Purify Your Mind Series (Part 2) by Joe KirbyNäide

Entertainment Won't Set You Free

Remember when Saul lost the anointing of God and an evil spirit began to torment him? It’s interesting that Saul didn’t call for Samuel to come and minister to him. He chose musical entertainment rather than the man of God to deal with the spirit. In God’s grace, the Lord providentially sent another man of God, the soon-to-be king of Israel, David.

Do you see an image of Saul in your own heart? When struggling with strongholds and stress, it’s easy to turn to entertainment to soothe us and help us escape the problem, without facing the real issue head-on. Leonard Ravenhill said, “Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy. The more joy you have in the Lord, the less entertainment you need" (Ravenhill, Sodom Had No Bible). Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). But we go to Netflix, Instagram, or music for rest, even though we know it only covers up the issue.

So let me leave you with two thoughts. First, if there is a Samuel near you—a pastor or an elder of a local church—make sure you confide in them about your secret battle. There’s nothing they haven’t heard before, no matter how “holy” they look!

Second, be careful how much time you spend with entertainment. Why not swap that TV show for a Christian book, or that chart-topper for a worship song, or even social media for a sermon? You’ll be amazed how much more rest you will find when you start living the radical Christian life.