You're set. You've turned down the lights, microwaved the popcorn and have a DVD ready to go into the player. The kids and you are ready to relax for the next couple of hours in front of the TV, but is the movie you are about to watch appropriate for children? The Ten Commandments give us good rules of thumb to follow when choosing a video (read Exodus 20:1-17).
God wants you to guard your heart, soul and mind and what we watch should reflect what we believe. The movie you choose doesn't necessarily have to be "Christian", but one that will uphold the values of a true follower of the Messiah.
Use this checklist below to see if the video you are about to watch honors Him.
Does the movie exalt any other gods? Does it contain witchcraft, sorcery or demons?
You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3
Does the movie promote idol worship? Does it promote false religions, such as bowing before a statue of Buddha? Choose a movie that reflects the truth.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.
Exodus 20:4-5
Does the movie contain profanity or use the name of God in vain? Just about any movie rated PG or PG-13 contains swearing. Only G-rated movies are profanity-free.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7
Does the movie respect and honor God? Choose a movie that will encourage godly behavior.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8
Does the movie encourage children to obey their parents? Movies today show kids rebelling against their parents. Choose a movie that encourages family values.
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12
Does the movie contain murders or violence? Choose a movie that encourages helping others.
You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13
Does the movie contain sex? Choose a movie that encourages keeping the marriage vow or the purity vow.
You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14
Does the movie glorify stealing or theft? Choose a movie that encourages honesty.
You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15
Is the movie based on a lie? Choose a movie that encourages truthfulness.
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Exodus 20:16
Is the movie about lust or greed? Choose a movie that encourages contentment.
You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:17
If the movie you selected gets a "thumbs down" for any of these commandments, you should select another video to watch.
