What if the biggest deception we see on television and mainstream media is not open idol worship? What if it is not all the ‘coincidental’ Illuminati references but something more subtle and sinister?
Not that any of the above is justifiable, or tolerable. But what if even with all of that, there is a more subtle, more deadly poison which without callling out, many of us would gladly gulp down.
The original deception brought before Eve was not to outright decree that god is unfait., but rather something more crafty. To doubt the integrity of god’s meaning when he had given them the instruction. The scripture says he cunningly lied that god was withholding something from them; the ability to be like God, and as a result a desire arose within Eve to taste the fruit.
I highlight the original story of sin’s entrance into humanity’s journey because it is rich in wisdom for us. Notice how the original fall of men was not by open idol worship? By a subtle and cunning deception that made Eve long for something that in the words of the Bible is described as “good for food?”
How many of us, after watching many movies, feel drawn by the main hero? Wanting to be as brave as Thor or as determined as Iron Man to save the world? How many of us watch many movies set not in a fantasy world but in today’s day and time and find ourselves admiring feats of love, bravery, honour, and courage depicted by many of the heroes?
Not that there is anything wrong in admiring virtue. Indeed, virtue must be admired. But let me ask you this, fellow believer. How many of these heroes display this virtue coming from a place of trusting God? How many portray this virtue as men and women humble and submitted to God, pursuing his purpose primarily and finding their comfort and strength in the holy word of God?
Whilst it is merely entertainment, there is something very deliberate in the absence of prayer, trust, and faith in God on the big screens. It is definitely no accident. In portraying virtue without God, as something to be admired and to aspire to, the message if this – there is and there can be a successful, meaningful life without God. Look at the honour and sacrifice that this hero can be; look at how loving and honouring he can be to his wife – is there really a need for God in your day-to-day life?
Think about it.
Every great man we are given as an example in the bible lived a lifestyle of prayer and dependence. Of thoughtful meditation and carrying the words of God in their heart. When we read of David, we read in the Psalms; how day and night he meditated on the word of god, and how that gave him strength and life. When we read of Daniel, we read of how even in his career as the foremost political leader, 3 times a day, he knelt, faced Jerusalem and prayed. We read of how Moses spent time in the mountain, talking to God ‘as a man talks to his friend’, and of how Jesus withdrew often to commune with his father.
We are not told this in scripture as a mere sidenote, but rather as a glimpse into the lifestyle that enabled these men who are just like us to live such great and extraordinary lives. It is a glimpse into what is available for us if we learn and lean into the same faithful and worthy God.
Now in its absence on the screen, consider my earlier argument.
Is it not a far inferior counterfeit we are selling all our attention for? Many studies highlight that the average family spends 3 to 4 hours daily on television, watching the most popular sports, movies, and series.
What are we filling our minds with in this time? Because certainly, the message is rarely to trust in God and he will prove to be dependable for you. We become what we constantly behold and meditate on. It is by design that we take in most of our information about the world by sight and by hearing.
Is it any wonder then, that when we interrogate ourselves and our lives, they often look as faithless as the ones we see in movies and on soapies? Is it a surprise that as a collective, we find within ourselves weird justifications for why believers should not expect the hand of god to intervene in our finances, health, and family here and now?
What else can we expect when the closest example of a hero I can relate to is Black Panther to Thor or Optimus? Rather than say Peter or Stephen or Timothy?
If my biggest heroes are not rooted in the word, then do I really expect that in my daily life I will aspire for more of God?
We need to introspect.
Selah