Angus Jones is currently in the news, the actor for a tv sitcom (two and a half men)gave a testimony (click testimony) to the Forerunner. In his testimony, he lifts up the name of Jesus Christ, tells of how he finds Christ and tells the fans of the show not to watch it. It’s a very powerful testimony, where a youth in Christ, both in age (he is about 19) and in Christ (recently came to the faith), stands up for principle, he stands for what is right, even though many in the media is ridiculing him for his stance. How many of us that has been in the faith for years are standing for principles?
How many of us are still watching movies, and sitcoms and act in plays? Is it ok to partake in these things and not be affected? What does the Bible say? “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” -2 Corinthians 3:18 What we watch, what consumes us have an effect on our spiritual life, by beholding we become changed, let us behold Christ, so that we can be changed into his image. The Bible says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” -Amos 3:3 How can we watch movies, sitcoms, drama, etc., where people lie, kill, commit adultery etc., and not be on the side of the enemy?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8 This verse gives us a criteria as to what we are to watch and think about.
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement. [14] – {AH 516.2}
God’s people are not only to shun movies and the like, but we are not to be actors in them either.
Has God given you intellect? Is it for you to manage according to your inclinations? Can you glorify God by being educated to represent characters in plays, and to amuse an audience with fables? Has not the Lord given you intellect to be used to His name’s glory in proclaiming the gospel of Christ? If you desire a public career, there is a work that you may do. Help the class you represent in plays. Come to the reality. Give your sympathy where it is needed by actually lifting up the bowed down. Satan’s ruling passion is to pervert the intellect and cause men to long for shows and theatrical performances. The experience and character of all who engage in this work will be in accordance with the food given to the mind. – {2MR 246.3}
The Lord has given evidence of His love for the world. There was no falsity, no acting, in what He did. He gave a living gift, capable of suffering humiliation, neglect, shame, reproach. This Christ did that He might rescue the fallen.—Manuscript 42, 1898, 13. (“To Every Man His Work.”) – {2MR 247.1} Released February, 1963.
Let us keep Angus Jones in our prayers, that he may hold on strong, and that he may not give in to pressure and change his stance for the Lord. Pray that through this ordeal, Jesus will be glorified, and hearts will turn to Him.
“…Behold, to obeyis better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22) “… We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
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