Is watching a movie as a Christian a sin?
Watching a movie as a Christian is not a sin as long as the message of the film, the scenes portrayed on the screen, and the language used are not contrary to what the Bible teaches. The Bible urges us to guard our hearts and minds against the entry of material that might not only cause defilement but also grieve the Holy Spirit residing in us.
Ephesians 4:30 says:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Your eyes and ears are windows into your heart and mind. What you watch and listen to, gets deposited into your heart and mind. These deposits play an important role in determining your thought patterns. Your thoughts are responsible for shaping your actions and behavior. It is from your behavior that we can tell your character.
Jesus Christ said that what you say is determined by what is in your heart. This is recorded in Matthew 12:34, which says
“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”
Therefore, if you can control what it is that gains access to your heart, then your speech, conduct, and character will be upright.
The Scriptures exhort us to guard our hearts with all diligence because it is from here that the issues of life emanate. We read this in Proverbs 4:23, which says:
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
As a Christian, before watching any movie, consider the following factors:
- Message of the movie
- Language
- Helpfulness
- Is the Holy Spirit comfortable?
Message being relayed by the movie producer
Every movie is meant to convey a particular message to the audience. Christians are free to watch movies whose center of focus is glorifying God. This is in line with what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
The message being put across by the movie director must be aligned with the word of God. Otherwise, you will be better off not watching that movie. A scripture to guide us in this case is found in Galatians 5:19–21, which says:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like, of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Therefore, a movie that focuses on promoting works of the flesh is unwelcome to any serious Christian. The Bible says that we should flee from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. All these lead to destruction. We read this in 1 John 2:15–17, which says:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Therefore, we should keep off movies and anything else that tends to ignite the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life in us. This is to help us seek only those things that will build us spiritually and glorify God.
Language used in the movie
Some movies make use of vulgar language, which may not sit well with Biblical teachings. A good number of movie actors use obscene language that may make you feel very uneasy while watching the film.
The Bible urges us to speak words that edify one another and, where possible, use psalms and hymns.
We find these instructive words concerning our speech in Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Similar instructions are to be found in Ephesians 4:29, where we read
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
When you watch a movie where the actors use filthy language, you will be planting seeds of such a language in your heart. In the long run, you will find yourself bringing forth the same from the treasures of your heart.
Thus, it is better to avoid such movies altogether.
The helpfulness of the movie
Before watching a movie, a Christian should ask himself this question: How will I benefit from watching this movie? Or, what will I gain by watching this movie? Or, further still, will I be better off or worse off after watching the movie?
According to the book of 1 Corinthians 10:23, not all things that are lawful are helpful, and vice versa. This is what the scripture says:
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”
Thus, watching a movie for the sake of it or to pass time may not be a very good idea. This is because our time is precious and would otherwise be spent doing that which will build us up or advance the kingdom of God. Scripture urges us to redeem the time, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:6).
Is the Holy Spirit comfortable?
Before watching a particular movie, ask yourself, Will the Holy Spirit be comfortable with it? The Bible says that whatever we do, we should not grieve the Holy Spirit. This is according to Ephesians 4:30, which says:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
How do you tell if the Holy Spirit is comfortable or not? It is by listening to your heart. When you are watching a particular movie and you start feeling condemned, it is highly likely that the Spirit is not at ease with the movie. We find this in 1 John 3:20, which says:
“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”
Conclusion
This article discussed whether it is okay for a Christian to watch movies. In light of this, we identified some factors that a Christian should consider before settling down to watch a given movie. Not all movies are good to watch from a Biblical perspective. It is therefore important to exercise caution when settling for a particular movie because, what you allow into your heart and mind ultimately shapes your character in the long run. I leave you with the words recorded in Philippians 4:8, which say:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.”
I hope the information was helpful. Thank you.
Related Post: Movies a Christian should not watch
You can buy us coffee as a thank-you gesture by clicking on this link: Buy Me a Coffee
Are you a born-again Christian? If not, kindly say the following prayer from the bottom of your heart, and you will get saved.
Prayer to become a born-again Christian
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness;
I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are the only begotten Son of the living God.
I believe that you were sent by your Father to the earth to save sinners like me.
I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.
Come into my heart and baptize me with The Holy Spirit.
Thank you for saving me.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen!”
Congratulations friend! You are now a born again Christian!
Welcome to the Family of God!
Benediction
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Shalom.
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/
My name is Nicodemus. I'm a Kenyan by birth. I got saved about 30 years ago while in high school. I love studying scriptures in order to enhance my comprehension of God and His plan for mankind. I have a BSc in botany, zoology, and chemistry from the University of Nairobi and an MBA in strategic management from Egerton University. I’m married to a lovely lady called Leah. God has gifted us with three sons: Wayne, Salem, and Michael.
