Philippians 3:17
Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us.
Television and social media are often visual tools used to influence public opinion. We see this during election cycles, news events and especially in entertainment. Just think about how many people have become overnight "celebrities" because of something that was shown on line or on tv. Many became celebrities because of their outrageous lifestyles, talent (or lack of), and/or right place at the right time. Viewers of this content can become sucked into to imitating this life thinking that this is what is right. But is it really? More than any other time, things seem to be sliding the wrong way. What seems to be wrong is now "right" and right is now wrong. It can be very confusing for a young mind.
Paul addresses the Philippians in today's reading, exhorting them to be imitators of Christ, and not to succumb to public opinion or the lifestyles of others. In the verse 18, Paul even says through his tears, that those that act in such a sinful worldly fashion are enemies of the Cross. Yet by the end of the reading, Paul reminds us that there is still hope if we put our trust in God and not of worldly things. Be cautions on what you watch and listen to today. Ask yourself if Jesus would watch the particular program or visit the site you're on. If Jesus were to walk into your house tonight and see you watching a particular program or looking at a video on a website, what would he say?
