I remember a time when I was at a friend's home, just hanging out and getting to know his teenage friend who was visiting from Washington. We decided to watch a movie, but the debate was 'which movie?' My friend suggested the French film Amelie, which I had seen before and enjoyed very much, but I questioned if we should watch that film (with short scenes of sex and nudity in it) with the teenage boy present. My concern was brushed aside with a "Oh, he's okay."
I was younger then, and not yet a parent. Today, I would have refused to watch that film with the teenager, even if his parents were there, for I have come to realize that I should never assume that a person has the same weaknesses and temptations that I have. Just as I would not take a recovering alcoholic to a bar just so I could have a beer, I would not knowingly watch a film containing sex, violence, or scary images with others unless I know for sure that it is okay. (side note: I don't watch any type of scary movies, I prefer not to watch violent movies, and occasionally a movie I choose has a sex scene or nudity in it, but we'll fast-forward through it.)
In Paul's letter to Corinth, he shares his wisdom in such situations.
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (I Corinthians 9:19-22)
He continues to say:
"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others... Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (I Corinthians 10:23-33)
And this applies to anyone in our Family, no matter what age, but I am thinking especially of my children. My husband and I have had to train ourselves to think twice about books, magazines, movies, food, and even clothes. Things that before were "No problem" now are potentially a problem in our house. We don't want to be the ones who cause our children to stumble later in life by exposing them to things that are not Godly. Yes, some things are 'okay'. Yes, our culture allows much today. But not everything is good or beneficial, especially in God's eyes. Our job as parents is not only to shield and teach our children, but to guard the spiritual lives of these young brothers and sisters in Christ.
I urge you parents not to bring your child to a movie just because you're itching to see it and you couldn't find a babysitter. Or watching a show with questionable morals (even subversive ones) in the presence of your children. Or dressing your child in something 'cute' if the outfit is inappropriate even on a young lady or man.
Remember the words of Paul, for the sake of our young brothers and sisters.
Footnote:
If you are looking for a resource for censoring media, check out http://www.almenconi.com/. Al Menconi, whom I have heard speak live, is passionate about our children's hearts and how movies, TV, music, and video games affect them. He also has a website that clearly describes the contents of a movie, going beyond G or PG to tell you if the film has issues with content or message. The reviews are for current and recent films: http://www.pluggedin.com/.
www.imdb.com have also started including a Parents' Guide for certain movies (scroll down past the 'Cast' to 'Storyline'.) They are also detailed, but they do not touch on the spiritual aspects of the film like Al's website does.
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