Defeating the Media Monster, Pt. 2

I’m addressing how we, as families, can defeat the Media monster that is saturating our culture and more importantly our homes. In my last post (see the one below) I presented the wrong reasons why we allow media into our homes and then listed the challenges media brings into our homes. We can have victory in the area of media, but we must be willing to execute the following steps. 

1. Engage as a Parent – We need Christian parents that will engage or re-engage and take an active role in biblically shepherding the next generation. Please read the parenting passages in the Bible those are found in Deut. 6, Eph.6, Col. 3. The reason the media monster is invading many homes is primarily because parents have failed to stay involved. Many parents have become lazy in managing their homes and the consequences are severe. So, how do we engage as parents in a media saturated culture?

• Accept It – Embrace the fact that your children are living in a “high-tech” world! Go ahead and accept the fact that culture is not going back to cassette tapes, pay phones, land-lines, snail mail, and donkey kong! Many parents are in denial about the media or trying to stop it (good luck with that!). You must gear up and start preparing your children to live in a world that is saturated with media!
• Get Involved – The best way you can defeat the “media monster” is through active participation! Don’t be afraid to participate in the media. You can’t afford to abandon the next generation and let them defeat the media monster! You must biblically take active roles in parenting in a high tech world! Now, this doesn’t mean you go out and create a profile on every social networking site nor buy every gadget that comes out on the market. Please use discernment. The best way you can get involved is by setting the pace. We have an incredible opportunity to set the example and biblically train the next generation! Your godly example will speak volumes to you’re the members of your family! Let them see you action! Here is good rule of thumb to follow: Whatever you allow your children to do, you should do it first. (For example, before you allow your child to have a Facebook you should take the time to learn the “ins and outs” first).

2. Establish a Biblical Philosophy- We need Christian families who will establish and execute a biblical philosophy regarding media usage! A philosophy is the framework by which you make your decisions regarding various things in life.  In other words, it is your objective, mission, and purpose in which you operate. Allow me to get you started on establishing a biblical philosophy in your home regarding media…  

• Exalt God – Does this media provide opportunity to glorify God? (1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 1:20; Col. 3:17). Your primary focus as a parent must be to teach your children how to honor and love God (Deut. 6:5-9), that includes the area of media!
• Edify Others – Does this media offer avenues to encourage other believers? (Prov. 16:24; Matt 12:36; Eph. 4:29-31). Too often, among Christians, there is gossip, slander, lying, criticism, immoral talk, filthy joking, etc. taking place in your communication. God and His Word have specifically commanded you to exhort, encourage one another.  You must demonstrate and teach your children how to do the same in life as well as through the media!
• Evangelize the Lost – How will this media help us proclaim the truth to a lost world? (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15).  According to the U.S. Census every 12 seconds someone dies in the USA. (www.census.gov). It is very easy to get our focus off of seeking to communicate the Truth of the Gospel. You must strive to use your media outlets to proclaim the Truth to every creature, along with face to face witnessing.  You must lead by example!

Once you establish a biblical philosophy YOU MUST execute it! Work God’s plan! You can’t be passive about it. This means taking an active stand on the Word of God in order to train your children in the way they should go! (Pr. 22:6).

3. Employ Practical Points- Here are some practical and helpful ways for you to defeat the Media Monster in your home.

• Collect all usernames & passwords. This should be a must for all your children. It is not an invasion of privacy! Your child’s willingness for open accountability will reveal a lot about your child’s heart. (They must also know that you are accountable to your spouse).
• Get on the media learning curve. Just like driving a car—first you learn, then you teach. The principle is the same with media. Simply—if you allow it, you must learn it. You can’t afford to have media outlets or gadgets in your home that you do not understand. This will also give you the edge on what’s entering the culture. It won’t be long before your child will be asking for it and if it is appropriate you will already have a head start. The USA Today has a great technology section that really stays in tune with what’s going on.
• Provide healthy and productive alternatives to media. Help your children stay in balance by practicing moderation. Lead your children to read, play games, play a sport, learn an instrument, develop a hobby, etc.  
• Install internet safety programs. It is best to have internet safety in your home, on your mobile phone, and in other areas where you have internet access. Safe Eyes is great internet software, please visit, www.internetsaftey.com.
• Partner with your Pastor, side by side working together. You and your pastor are a team. He is there to help you biblically parent and help your child biblically submit to your leading. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or need advice, please go to him! He is your teammate!
• Unplug on purpose. Disconnect from media so you can re-connect as a family. Many families are disconnected because they are so connected to everyone else. Plan times where all media is turn off, unplugged, put away, or even taken away and have good ole’ fashion “family time.”

It is possible to defeat the Media Monster and biblically guide your family in a “high-tech” world!  But it must start with you recognizing your biblical role as a parent and leading by example! I hope you desire to train up the next generation to use media in a way that honors the Lord and advances His purposes!