HELP- TV Addiction

Hello brothers & sisters!
It's been a while since I've been on here, but I get some of the best advice on here, so I'm always coming back.
As you all know, this modern era revolves so much around technology. While you can use the internet for a number of diff things, I think TV is different. It's practically the norm to be a netflix junkie or to religiously watch tv shows, movies, etc. It's not something blatantly bad; in fact, most of my church friends/acquaintances, in addition to my other school friends, have a habit of watching tv. I've recently had a lot of time on my hands and I've gotten so attached to watching tv online--from movies to tv shows. That would be okay if it weren't for the fact that I can see how much the devil uses this against us. The devil weaves his ungodliness very subtly in the programs and sitcoms we watch. Even something so simple as a brief kissing or sex scene shows you how humanity has abused their sexuality. Watching tv is also a great way to escape the real world, so much so that the more I watch, the less in touch I feel with the true world and God's truth. 

Please help me and share your thoughts!! This is something that is never really addressed, perhaps because it's such a normal behavior. I'm having trouble giving this habit up because I don't feel like it's bad i guess. I guess I feel that just because we're not monks or nuns, we can live worldy lives because we live in the world.

Please share your thoughts.
God bless!!
-your sister in Christ

Comments

  • edited December 2015
    I think it is a good idea to quit watching tv if you don't yet have a relationship with God. This advice is coming from someone who is struggling to learn prayer again.You can go back when praying has become a norm for you but you may find as you delight yourself in the Lord your desires will change and you will be able to stand up for your way of life to those who speak evil of you. You will find renewed energy to do other useful things that give glory to God and service to man so when they speak against you as an evil doer they may glorify God in the day of visitation. If you have Facebook it really helps to catch up with the latest news. But some think it is evil. It is not evil if it is used correctly but if you can't use it correctly then don't join but those who already have Facebook should learn to use it correctly.
    I don't know if Facebook gives you really much helpful news. Anyway you can learn the news and you can watch tv so long as you have formed a habit of having God on your mind often and praying

    I heard a priest say the words all things are lawful does not mean even sin is lawful but sometimes the government allows some things that are unlawful in God's eyes like pornography but you could say all things are lawful when they are used in the proper context such as sex which is only to be used in marriage. I know I sound like an idiot talking about sex but I don't want to beat around the bush and avoid hitting the real issue

    1 Corinthians 6:12-14 (NKJV)12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

  • First, acknowledging that you have a problem is the first step in the healing process. TV is like any other invention we have , it could be good or bad. I watch TV but i try to draw myself to certain shows on history channel so I'm sure i won't be subject to any un-Godly stuff. Sometimes, i force myself to leave my house , take a walk for example. Recently, i started my own blog to write my thoughts, this way i won't be on the couch watching TV all the time. Hope that helps , let me know.
  • edited January 2016
    Hi!
    This issue is totally understandable and many youth battle it in today's world but as God's children we must always be alert and remind ourselves of four important things (this helps me a lot):

    1) We live in the world, but we are not of this world. This life is temporary but it determines so much, which is our eternal life. Think do we want to enjoy the temporary worldly pleasures and suffer later or be occupied with God's love and learning to love him so that later on we are able to spend eternal life in His heavenly kingdom. 

    2) Just like mikeforjesus mentioned, 

    1 Corinthians 6:12-14 (NKJV)12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

    Yes we have free will, but that is the best excuse that the devil makes you think about. You are God's child, do not let the devil confuse you to make you fall in sin or to the world's power. instead look at your decisions very simply: Does a child of God do this? Or...? Would God be happy with me if i did this or would i let Him down? You will see the answer simply because of the Holy Spirit that is guiding you. The important thing is to LISTEN TO IT.

    3) Also in the Bible it mentions that we must remember our Creator in the days of our youth. God points this to the youth because He knows that youth are strong if they remain with God and that we battle many worldly temptations. You will grow up with God and love Him and spend more time with Him if you remember Him instead of all the worldly pleasures that occupy your time.

    4) Lastly, remember God loves you so so much. Be joyful that He has allowed you to realize that this habit is not beneficial for you. Not pure. Take this message from Him, repent, and confess. Start a new journey with Him, pick up your cross and follow Him. You will see His blessings and God will make you so satisfied without this habit because you chose Him. The life with God is very sweet. Sometimes we stray away but our Heavenly Father's arms are always open and He is always waiting at the door knocking for you to open and let Him back in to renew your heart.

    Some suggestions:
    Watch saint movies (Abouna Faltaous is recent and a very amazing modern movie of a saint)
    Read Pope Shenouda books, they are actually so beneficial (I recommend the Release of the Spirit as the first read, so nice)
    Sing/learn Tasbeha (it is really enjoyable when you learn it and say it, you will feel the prayers in your heart)

    May God bless you and be with you,
    I hope I helped and didn't upset you. Please pray for me.

    -mtawad


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