Lent Day 37, Thursday, Mar 25, 2021

“No Television or Streaming Video”

Today’s Lenten Challenge will create problems for those of us who wish to put our feet up in front of the TV following a long, tiring day.  Some of our younger readers will think they are not impacted by a lack of television, so let’s also include the removal of streaming video today.  Why are we choosing to eliminate television and streaming video?  The answer is simple:  We need to discover alternate manners of communication, entertainment, and relaxation.

Over the years, most of us have incorporated television as a daily, regular habit.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing; but, when the television and video replace everything else, problems will occur.  In the last few months, I’ve spoken with several people who stated that they can’t turn on the television anymore because of biased network agendas.  My answer to them is simple, “Turn it off.”  It’s easy for me to say because I don’t rely on television as my primary means of communication, but lots of people do.

Some of us also rely upon television as a primary means of entertainment.  With thousands of programming options available with a touch of our fingers, it’s amazing that the statement, “There’s nothing on TV tonight” still exists.

Others of us use television as our primary means of relaxation.  Some of us have developed our sleep patterns based upon TV and video programming.  What if we decided to use that time, once per week, to read the Bible or pray?  Or, what if we used that time to spend time with our friends and loved ones (in person or on the phone)?

What will we discover today?  Take the Challenge!  Remove Television and Streaming Video for the entire day, and let God show us something special!

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NRSV)