In 1 John 1:9 it says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." So here on the world wide web I will confess my most recent, and egregious sin. My poison of choice? Television. More specifically the hypnotic drug most known as Netflix.
It starts off simple enough, it's a boring afternoon, nothing to do. I flip open the computer, or sit down and hit the red Netflix button on my TV remote. I quickly scan the thousand of options before me. Netflix is the best dealer on the block, instant hit, and to boot, a plethora of choices. I choose one episode of a series, thinking, "Oh just one episode wont hurt." Before I know it I'm staying up till 6 in the morning watching episode after episode. The tantalizing character developments, the drama, the romance. It is all so intriguing, captivating, and pointless.
Honestly, when I meet my Maker, and he asks me how I used my time in my mortal probation, how am I going to answer? "Oh I rooted for Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights." Or "I watched Nick and Jess fall in love in New Girl." Or even better, "I found out who Gossip Girl was." Will he smile, and say good job my good and faithful daughter? Or will he just shake his head in disappointment. If the TV hasn't rotten your brain cells too, then I'm assuming you already know the answer.
I've noticed that since I've gotten my call my Netflix obsession has become more intense, and all consuming. Instead of spending my last precious months with my loving family, I'm locked away in my room bonding with fictional characters. Instead of taking the time to read my scriptures, I'm observing day to day life from some of the most worldly characters. Satan sure has put that flaxen cord nice and tight around my neck. Just last night I was up till 4 in the morning watching my fifth episode of my newest guilty pleasure. I remember being so tired, that I didn't even pray or read a single verse in the scriptures.
When I was studying the Old Testament in Seminary a few years ago I remember being so annoyed with the Israelites. I mean how stupid could one tribe be? Over and over again God proved himself, constantly blessing them. And yet, it seemed like seconds after a miracle took place they were ready to build some new statue for some other God. How much more would God have to do to get it through their thick skull? I sat in class, frustrated, and asked my seminary teacher why we were even studying the Old Testament? Obviously, I wasn't out worshiping other Gods, so what was the point? I have never forgotten what he said to me, "Sure, you don't worship other Gods. But do you place other worldly things before Him? Is He always your first priority? Or do you let "other Gods" take precedence?" For this modern time Israelite, I'm just as moronic as they were. Blinded by the world, and it's cultural trends. My "Gods" are my television series. I'm struggling with exactly what the Israelites were hundreds of thousands of years before.
No more. I have 34 precious days left here to prepare. I am not going to waste another second on a mind numbing fantasy world. I will delete my account, I will hide the remote. I will no longer hide away in my room. Good riddance. Through Him I know I am able to do it, because he promises to do so in Ether 12: 27.
I feel better already.
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