I will set no worthless thing before my eyes?

[Ashley755]

Psalm 101:3 says "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me."

Does this mean as Christians, we are not allowed to partake in anything that is worthless in the face of eternity? Such as movies, music, entertainment, hobbies, etc? Or is this merely stating that we should not let such activities take over our lives or take our time away from godly activities?

Thank you.

God bless.

 

[Dave-W]

Does this mean as Christians, we are not allowed to partake in anything that is worthless in the face of eternity? Such as movies, music, entertainment, hobbies, etc? Or is this merely stating that we should not let such activities take over our lives or take our time away from godly activities

I definitely take it as the latter.

 

[HTacianas]

Psalm 101:3 says "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me."

Does this mean as Christians, we are not allowed to partake in anything that is worthless in the face of eternity? Such as movies, music, entertainment, hobbies, etc? Or is this merely stating that we should not let such activities take over our lives or take our time away from godly activities?

Thank you.

God bless.

I agree with Dave, above.

As to Psalms, it alludes to idolatry. The writer states, in effect, that he will not follow the useless example of those who have fallen away.

 

[tdidymas]

Psalm 101:3 says "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me."

Does this mean as Christians, we are not allowed to partake in anything that is worthless in the face of eternity? Such as movies, music, entertainment, hobbies, etc? Or is this merely stating that we should not let such activities take over our lives or take our time away from godly activities?

Thank you.

God bless.

In the context of Ps. 101, it speaks of worthless things as that which causes one to fall away from faith and relationship with God. It speaks of whatever causes one to lie or slander others and such things like that. For example, a materialistic motive (greed) causes people to run roughshod over others, but a generous nature leads to loving the neighbor. It takes faith, which means to have the inner eyes set on Christ, rather than dumb idols or worldly heroes.

Incidentally, Song of Solomon is a play, and a play is entertainment. So entertainment is not evil. It is the contents of that entertainment that may be good or evil. The same with hobbies and anything else we do in life.

Hope this helps.
TD

 

[Dave-W]

Incidentally, Song of Solomon is a play, and a play is entertainment. So entertainment is not evil.

An interesting and rather important point. I had not thought of SoS in those terms; but I think you may be right, at least on one level of understanding. (d'rash or remez?)

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Does this mean as Christians, we are not allowed to partake in anything that is worthless in the face of eternity? Such as movies, music, entertainment, hobbies, etc? Or is this merely stating that we should not let such activities take over our lives or take our time away from godly activities?.

Serious ? See online pdf book "Love Not The World"
Few choose, few are willing, to follow Jesus when they know the cost.
Like the rich young man, except they usually are not sad like he was.
They just go on partying, shopping, reveling, etc etc etc ........

 

[MyChainsAreGone]

Are you looking for additional "rules for righteousness" to live by?

Paul speaks to that...

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Live a pure life by letting your mind be renewed and listening to the Spirit of God... don't look for new rules.

David