Come In?

"Knock knock." "Who's there?" ". . . ." When it comes to "knock knock" jokes, the responses vary and sometimes we find the final line funny while other times it's a groaner. However, not all actual knocks at the door are funny or welcome. Sometimes serious consideration needs to be given before the door is opened. We wouldn't just open our door to any and everybody. That could put our life or the lives of our family in danger.

Though we might be considered to be very hospitable, we generally do exercise some judgment with regard to who and what we welcome through our door to come in and share our lives. However, the front door is not the only means by which we INVITE INTO our home. Every time we turn on the television, pop in a movie, or begin an internet search, we are choosing what and whom we are INVITING INTO our home. Perhaps we would say the danger is not exactly the same as letting such through our actual front door, but is it really less of a danger; especially spiritually speaking? What is viewed from our television and computer screens can chip away at our spirituality and begin to deaden our conscience and the moral fiber God desires us to possess. Therefore, the INVITATION ought to be given very serious consideration.

David stated the resolve. . .
"(3) I WILL NOT SET BEFORE MY EYES ANYTHING THAT IS WORTHLESS. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. (4) A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil." ( Psalm 101:3-4 ESV)

Verse three in The New Living Translation reads, "I will REFUSE TO LOOK AT ANYTHING VILE AND VULGAR. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them." [NLT © 1997 Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

Certainly David did not have television, home movies, and the internet in mind when he expressed that commitment. However, would we not agree it relates to anything we choose to place before our eyes? Remember, it began with a look that invited sin into David's house. ( 2 Samuel 11:2) And that was just the beginning of the guilt David bore.

The same hand that can slam the door in the face of danger can also switch the channel or turn off that which is worthless, vile, and vulgar. May we, like David, give serious consideration to what we do choose to INVITE IN where we sit. If the Lord was sitting in the chair beside us would the choice be the same? Well, He knows. May our choices therefore be godly ones.

Have a great day SETTING THE EYES ON GOOD COMPANY!
Carl

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