Be Careful Little Eyes

One of the songs we teach little children reflected in the title of this article, warns them to be careful what they do with their eyes. All of us need to remember this lesson as we decide which TV shows and movies to watch, which books to read, which songs to listen to, and what to do on the Internet.
Recent Studies
U.S. News and World Report reported that teens who watch sex on TV are more likely to start having intercourse (USNews.com, 9/7/04).
Researchers at the RAND corp., the study referenced in the US News and World report above, found that it didn't matter if kids watched sexual behavior or if people just talked about sex on TV; the result was the same — kids who watch TV shows with sexual content are more likely to be sexually active.
The conclusion in the RAND study states that "watching sex on TV predicts and may hasten adolescent sexual initiation." Also that "reducing the amount of sexual content in entertainment programming, reducing adolescent exposure to this content, or increasing references to and depictions of possible negative consequences of sexual activity could appreciably delay the initiation" of sexual activities (PEDIATRICS, Vol. 114, No. 3, September 2004, pp. e280-e289).
A new study released in Pediatrics this month concluded that "exposure to sexual content in music, movies, television, and magazines accelerates white adolescents' sexual activity and increases their risk of engaging in early sexual intercourse" by as much as 2.2 times (PEDIATRICS Vol. 117 No. 4 April 2006, pp. 1018-1027).
Jesus Said It
These studies prove what we already know to be true. Jesus said, "The eye is the light of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. . . ." (Matt. 6:22-23).
Jesus tells us that we will become what we watch with our eyes. If we view good things, this will help us be good. But if we view evil things, this will encourage us to be evil.
Evil Companions
Paul warns us, "Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals'" (1 Cor. 15:33).
If we watch evil entertainment, we are prone to imitate the evil things we see. If we watch sexual content, we are prone to imitate the sexual behavior we see. If we watch violence, we are prone to imitate the violent behavior we see.
All of us should determine to turn from the deception of Satan, turning away from wickedness that corrupts good morals.
Be Committed, Like David
David's commitment was, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (Ps. 101:3).
All Christians should make the same commitment. It's not possible for us to avoid all the evil that is in the world. But we can avoid evil in many respects, including TV, movies, the Internet, video games, books, magazines, and music.
If you haven't made the same commitment as David, why don't you make it today? Set no wicked thing before your eyes!

Anxiety-What is it?

People relate to each other according to their own experiences.  If you have never experienced anxiety or depression it can be hard to know what to say to those who are.  Depression and anxiety seem to be a double sided coin.  Most who have had to deal with depression end up having at least some anxiety.  Those who deal with anxiety usually have to deal with depressionl.   
How is anxiety different from depression?

People who are anxious have feelings of fear, nervousness, and are apprehensive.  Those who are depressed feel empty, alone and sad

Anxiety causes one to always feel uptight.  They have tense muscles, heart palpitations, nausea, diarrhea and a general feeling of agitation.  Like an animal in a cage or a garment being tossed about in a washing machine.

Depression slows you down, makes you feel tired and sleepy.  You feel as if you are in slow motion all the time.  You may say to yourself  "will this ever go away?"

An anxious person will always be on the edge of their seat, easily startled.  You may become an perfectionist and worry if you can do the job right.

Those who are depressed will slump.  They don't have the energy to sit up straight.  They are no longer interested in hobbies they once enjoyed.

Anxiety causes one to have a very real fear of death.  They may think of it often, but they do not think of suicide.  They are afraid that they are not ready to meet God.  They will often stay home for fear of an accident.  They constantly worry what will happen to them, where will they do, what will their family do.....if they die.

Those who are deeply depressed only think of dieing.  They believe that is all that is left for them and its the only way to stop feeling so bad.  Those who are depressed often think of suicide.  They just want it all to go away.

Over the next few days I hope to be posting more about anxiety and depression.  I hope to take a Biblical look at it and see what we can do to overcome or help those we love to overcome these two debilitating issues.

Please feel free to comment or ask a question.  If you would are more comfortable with a private discussion email me brandypack@charter.net