People seem to have become more and more lax over the years as to what is acceptable in movies, TV shows, and music, not to mention a whole host of other entertainment mediums. What was once unthinkable is now commonplace. This means each of us has to be more discerning in what things we will allow into our lives through media. I'm not going to talk about what specific ratings or shows or songs are acceptable and what aren't. I don't have the authority to dictate what you do or don't watch, nor will I try to do so. But I do want to lay out an important guideline that should influence everything we do, whether it's related to media or not.
Paul taught this principle simply yet powerfully: "Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Does the Holy Ghost enjoy being around vulgar language? Does He enjoy being around immorality or violence or inappropriate humor? No. And if you choose to indulge in such entertainment, He will leave. The Spirit of God cannot dwell in unclean temples.
Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, "If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us" ("That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us," Oct. 2006).
So any time you aren't sure whether something is appropriate, ask yourself: Can the Spirit be present as you watch that movie? Can the Spirit be present as you listen to that music? Can the Spirit be present as you play that video game? If the answer is no to any of these questions, you know what you need to do.
God's promise to us is that each of us can feel the Holy Ghost. For those who have been baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority of God, the promise is that we can have the Holy Ghost with us always. I don't think we fully appreciate this. We have the promise that the Holy Ghost, a member of the Godhead, who will lead us, guide us, and walk beside us. Are we willing to give that up for a few hours just to indulge ourselves in some short-lived excitement? To do so is a solemn mockery of one of the most sacred gifts we have been given.
My invitation is to specifically identify which of your media choices invite the Spirit and which do not, then to make the changes necessary. I can promise absolutely and certainly that you will feel the Holy Ghost with more abundance in your life and, as a result, you will have more joy.
