Definition of “worldly” pleasures

[Michiana Mom]

The Bible says we are to avoid worldly pleasures, and I understand that we’re not to do anything sinful, but my question is whether “worldly” includes things like watching Netflix, or reading a novel, etc. I’ve been a Christian for years, and I know if someone had asked me this I would’ve said, “no, there are sinful pleasures and innocent pleasures; just don’t sin,” but in my slightly older age I’m starting to question this—I’m wondering if the “innocent”distractions I fill my life with are as innocent as I’ve imagined them to be (I’ve started to read Pilgrim’s Progress, and feel previous generations took the command to leave the “world” behind much more seriously than we do today).

Any opinions? I know salvation is through the finished work of Christ on the cross; I’m just wondering if we don’t misinterpret the commitment genuine faith requires.

[Tzephanyahu]

17 hours ago, Michiana Mom said:

The Bible says we are to avoid worldly pleasures, and I understand that we’re not to do anything sinful, but my question is whether “worldly” includes things like watching Netflix, or reading a novel, etc. I’ve been a Christian for years, and I know if someone had asked me this I would’ve said, “no, there are sinful pleasures and innocent pleasures; just don’t sin,” but in my slightly older age I’m starting to question this—I’m wondering if the “innocent”distractions I fill my life with are as innocent as I’ve imagined them to be (I’ve started to read Pilgrim’s Progress, and feel previous generations took the command to leave the “world” behind much more seriously than we do today).

Any opinions? I know salvation is through the finished work of Christ on the cross; I’m just wondering if we don’t misinterpret the commitment genuine faith requires.

Shalom Sister,

This is an important topic.

From my point of view, this is about balance. I do watch Netflix and I watch worldly TV programs occasionally.  But none of these worldly things takes my heart or mind from the Word.

Now, that is easier said than done. A few years ago, I could go days without even thinking of the Word and instead be entertained by worldly things.  However, once I started to intentionally turn my time and dedication to the Word, it started to consume me more than anything the world could offer.  I found myself getting bored with the worldly pleasures I used to enjoy and hungering for the Word and teachings on the Word.  But it requires YOU to do it.  As Paul instructs us in Romans 12 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

You have to be in or about the Word daily.  I don't mean "be a Christian", I mean read, hear or study the Word DAILY.  Use an audio bible, listen to teaching about the Word, watch teachings, studying the history of Israel and above all, meditate!  Meditation, from a Jewish perspective, is about thinking of a Bible passage or event and "chewing it over" in your mind - think about it, ponder about it, question it, replay it again and again.  If you do such things, the Word will take you to a new level and the worldly pleasures will lose their appeal.  Dedicate and meditate.

Again, today I can still watch Netflix etc (as long as it's not too dreadful) but it doesn't have the draw on me that it did years ago.  I appreciate the film or series for it's story and that's about it.  In fact, sometimes I watch it and a character will say something that will bring something I read in the Word back to mind and I'll start zoning out whilst I meditate upon it!  When your dedication is right, everything can be interpreted in the light of Messiah. 

In summary, as long as your alignment, dedication and devoted time is correct, don't worry about such things.  But if your conscience gives you a hard time, then stop.  It's better to follow your conscience than people on this forum!  

By the way, Pilgrim's Progress is a great book, right?  Here's a film version, done as a musical, free on youtube.  I highly recommend it. Link

Love & Shalom

[Who me]

It is up to you. I know people who will not watch any programe that contains balsphemy.

Other believers will not drink any alcohol or shop on Sunday.

There are no lists of do's and dont's, many people will offer you there list.

Is what you are watching, reading, doing honouring God?

Will the freedom you have in Christ do watch/read/eat/drink/go to etc harm a weaker Christian?