You know the term “rubbernecking”? It describes the phenomena by which we can’t drive past an accident without slowing down and looking at it. Even after our car has passed the scene, we crane our necks back for a final glance; hence the term, rubbernecking. It is our deviant interest that compels us to do it. (However, to counteract this compulsion, I suggest praying when you see an accident scene. Pray for the victims, the emergency workers, the physicians. This is infinitely more valuable than staring as you roll past to the mall.)

Why do we look? We just can’t seem to turn away. Something in us is drawn to the damage, the wreckage, the upset, the turmoil.

And that’s how I feel about cable. Just last night, I found myself rubberneckin’ through cable. I was ready to be asleep but was insanely flipping the channels to catch the last five minutes of this-or-that show. I caught the last few minutes of a show that I don’t watch (anymore) because it has a theme that disturbs me. On the surface, it’s about the gym. Underneath, it’s about a swinging lifestyle that I would be better off not knowing about. I’m not saying I’m better than the people on the show, I’m confessing I can easily imagine myself AS a person on that show. That’s the problem.

I could not pull my eyes off the screen. I was rubbernecking.

The Bible says, “Keep your eyes from evil” but what constitutes evil? Workout shows?

In my life, I’ve come to recognize that the Holy Spirit sometimes causes me to feel uncomfortable. The discomfort I feel when watching some programs is the Holy Spirit, warning and restraining me. Do you ever feel like you need a shower after watching certain things? Do you find yourself wishing you didn’t see that show…or worse…thinking ahead to the time that you can watch it again?

Now as I always say to my kids, “Take it up with the Big Guy.” No, not their dad, I mean The Big Guy, the Lord. I don’t know what you are supposed to keep your eyes from. In fact, I’m certain it’s different for all of us.

My dear friend Amy said the Lord took “Law and Order” shows from her. This is a drag because it’s the one reliable show you can watch almost every hour of the day and night. Last summer I was on a roll when I watched Law and Order every night of the week. Not Amy. She reported this feeling upset and grimy from watching Law and Order. She relinquished that programming to the Lord.

When she told me that, I petitioned the Lord, (almost in a panic), “Do you want me to stop watching Law and Order?” So far, He’s allowed me keep watching. It doesn’t haunt my thoughts or cause me to shower afterwards. What is it that you are not supposed to be watching?

The Bachelor was ripped from my programming guide in the beginning of last season. After I rubbernecked through a certain lurid scene, the Lord said, “That’s enough!” In the past, I would talk on the phone with a friend after each episode and we’d discuss it in minute detail. Now I had to confess to her that I wasn’t permitted to watch The Bachelor anymore. It just made me feel yucky. She pointed out that I still watch Gray’s Anatomy, which she considers yuckier. So, back on my knees I go, asking the Lord if I’m allowed to watch Gray’s Anatomy. So far, it’s still allowed.

Out are horror movies, sex scenes, Stephen King anything, The Medium or anything occult, Oprah and basically any talk show that preys on the sad and twisted side of humanity. (This only leaves Ellen Degeneres, who is eminently positive.)

Still in are Miami Ink (the tattoo show), House, and American Idol. (Although Hollywood Week is out, for obvious reasons.)

Whatever is good, pure, and lovely, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
What’s on your Tivo? What is it time to delete from your personal TV Guide?