When we moved into our new (for us) house in January of this year, we made a decision to not have cable TV in our home. We do have a TV and use it to watch videos, but we do not watch any television shows, TV news, sports, etc. For about a week it was weird. After that, we realized that we don't miss TV at all. In fact, to quote McD's, we're "lovin' it!"We do keep very up to date with what is going on in the world. We check the internet numerous times per day to stay on top of things.
I have put together a list of 10 increases and 10 decreases that have happened in our home since we got rid of cable TV. We're never going back.
No TV:
increases time (for everything else)
increases conversation with family
increases conversation with friends
increases discussion of the things of the Lord
increases reading
increases physical activity/exercise
increases blogging
increases parental supervision (we know what is on the videos our kids are watching)
increases family game-playing
increases personal and family devotions (from not staying up too late the night before)
decreases wasted timedecreases worldly influences
decreases secular worldviews in our home
decreases stress
decreases profanity in our home
decreases secular-slanted "news"
decreases staying up too late and feeling wretched the next day
decreases pointless eating and overall caloric intake
decreases having to dive for the remote when an adult-themed scene unexpectedly pops up on the TV screen
decreases pointless conversations with people who watch TV
6 comments:
Brother Eric,
I too have cut out the TV. I agree with all these points and I especially like the last one: "decreases pointless conversations with people who watch TV". This is because whenever someone comes up to me and says, "hey did you see American Idol last night?", I can say, "No, I don't watch TV." This immediately shifts the conversation from worldliness to discussing why I don't watch TV. I usually stress a few of the same points you have made in hopes of getting that person to think and evaluate the stewardship of their time. Great post!
Eric,
This is post is so timely for me as I have recently been convicted about this very issue. During my scroll through the blogosphere this past week, I encountered another post on the same topic at the DEFCON(www.defendingcontending.com)site. The date of the post is June 27. I was mostly moved by the comments to the post, and I look forward to what your audience has to say as well.
I'll keep you informed of my decision, and I pray that you will continue to find joy in your service to the King!
Micah,
Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you have cut out TV. It has been a huge blessing for us. We have so much more time now, and can keep the world's influences out of our home.
I hope and pray that folks at Chevis Oaks will do this as well.
Sonny,
You have made a great decision. TV takes so much of our time and desensitizes us to the things of the world. I'm sure we will never regret giving up the TV.
Well Eric, I've reached a decision on disconnecting cable from our television. As I stated earlier, your article gave valuable insight to helping me make that decision. I've also referenced this post in my most recent article, "No More Cable Television in My House". If you find the time, stop by and let me know what you think.
Thanks again for your faithfulness.
Sonny,
You'll never regret your decision!
Post a Comment