We all at some time have taught our children that almost everything they see in movies and on TV is fake (yes, including “reality” TV), but do we also teach them that most shows and movies have anti-biblical messages that are the hero of the plot?

The character can overcome and accomplish whatever they dream, without the reality check that we are promised trials, tribulation, and persecution.

Instead of charters striving for purity and marriage, they follow their heart and become engaged in a romantic relationship.

Without a compass that absolute morals exist, they become beloved by telling a “little lie” or stealing from the rich to give to the poor.

I believe the most detrimental of all the messages is how children are told that deep down they are good and they should have self-esteem. They are subtly led to believe that they can do good things, and that they deserve good things, because they are good. The Bible teaches that there is nothing good within us (Romans 7:18), all our good works are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), our hearts are deceitfully wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), and what we deserve is judgment and condemnation (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Revelation 21:8).

When the Holy Spirit leads, He leads us through His Word. We should never trust our heart without first filtering it through God’s Word. Humans by nature are lovers of self (Matthew 22:39). We love to be told that we are right, and that we should “follow our heart.” But what happens when we don’t get what we want? Should we get mad at God? God forbid! God has provided for every need (and much more), yet people curse at God for not providing them with all of their wants too. People get upset that God would allow bad things to happen, because they mistakenly think that they only deserve good.

I have asked my children, “What do you deserve?” and their first answer is often, “Nothing.” But this is the wrong answer. What we all deserve is eternal conscious torment, and any day that our lives are better than that we should praise God for his mercy. Praise be evermore to God that He is not only merciful, but gracious and has provided a way for us to receive eternal life, joy and peace! He gives eternal life only to those who realize they do not deserve it, and that they cannot accomplish it by believing in themselves and following their heart. Instead they must fully trust in Christ and believe in what He has accomplished. – Randy