Hello ,

 

 

Here's a devotional that I penned in 2013. I believe that it's still applicable in 2020. Maybe even more so:

 

Over forty years ago, on July 17, 1953 C.S. Lewis wrote a letter to a Mrs. Frank Jones in which he explained why he did not own a TV set:

 

People who have sets seem to do nothing but go into a huddle over them every evening of their lives, instead of being out walking, or in their gardens. And of course, like all things which begin as luxuries, they end up by being necessities; an unofficial cost of living survey was recently held in our [community], and quite a large percentage of the working class interviewed complained that if prices didn't come down, or wages go up, they would not be able to maintain their payments on their television sets-which have now become part of the worker's basic standard of living.

 

Within the last few months, I overheard a couple talking in a department store.  They were bantering back and forth about what size flat panel wide-screen television they should have for their home. There was a bit of a disagreement between them, but the wife, (who was in favor of a smaller size,) said the following:  "I know we need a t.v. but I'm not sure we need one that large."

 

I couldn't help but wonder to myself if the word "need" has taken on a new meaning from Daniel Webster's original definition.

 

Please don't misunderstand me, I'm certainly not against owning a television.  I'm not the kind of person that attaches the word "evil" to media (although much evil emanates from these sources.) I'm thankful for the fact that I can actually spend a few devotional minutes with you every morning through e-mail, and having a television in one's home is certainly their prerogative.  

 

I do wonder however (if as a society,) we have gotten off track with our priorities. Using the word "need" in the same sentence as other words  such as "food," "water," and "shelter" is certainly understandable, but to use it along with "large, flat panel television" is a bit of a stretch for me. Feel free to put "smart-phone," "lap-top," "video-game," in the place of the word "television." 

 

I'm of the opinion that anything that takes first place over devotion to God and our families should be re-considered. It can sometimes take real effort to turn our backs on something that we enjoy, in order to spend time on something else that has more eternal value; but God can give us the strength to do it.

 

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word

 

 

P.S.  I put a picture of a 1970's television set in this e-mail. We struggled with prioritizing our time even back then, when there were only 3 channels to watch. Let's ask God to help us to put him first!