There was a time when I didn’t think twice about the movies and shows I watched. I laughed at what everyone else laughed at, cried when the story tugged at my emotions, and admired characters without questioning what they stood for. But everything changed after I came to faith in Christ.

Not long ago, I rewatched a romantic comedy I had once loved. It was a film I held dear—charming, funny, nostalgic. I remembered how much I had enjoyed it years ago, but this time, something was different. This time, I watched it with the eyes of someone who had encountered the truth, someone who now walks with a different awareness. And what I saw left me shaken.

Nearly every other sentence used the Lord’s name as a curse word. What once seemed harmless banter now rang out like blasphemy—frequent, casual, and cruel. The main character—beautiful, talented, and successful—was once a woman I admired, but she was now entangled in a lifestyle of lies, manipulation, and adultery. She disrespected her husband, deceived those around her, and used charm to justify selfish choices. Her mother was portrayed as discontented with her own life and subtly pushed her married daughter toward dissatisfaction with a simpler lifestyle, ridiculing the values of motherhood, humility, and faithfulness. She encouraged her to leave their ‘smallville’ town in search of the bright lights and the big city—not as a path of growth, but as an escape from commitment, accountability and responsibility. The underlying strategic message was clear: the “good life” was somewhere else, in ambition, indulgence, and reinvention, not in commitment, family values, or truth. The film subtly redefined the concept of success and fulfillment, positioning personal freedom, indulgence in desires, and career achievement as the ultimate goals, while traditional values like loyalty, sacrifice, and the stability of family were dismissed as limiting or oppressive.

What struck me was not just the flawed character arcs, but the intentional rewriting of cultural values—an attempt to normalize what was once taboo. The entertainment industry, as a whole, has been shaped and influenced by the enemy, whose agenda is to distort the truth and lead people astray, especially young, impressionable minds. It’s no coincidence that so much darkness and evil is perpetuated within this realm; the battle for our hearts, minds, and souls is at play, and the media is one of the most powerful tools in the enemy’s arsenal. What once might have been seen as morally questionable is now portrayed as aspirational.

As I reflected on the film, I realized that this wasn’t simply an attempt at entertainment—it was a carefully crafted message, one that sought to shift cultural norms and redefine what was considered a fulfilling and “good life.” The scriptwriters, perhaps unknowingly or knowingly, were helping to push the enemy’s agenda, one that celebrates selfishness, rebellion, immorality and indulgence, while undermining the virtues of faith, family, and integrity. In fact, years later, these ideas have not only become mainstream but are now the norm. What was once taboo is now accepted as truth, revealing how deeply media and entertainment shape societal values, often with consequences far more destructive than we realize.

What made it even more striking was the setting of the story—deep in the American South, in a region often referred to as the Bible Belt. A place long associated with faith, family, tradition, and moral grounding. And yet, it was there, in the symbolic heart of American values, that the storyline unraveled everything sacred. This wasn’t just storytelling—it was commentary. A deliberate effort to show that even the strongholds of faith and stability could be swayed, mocked, and redefined under the glow of entertainment.

That experience opened my eyes wider than ever before. It wasn’t just that one film. I started noticing how pervasive the pattern was across all media. Themes of lust, greed, selfishness, rebellion, and deceit aren’t just present—they’re celebrated. Traditional values are often portrayed as outdated or oppressive, while sin is rebranded as empowerment and “freedom.” The sacred is desecrated, and the profane is glorified. Whether in subtle suggestions or overt messaging, media is teaching people—especially the young—what to think, how to live, and what to desire.

It’s no secret that the average young person spends over eight hours a day consuming media. Compare that to the three to six minutes of meaningful conversation many families have per day, and it becomes obvious who is doing the most shaping. Media has become the new pulpit, the storyteller, the educator, and in many ways, the god of modern culture. And make no mistake—it is not neutral.

This realization hit me deeply—not just as a viewer, but as someone who once contributed to this. Out of ignorance, I took part in projects I now regret. Back then, I didn’t fully understand how even small storytelling choices—across any medium—could shape hearts and minds. But now I do.

Media has the power to shape hearts, dreams, and minds. That’s why it’s so important that those of us who believe in truth, in beauty, in holiness—those of us who follow Christ—step up and use our creative gifts with intention. It’s not enough to avoid the bad; we must create the good. We must tell stories that elevate rather than tear down, that build up rather than mock, that honor God rather than offend Him.

Media will continue to shape the minds of future generations. The question is: who will be behind the stories they consume? Will it be those who care nothing for what is right, or will it be those who understand the power of every frame, every line, and every song to either bless or poison the soul? This isn’t just a cultural issue—it’s a spiritual one. The battle for our hearts, minds, and souls is real, and that’s why we must be mindful not only of what we consume but also of what we create and support. Every post, script, song, and image we contribute has an impact. We are either adding to the noise or offering clarity, either echoing darkness or shining light.

So how do we counteract the flood of harmful media messages? Through faith, discernment, and courage. We must:

Be selective with media: Choose what you consume carefully, ensuring it aligns with your values and faith. Is it promoting virtues that honor God or embracing ideas that undermine truth?

Set boundaries: Create limits around your media consumption, such as avoiding certain genres or shows, restricting screen time, or setting dedicated times for media use to avoid mindless scrolling.

Create media with purpose: If you’re a creator, remember that what you produce has an impact on others. Use your talents to tell stories that uplift, encourage, and promote integrity, love, and truth.

Engage in dialogue: Discuss the media you consume with others—family, friends, or fellow believers. This helps reinforce your values and discern the truth from deception.

Immerse yourself in God’s Word: Regular time in Scripture equips you to recognize what conflicts with God’s truth. Prayer and the Word help you filter out messages that do not align with God’s will.

Pray for discernment: Ask God for wisdom in choosing what to consume and understanding the messages behind what you watch or hear.

As we guard our hearts and minds, we actively shape the culture around us, reflecting the truth that strengthens and nourishes. The battle for our hearts is constant, and it starts with being aware of what we allow in. We must choose carefully—not just what we watch, but also how we engage with the world, knowing that every choice has an impact.

Let us be the generation that doesn’t just consume culture—but transforms it.

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** Photo by Ron Lach at Pexels