A movie rating isn’t a biblical category, but what we watch matters to God. Scripture teaches that what enters our eyes shapes our hearts and minds. Movies with nudity, sexual content, or constant coarse language are not fitting for Christians, regardless of their rating. And even PG-13 content can promote values that pull us away from God.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Jesus described the eyes as a window into our whole lives.
Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.
What we watch shapes how we think. The world is constantly working to conform our thinking to its values, often in ways we don’t notice. God calls us to something different.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
A good question to ask is this: Would I keep watching if Jesus were sitting next to me?
Guard Against Lust
Paul says there shouldn’t be even a hint of sexual immorality among God’s people.
Ephesians 5:3-4 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Jesus raised the standard even higher.
Matthew 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Any movie containing nudity, sex scenes, or heavy sexual innuendo is not something Christians should watch. For many men, this kind of content becomes a gateway to pornography.
Watch for Unbiblical Themes
It’s not just explicit content we need to watch for. Many shows celebrate revenge, greed, or immorality as if they were good. Over time, these themes can shape our thinking. God calls us to forgive, to leave vengeance to him, and to be peacemakers. Constant exposure to coarse language also tends to show up in the way we talk.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Our Choices Make a Difference
The entertainment industry is driven by profit. If Christians drew a stronger line about what they watch, it would make a difference. It’s also worth asking not just what we watch, but how much. Are we so busy entertaining ourselves that we’re missing God’s mission for our lives?
The Takeaway
What we watch shapes our hearts and minds. Rather than asking what we can get away with, Christians should ask what honors God. Avoid content with sexual immorality, unbiblical themes, and coarse language, and fill your mind with what is true, noble, and pure.
