The Spiritual Implications of Our Entertainment

All words are my own, zero AI. -David McCalebAs Christians, our choice of entertainment can provide a foothold to the kingdom of darkness. Much of what we place before ourselves, whether movies, music, or other diversion, lifts up a spirit which is not of God. In fact, it proffers the opposite. Receiving such as entertainment is a handshake with the dark kingdom, an agreement saying, “this is good for me to receive”, and hooks are set.To be clear, I do not advocate legalism where we script a “Thou shalt not” checklist for our entertainment decisions. Rather, in all things, including entertainment, we should love God.Spiritual AgreementsSpiritual agreements and earthly contracts are similar. One requirement for a contract to be valid is that both parties must benefit. For example, if my house’s shingles were damaged and I call a roofer to fix them, I receive the benefit of a proper repair, and the roofer receives payment.Likewise, sin is an agreement with the kingdom of darkness, a handshake where both parties receive benefit. We receive our payment, and the kingdom of darkness receives their pound of flesh as well. This exchange is illustrated repeatedly throughout the gospels as Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons, even telling people, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (John 5:14).Placing anything before ourselves as entertainment also creates a spiritual agreement. When receiving it, we are saying, “I like this. This is good for me.” An agreement is struck. Admittedly, every song or movie will have some element with which we disagree. Again, resist the temptation of legalism where we seek error in everything. However, when the spirit behind our entertainment is the kingdom of darkness, and we extend to it the right hand of fellowship, it is gladly received.The hooks are set.Problems arise when we do not acknowledge this debt to the dark kingdom. It is never forthright with its requirements, after all. Sin’s affliction affects not only us, but our entire family. Scripture makes clear that the keys we provide the kingdom of darkness not only open doors to us, but the generations that follow (Exodus 20:5, Exodus 34:6-7, Numbers 14:18, Jeremiah 32:18, Leviticus 26:39-42, 2 Samuel 21:1-14).The kingdom of darkness exacts payment through these spiritual hooks (footholds), by subjecting us to its whims. Paul says, “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). This verse can apply not only to festering anger, but other unrepentant sin. Such provides the kingdom of darkness a foothold. We become its slave, required to perform as it pleases. What payment does it exact? Ultimately, our death – spiritually and even physically if unrepentance or unforgiveness remains (Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 11:27-30).What Is It Worshiping?Christian, every song is praise and worship. The question is, what is the object of its worship? Listen to the words and many lift up self, fame, violence, lewdness, or other aspects of the dark kingdom. The same goes for video, books, or anything we set before ourselves. Agreements can be struck even without our realization.Food Sacrificed To IdolsNow, everyone has a different measure of faith, and some may argue this is food sacrificed idols. I agree…to a point. Scripture warns us to guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23) and be careful with whatever we place before us (Psalm 101:3, Proverbs 4:23-27, Job 31:1). Ask God for discernment, and He will provide.I Am Not Your Holy SpiritSit with God and talk about this. Ask for conviction where needed. Then, listen. Seek revelation about other areas needing submission as well. Submission is a pillar of spiritual warfare, necessary to fight effectively. We cannot serve two masters, and unrepentant sin and/or unforgiveness (lack of submission to God) rules over us. We cannot wage war in the spirit while allied with the wrong kingdom.Prove ItDo you love God? Prove it. Sounds crass, right? However, if we love Him, our actions will reflect it. Scriptural reference? Try the second half of James 2. We know this. It isn’t a new idea.But instead of creating a legalistic “Thou shalt not” checklist to self-righteously prove our love, seek His face in sincerity and the actions will follow. We could turn off every TV, silence every radio, close every book, and our hearts still overflow in self-effort and pride. Such would miss the mark.Seek God’s kingdom first. He will establish or tear down as needed. Submit to the tearing. Be encouraged. God bless!-David McCalebWant more on spiritual warfare? Check out The Lord’s Prayer Through the Lens of Spiritual Warfare series. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidmccaleb.substack.com