January 22, 2007

Lately I’ve wondered whether or not I’m addicted to T.V. Webster defines addict as, “to devote or give (oneself) habitually or compulsively to something”. I consistently find myself watching a lot of it. After an evening of staring mindlessly for hours into the boob tube, I head for bed feeling guilty of wasting another block of precious time, knowing it is lost forever.

What is the draw from T.V. that continually pulls me into it, helplessly lured and taunted by its sights and sounds? Is it my propensity toward laziness that finds it easy to passively and thoughtlessly sit and veg? Recently, in some of my “self-talk”, I have referenced T.V. as a mind numbing activity. Other than for a few “educational” programs, (if they honestly can be called such), the majority of programs I watch provide no real or measurable substance to positively improve my life, and I feel my selections are, on an average, fairly good ones.

I certainly do not want to lump all TV and all TV programs into the same category. However, for me TV has become a problem. So what is the solution to my problem? First I have to admit I have a problem. That’s done. Second I need a plan to break the addiction. Realistically, I don’t think cold turkey will work well. We have three TV’s in three different rooms in our home. However, I can intentionally begin to limit my time watching. I can also choose to fast TV a day here and there. For this to work I need to replace TV watching with other activities which will enhance my life and contribute to my personal growth as a person. Taking a walk, reading a good book, spending time in quiet reflection are all good starts.

The greatest fallout from my TV watching is the hit my relationship with God takes and the positive affect on the lives of others that issues from that relationship. Relationships take time to cultivate. I have often complained to God about my lack of time. It really has never been an issue of time but of priorities and passion. I believe I understand a little of what Jesus said to his disciples, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Out of the depths of my being is a cry to make the time I have count in my pursuit of Him. The outcome I know will be to the benefit of many.

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)