Shine BrightSample

Day Five: Gonna Build You Up

Once upon a time, I (Bethany) did a super foolish thing.

I was young and insecure about my pale skin. Looking at gorgeously tanned models and other people whose skin couldn’t be compared to fresh dairy cream, I came up with a plan. I would simply lie in the sun for several hours, and my skin would become browned and beautified.

Girl, I was FRIED.

Let’s be clear that the sun itself didn’t hurt me. The sun’s rays aren’t always harmful but spending hours in the sun without sunscreen is.

The same thing is true of our media exposure. Media isn’t inherently bad; I love chilling to a good movie or listening to a fun song as much as the next girl. In fact, media can be an amazing gift. I wouldn’t have met many of the women in the GirlDefined Sisterhood without the Internet, and we can use media to honor God in lots of ways, including having fun.

That said, if I use media in the wrong ways—basically over-exposing myself to its harmful “rays”—I’m gonna get fried. And the damage may last a long time. The same is true for you.

Here are some examples: You may have been shown or sent an image that you just can’t get out of your head, no matter how hard you’ve tried. You may have read a comment or a whole book that negatively impacted you. You may have seen a TV show, movie, or music video that’s now on a repeating loop in your brain. My friend, this is all relatable. Media can do this . . . and more.

Our verse for today is a great way to measure whether the media rays we’re being exposed to are harmful. First Corinthians 10:23 tells us that everything may be lawful, but not everything is helpful. If we allow this truth to settle into our hearts, we’ll have a way secure gauge of what media we should keep and what we should ditch.

Today’s challenge: write down the last ten movies or shows you watched; songs you listened to; sites you visited; blogs, books, or posts you read, etc. Next, write spiritually helpful or spiritually hurtful beside each one. It’s okay if this takes some time. Finally, you’ll be able to see whether you’re on the way to being fried by your media usage or you’re staying safe. You have the choice, my friend. Honesty’s essential. Pray for God’s help to see clearly today.