My favorite comedy, which happens to be based on a true story, is Nacho Libre. Any Nacho Libre lovers out there? It's a fairly clean underdog movie that was released in 2006 (rated PG). Nacho Libre is about a Catholic monastery monk in Mexico who is a wrestler at night so he can buy better food for the orphans in his care. It is filled with cheesy humor and a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. If you have a middle school boy, I highly recommend watching Nacho Libre with him. Some notable quotes from Nacho include:
- "My life is good. Really good. I get to wake up at 5 AM every morning and make soup."
- "They may have the appearance of riches, but beneath the clothes, we find a man... and beneath a man, we find his nucleus."
- "Get that corn outta my face!"
There are more quotes I like; however, they aren't exactly what I want our elementary students to be quoting (e.g., how much Nacho knows about the gospel). :-)
Recently, my family enjoyed watching the Michael Jackson biopic (rated PG-13) on a flight to Korea. This led my teenage son, Josiah Lee, and me to examine some of Michael Jackson's song lyrics. Some of Michael Jackson's lyrics are great ("I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother, it don't matter if you're black or white"), and some of his lyrics are not so great ("You can't hurt me; I found peace within myself"). Hee hee. Ow!
It can be hard to navigate our entertainment-driven culture, but if we want our children to grow closer to Christ, we must actively disciple our kids. If we don't, the world will influence them in ways that don't honor God. As our children make choices about what they watch, listen to, and play, how can we protect them, help them be wise, and encourage them to think critically? Below are five points to consider.
1. Remember what Scripture says and share it with your children REGULARLY. We are to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful and build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). The Holy Spirit is our guide into all the truth (John 16:13).
2. Use http://pluggedin.com/ to help discern the good, the bad, and the ugly. This Focus on the Family website has been extremely helpful for us in providing detailed information about movies, music, video games, and more.
3. Ask yourself and your children:
- How does the movie, music, or video game affect my heart and others?
- Does it glamorize wealth, drug use, and fame? Does it demean women?
- Is it biblical?
- Does the movie, music, or video game help my child positively connect with others?
- Can they learn anything from the movie, music, or video game?
- What time constraints should I put on my child? Is my child completing their schoolwork and chores?
4. Pray with your children REGULARLY, and don't ignore your conscience (Romans 9:1). The prayer of a righteous person has great power (James 5:16)!
5. Look at the MPA and ESRB ratings and take notice of the parental advisory labels, but be the parent. Hollywood and New York City aren't Christian meccas, so don't be surprised when that PG-13 movie contains some nudity and foul language.
These guiding principles, tips, and questions have helped Megan and me teach and train our three children to grow in discernment. Mistakes will be made, but major growth and maturity can happen if holiness is pursued.
What suggestions do you have in helping your children grow in discernment? Post a comment or drop me a line. I would love to hear what has worked for you and your family!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
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