Content and Compromise
Today’s readings were 1 Samuel 26 and Matthew 18. In 1 Samuel 26, Saul continues his hunt for David. David gets the opportunity to kill Saul again, but he refuses. David trusted God to take care of the problem, putting his faith into immediate action. Hopefully we don’t have an angry king actively hunting us down and wanting to kill us, but we all go through trouble. David leaves justice in God’s hands. Like David, we need faith and the courage to wait on the Lord, our Shield. Today’s verse is Psalm 27:14, and it goes well with this chapter.
‘Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.’
Psalms 27:14
Turning to Matthew 18:6-10, Jesus speaks of the severity of temptations and the tempters.
Much of what we consume through music, television, or social media invites compromise—tempting us to step out from behind our Shield. If a movie has an “R” or even a “Mature” rating, we probably shouldn’t be watching it. I try to police what my kids watch. But Disney+, Netflix, and others actively develop “kids shows” that promote lifestyles directly opposed to what the Bible teaches.
‘But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. ‘
Matthew 18:6-7
We need to stand firm and amputate any content that tempts us to compromise our relationship with God.
So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Matthew 18:8-9
When I think of the people developing content that tempts, I can’t imagine the sorrow that awaits them if they don’t turn from their sin. I had to ask forgiveness for letting my kids watch inappropriate shows. I may not have been creating trash, but I was funding and fueling its creators. I pray for those who are creating content that tempts others, that God will change their hearts and put them on the right path. I pray that we Christ followers can wait patiently on the Lord, that our children and we are rooted in Christ, are strong and courageous in our faith, and that we resist temptation. Lord, make us invisible to the enemy; help us discern the schemes and snares that lead to compromise. Keep our eyes and ears fixed on you, Jesus.