Have you ever heard the children’s song “O Be Careful, Little Eyes?” The first verse urges us to be careful about what we see with our eyes because our Father in heaven knows our true intentions. How can we be faithful with our eyes, loving God with everything we see and cast out fear in our lives?
Abhor What is Evil
Well, October is always a tough month for me because I see so many images of evil, fear, and death. While others seem to enjoy tinkering with fear, I become a cornered wolverine when another Friday the 13th commercial pierces my peaceful evening.
But fearful media doesn’t return to its home in the underground come November 1, so I’ve had year-round practice turning my inner wolverine into a laid-back otter.
The Apostle Paul provides an answer in the Book of Romans.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good (Romans 12:9).
The Greek word for “abhor” comes from a root meaning “separation.” So to “abhor” evil is more than hating how it makes you feel. It means taking action to separate yourself from evil, whether it’s images, sounds, words, or actions.
Cling to What is Good
I love scripture because our God is so practical. Not only does He tell us what not to do, such as don’t flirt with evil, but He also tells us what we should do: cling to what is good. And in Philippians 4:8, we get a wonderful list of things to cling to.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8 is a beautiful litmus test. Are your little eyes viewing truth, nobility, purity, love, goodness, or virtue?
If not, consider turning the channel, closing the browser, looking away, walking away, whatever it takes to separate yourself, and cast out fear from your life.
The best way to cast out fear is to never let it in.
God is love, and there is no fear in love. So if we want to be more like God – and love without hypocrisy – then we should seek truth, choose virtue, and cling to the praiseworthy media you discover, knowing that your Father is looking down in love.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your Word, full of goodness and truth. Thank you for giving us clear, practical instructions to separate me from fear, grow in love, and become more like You. Please forgive me for the times I’ve chosen media that wasn’t praiseworthy in Your eyes, and I ask for better discernment in the future. Most of all, Father, thank you for giving Your only Son, Jesus, to save me from the eternity of evil I deserve. Amen.
