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Key Bible Verse: These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away (Isaiah 29:13). Bonus Reading: Matthew 23:25—28

I went to a local Christian retailer in search of a book by a Christian publisher, entitled At a Theater Near You. Since I couldn't find it on the shelves, I asked a salesperson if she'd check to see if the store carried it. Turning to her computer, she asked, "What's the title?" I told her. Without entering a word, she replied, "Oh, we wouldn't carry a title like that." A quick poll of the growing line of people behind me revealed that they all agreed: a Christian bookstore is no place for such a book.

Is it likely that the people in line that day didn't own a tv, vcr, or audio system? A Barna Group research study in 2000 showed no significant statistical difference between Christians and the general public in owning a vcr, and having cable tv or satellite programming. According to the report, "Born again adults spend an average of seven times more hours each week watching television than they do participating in spiritual pursuits such as Bible reading, prayer, and worship. They spend roughly twice as much money on entertainment as they donate to their church. They spend more time surfing the Net than they do conversing with God in prayer."

—William Romanowski in Eyes Wide Open

My Response: Am I as discriminating about my entertainment as about my language and behavior?

Adapted from Eyes Wide Open (Brazos, 2001) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, the entertainment I'm exposed to could easily deflect my mind and heart from Your truth. Help me make sound choices.

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