The Plugged In team has spent quite a lot of time lately strategizing what Plugged In will look like in the next five to 10 years. We’ve pounded out our mission and vision statements (again). We’ve bantered about the outreaches we currently have, and how they might be even more effective, now and in the future. We’ve looked down the road a decade or so, listing a number of objectives, strategic goals and tactics that align with our mission and vision.
I’m excited about where this process is going, and I think Plugged In will be able to help you in new, exciting ways in the future.
But as important as it is to think about what Plugged In might look like in the future, I see a weighty side benefit from the process, and how it helps us right now. And it’s this: It seems like every time we get together to discuss futuristic goals and objectives, someone on the team reminds each of us that our reviews and radio features, for which we’re primarily known, are secondary to something we all see as central to Plugged In’s purpose: Helping you become more media savvy.
Or put another way: We believe Jesus cares about what we watch, listen to, play, read and consume, and we want you to successfully navigate them and make wise media choices. Yes, we want to tell you what’s in a movie you’re thinking about seeing. But why do we care? Because we want you to be more discerning.
This is not new for us. But admittedly, we know we could be better here. It’s that belief that had us launch our Movie Nights years ago. They’re no longer available (except three recent ones mentioned in a blog a few months back), but we’re trying to figure how best to bring them back. We’re talking about, as a team, updating my Plugged-In Parenting book (2011). We’re asking ourselves if we should relaunch the Official Plugged In Podcast that was crazy-popular in its day.
In the meantime, it occurred to me that you might benefit from having a list of scriptures we compiled—a list we believe contain biblical principles that can guide media consumption. This list of scriptures helps guide our team in what we do every day, and maybe they’ll help you navigate the world of entertainment and technology, as well.
Now, to clarify, the Bible says nothing specific about how to handle horror films. Nor does Leviticus offer “Thou shalt not” guidelines on risqué R&B or profane video gaming. But the Bible surprisingly has a lot to say, principle-wise, that can help us guard our hearts.
So before I list those scriptures, let me point out in what type of situation you may want to use these:
- A personal study such as your own devotional time
- A small group Bible study
- Youth group discussion
- A study for a Christian high school or college course such as Bible, Christian Worldview, or apologetics
- Family devotions
- Share one scripture per night during dinner time for discussion and meditation
Read the verse and then ask, “How does this Scripture relate to entertainment? How could it help me be more discerning?”
So, here’s that list of “media-related” scriptures:
The War Within Us
John 3:1-21: Jesus talks about flesh and spirit
Romans 7:14-25: Paul admits his own struggles
Romans 8:1-17: Jesus: Cure for the sinful nature
Galatians 5:16-25: Keys to living by the Spirit
Ephesians 2:1-5: The sinful nature brings death
Ephesians 4:17-24: Out with the old, in with the new
Avoid Indecent Exposure
Exodus 20:1-21: God’s original Top-10 list
Psalm 11:4-7: The dangers of loving violence
Psalm 101: David’s pledge of purity
Philippians 4:4-8: Your heart’s best defense
Colossians 2:8: Watch out for deceivers!
Colossians 3:1-10: Trading junk for jewels
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: Test everything
1 Timothy 4:7-16: A call to young Christians
2 Timothy 4:3-4: Don’t waffle on the truth
Preparing a Defense
Psalm 119:9-16: Armed with God’s resources
Matthew 6:22-23: Protecting the eyes
Romans 12:1-2: Don’t be conformed; be transformed
1 Corinthians 9:23-27: Training to win
2 Corinthians 10:3-5: Taking thoughts prisoner
Ephesians 6:10-8: The full armor of God
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8: Control your passions
1 Peter 1:13-16: Follow the Commander
2 Peter 1:3-11: Everything we need for life and godliness
The Value of Wisdom
Genesis 41:15-40: Joseph interprets dreams
1 Kings 3:7-12: Solomon asks for discernment
Proverbs 3:21-26: Benefits of discernment
Ecclesiastes 9:13-18: A tale of wisdom as strength
Matthew 5:13-16: Salt and light of the world
John 10:1-18: Knowing the Shepherd’s voice
Philippians 1:9-11: The apostle’s prayer for you
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