitor what they watch when
they are isolated from your supervision.” I am convinced that TV has done much harm and continues to do
much harm in children (also in adults). TV can be a valuable asset, provided it is used in the correct
manner. But, let’s use some common sense, and let’s use our time wisely. Most importantly, may we strive
to implement the timeless truths of God’s Word into the minds of our children (cf. Deut. 6:6-9; Eph. 6:4). Let
us not allow Hollywood to instill trash and filth into them. We will be held accountable by God.
“I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me”
Ben Justice
As one of the consequences of David’s illicit sexual union with Bathsheba was the death of the child that
was conceived. The account is given in 2 Sam. 12:14-23. Nathan, the prophet, had told David that this would
happen (2 Sam. 12:14). When the baby was first born, “it was very sick” (v. 15). David prayed to God and he
fasted (v. 16-17). However, the child died (v. 18). David then “arose from the earth, and washed, and
anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped.” He then
“came to his own house” and ate (v. 20). David’s servants wanted to know why his disposition had changed
from one of fasting and weeping, to one of not fasting and weeping (v. 21). David realized that weeping and
fasting would not bring the child back (v. 22-23). Then, David made this remarkable statement in v. 23: “I
shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” Note these important points in connection with David’s
statement.
First, there is life after death. Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). The answer is
“yes.” In Matt. 22:31-32, Jesus said, “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which
was spoken unto you by God, saying, (32) I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” The implication is that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were indeed
alive. The account of the Rich man and Lazarus clearly teaches that there is life after death (Luke 16:19-31).
Second, the statement David made implies future recognition. In Gen. 25:8, Abraham died and the text says
that he “was gathered to his people.” The Rich man recognized Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:23).
Third, the statement of David destroys the doctrine of “reincarnation,” which says that those who die come
back to earth in another form. David clearly stated, “he shall not return to me,” that is back to this earth.
The Hebrews’ writer declared, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).