I don’t hear many people talk about “their stories” very often anymore in the context of soap operas. I don’t know if soap operas have simply fallen out of vogue or if I’m running in non-soap opera circles. I know it’s not because people aren’t closely following shows and series, because I often see social media posts when a new season of a show airs or new episodes stream. We certainly follow stories. Perhaps you’re more into the crime stories, entertainment shows, or home improvement shows. You might like news programs, human interest stories, love stories, comedies, or sports. Even if you don’t watch television much, you mind be drawn to movies, podcasts, or books. You’re getting stories from somewhere.
The choices you make about what you watch and in what stories you invest affect your life. I know, I know, so many people will respond with a flippant, “Really? Does it really matter all that much? I mean, it’s just entertainment!” I like entertainment, too. I enjoy going to a good movie (and eating buttered popcorn) or lazily watching a movie on a rainy afternoon; but I’m not naïve enough to think the choices I make about my entertainment have no impact on me. The books I read, sites I visit, and shows I choose all influence me, because I let them into my mind and heart, as least for a brief window of my life. And then there’s the argument that as long as I enjoy it, it’s okay. After all, don’t I have the right to watch whatever I want?
Rights? Privileges? Well, we certainly have opportunities to choose. But just because we can choose something doesn’t mean we should. What should we choose and what should we avoid?
Are the stories we’re following displacing the importance of God’s story in our lives? How is God weaving your story with your choices?
Know God today. Choose well.
Pure Purpose 