What does the Bible say about secular entertainment? In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to avoid it. With smartphones in our hands around the clock, our culture is saturated with modern media. So, how do we, as Christians, navigate all of this and still honor God?
Is it okay to watch that show everyone’s talking about? Should I avoid secular music entirely? What does the Bible say about the idea of entertainment in general? Let’s explore these questions from a Christian perspective, staying rooted in God’s Word and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible Doesn’t Mention Netflix, But It Speaks to Our Hearts
While there’s no single word in the Holy Scriptures that directly says “Don’t listen to secular music” or “Avoid all secular content,” the Bible gives us principles for living a Christian life in all areas of life, including our entertainment choices.
This is what Paul says in Philippians 4:8, which is great starting point:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about such things.”
This isn’t just about Bible study and worship music. Paul is challenging us to fill our minds with good things, even in our everyday lives and the forms of entertainment we enjoy.
Why Christians Should Be Discerning About Secular Entertainment
To many people outside of Christianity, and some Christians, God seems to have a lot of rules for us. But the truth is, everything God says has a purpose, and his commands result in his people honoring him and living their best lives. Restricting anything in our lives can feel like a punishment. The truth is, God is so much wiser than we are, and he directs us toward prosperity and away from many hardships, if we’ll just listen. Here are some reasons Christians should consider their entertainment carefully:
It protects your heart and mind.
Not everything out there lines up with what we believe. Being choosy helps keep your thoughts and emotions in a healthy place.
You avoid picking up bad habits
What we watch and listen to can rub off on us. Staying away from stuff that glamorizes sin or harmful behavior helps keep your actions in check.
It helps you stay grounded in your faith.
The Bible tells us to focus on things that are good and pure (Philippians 4:8). Being mindful of your entertainment helps you stick to that.
It builds discernment.
Learning to spot what’s good and what’s not in media helps sharpen your ability to make wise choices in all areas of life.
You reflect Jesus better.
What you consume says something about you. Choosing uplifting content shows you’re serious about living out your faith.
It keeps conversations more uplifting.
Some shows and songs can drag your mind into gossip, negativity, or just unhelpful stuff in general. Choosing better content helps you stay positive and encouraging.
It’s good for your relationships.
A lot of entertainment today sends unhealthy messages about love, marriage, and friendship. Picking better options supports healthier connections with others.
It helps you avoid temptation.
Let’s be real, some content is just a stumbling block. Avoiding it altogether makes it easier to stay on the right path.
You’ll feel more at peace.
If you’re watching or listening to stuff that’s full of drama, violence, or anxiety, it can mess with your peace. Choosing things that are calm and uplifting makes a big difference.
It can actually help your faith grow.
When you choose things that line up with your values, it reinforces what you believe and can even inspire you to live it out more boldly.
You’re setting an example.
People notice what you watch and listen to. Making good choices can be a quiet but powerful way to show what you stand for.
It helps you spend your time better.
There’s so much content out there, it’s easy to waste hours on stuff that doesn’t matter. Being intentional helps you make space for what really does.
Entertainment That Honors the Glory of God
The goal of a Christian life isn’t to walk around constantly afraid of enjoying a good movie or a funny video. But as children of man created in the image of God, we’re called to live in a godly way. Our entertainment choices can either help or hinder our spiritual growth.
Ask yourself:
- Does this piece of content encourage sinful behaviors like sexual immorality or mocking God?
- Does it promote Christian values like kindness, humility, or compassion?
- Would I feel comfortable watching or listening to this in a church building?
The Apostle Paul also reminds us in Colossians 3:17:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Biblical Example of Joy and Discernment
King David, the man after God’s own heart, wrote Psalms of David that were often filled with joy, praise, and dancing before the ark of God. He also understood what it meant to guard his heart. In Psalm 101:2-3, he said:
“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.”
Even in the reality of human experience, David aimed to honor God in private and public. The same goes for us, when we’re choosing what to watch, scroll, or listen to, even in the open field of pop culture, we must walk with a good conscience. With that said, it’s a daily battle between the secular movies and TV shows, music, books, and all of the many forms of entertainment we have at our fingertips. It has definitely gotten more difficult with the development of more and more entertainment.
Practical Tips for Making God-Honoring Choices
- Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment before hitting play.
- Don’t just settle for commandments of men, seek the truth in God’s Word.
- Replace toxic content with great works from Christian artists or media that aligns with Christian values.
- Limit exposure to secular media that causes spiritual unrest or tempts you toward sinful ways.
- Remember, a merry heart is like good medicine (Proverbs 17:22), so focus on what is good.
Entertainment Isn’t the Enemy, It’s a Personal Decision
Mary, mother of Jesus, didn’t live in a media-driven age, but her response to God, “Be it unto me according to your word,” can inspire us to bring even our entertainment choices before the Lord. Every small step of obedience counts. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s best.
Some pop culture may be harmless, while others may subtly erode the integrity of your heart. It’s not always about cutting everything out but about putting God in first place. It’s also about your personal life and relationship with Jesus. If you have a history of struggling with something, like sexual sin for example, then it would be important that you specifically avoid that in entertainment so you don’t stumble back into that sin.
We’re not called to legalism, but to the renewal of your mind, so we can test and approve what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Final Thoughts
The Bible may not list out every movie title to avoid or musical artist not to listen to, but it calls us to be holy in all things, even the things we do for fun. Choose entertainment choices that align with the Word of Christ and reflect the steadfast love of the Lord will do nothing but improve our lives overall, even if it seems like we’re missing out at the time. Trusting God’s word and focusing on God’s glory in everyday life will bring greater things to your life.
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