How do you decide which TV shows you will or will not watch?
This has been a fascinating journey for me.
Especially in the Netflix era where all of a sudden, I have access to hundreds of shows with various ratings and content.
Many of us were taught to stay away from certain ratings.
That’s the behavior that culturally gets taught, either in families or in church.
And then you start to wonder… why?
Would it really be that bad to watch a movie with that rating?
Is that really doctrine?
Good intentions from teachers and parents turn into kids wondering what the truth really is.
Teaching behavior can sometimes fix behavior.
But you know which strategy has been recommended by the Lord?
“And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.” D&C 88:77
Doctrine.
“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” -Boyd K. Packer
What’s the doctrine behind media choices?
The doctrine is that we do SO much to have the Holy Spirit’s presence with us as often as we can.
We repent and get baptized and take the sacrament so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When we have the Spirit’s presence with us, we are literally accompanied by a member of the Godhead.
We feel more peace, we receive direction, we feel comfort, we are warned… there are countless blessings from having the Spirit with us.
And there are warnings for what happens when we harden our hearts and make choices that keep the Spirit away from us.
Powerful doctrine, right?
When the conversation shifts to doctrine, behavior changes a whole lot faster.
What’s that practice or application your loved one is really struggling with?
Take the time to consider what the DOCTRINE is behind that action, and try starting there.
Studying behavior can certainly change behavior.
But for the real, long-lasting effects and for our hearts to be in the right place, we need to focus on teaching the doctrine.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
7 Responses
Great advice. I have an issue with one of my children that I know I have to talk to her about but I’ve been hesitant to for fear she will shut me down, consider it nagging, etc. teaching the doctrine is brilliant (duh!) and will prevent her from taking it as criticism, or fault finding. Thank you. You teach me something new every single day. All your posts should be put in a book so I could refer back when I needed to.
Thank you! I’m so happy it helped you! <3
Thank you so much for this Cali!
We have a lot of work to do in participating in the ongoing restoration of this church. There is a lot of debris: false traditions, cultures and even interpretations of some doctrines that need to be cleared out. As we prayerfully seek to know God, our Heavenly Parents and Savior Jesus Christ, and Their true nature‘s and doctrine, we will be able to better discern and navigate our path and daily choices. And you are right! True doctrine is where it’s at! The more I understand the history of the world, and how it set the stage for the restoration, the more empathy and compassion I have for our church leaders and members, starting with Joseph Smith, on through to our present day church organization.
The idea that our leaders, and this ever evolving church are not perfect, doesn’t hurt my testimony, it strengthens it! It has encouraged me to strengthen my personal relationship with God and seek for daily revelation as our prophets have urged. Through this, I feel I am able to better discern between true doctrine, and false traditions. It has helped me to focus on being a more loving disciple of Christ, as opposed to a more judgemental, scorekeeping, Pharisee type of follower. It helps me discern deceptive trends and socio-political ideologies, even those that are widely accepted amongst many of our church members. For many years, I followed along with what appeared to be mainstream conservative LDS culture. But as I really started to pay attention, and seek for further light and knowledge, it became very clear that seemingly good, but false ideologies can creep into our church culture, until we no longer discern the line between God’s doctrine, and the philosophies of the world, even those that we have long believed to be correct. Without this revelatory relationship with God, we will not survive coming days.
With it, we can be optimistic, eager participants in the ongoing restoration of the church of Jesus Christ, gathering Israel and building Zion in preparation for the Saviors return!
And that is exciting to me!
Beautifully said! Thank you <3
I recently read an article that talked about how we are a covenant keeping people and the way to discern if the show you are watching is in line with those covenants. That would pretty much cut out all shows! Because there is always usually drinking, sleeping around, or violence in most shows. Maybe it would help if some of your viewers would recommend some shows that are wholesome and good to watch. I have loved watching Seal Team and Swat. Unfortunately, they have all 3 of the above! 🙁 I guess I need to ‘bury’ my weapons of war!
You’re right, it can be so hard to find wholesome media to consume!
Pray for good shows to be produced:)