Wednesday, February 3, 2010

No TV and Still Not Missing It

When we moved into our house about a year ago, we decided that we would not get a cable TV subscription. It was one of the best decisions we ever made.

After a year, we have absolutely no desire to return to the world of cable TV. We do have a TV in our home, but we just watch videos on it that we own or get out of the library.

There are numerous benefits to jettisoning cable. For one thing, you end up with far more time than you had before. We may watch videos occasionally, but we don't feel the compulsion to flip on the TV to "see what's on." We feel freed from its yoke.

Having no cable TV gives us more time for better things such as added time with family. Also, we read more.

No cable leads to a simpler life with less distraction. During the week I often hear people in conversation about what is happening on American Idol or some other show. Looking in from the outside, it seems pointless. I'm thrilled to have no idea what is going on in those areas.

No cable also means that we don't have to worry about what our kids are watching. When we used to have cable, I'd find myself routinely diving for the remote control to either mute or turn off the TV. Now, my wife and I know exactly what our kids are watching. I'm too old for remote diving anymore.

Finally, Philippians 4:8 tells us this, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." This is a command, not a suggestion. Cable TV rarely offers shows that live up to these standards.

I highly encourage you to rid yourselves of cable TV. When you do, it may sting a little at first. However, after a month or so you will stop missing it. After a few more months, you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Just do it.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't remember exactly when, but sometime last year I began to detest the amount of time I was wasting watching TV. I felt convicted so I cut the cable. I literally cut it, as in wire cutters. Last month I was finally able to find a buyer for my TV and it is now gone. Good riddance I say. Jesus said in Matthew 5:30, "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." Yes, I know He was talking about lusting after a woman but is He not also telling us to take drastic measures if necessary to remove the idols from our lives that we have placed before Him?

Eric said...

Amen! I wish I could have seen that.