Beholding the King

"Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar."
Isaiah 33:17

I guess I'm somewhat of a "literature snob," I love classics, and at the same time have a grudge against most current fiction. It has bothered me for years to see the number of new Christian books turned out for quantity - and not quality. I have always wished that excellence was a given in Christian literature... rather than occasionally present in a rare gem on a dusty bookshelf. There are so many series that are gripping page turners; yet leave you with the feeling that your time was wasted in the reading, for nothing of value was left with you and it was often poorly written to boot.

Another troubling thing about fiction (this goes for movies too) is that morals are often taught by showing evil, as if we can only see the pearl once we have already been in the mud with the swine. We can't get away from violence - it is an ever-present fact in this sinful and eroding world. What we can do is not allow it to affect us, always keeping our eyes fixed on the King in His beauty.

Isaiah 33:15-16 says "He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions,who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil, he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure."

This righteous and upright man actually "stop his ears" and "shuts his eyes" to keep from being tainted by evil. This man is not foolishly ignoring evil - he is actively aware of it and on his guard to keep from falling. He is "wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove." I had to think and compare this to the frequent feeding of our minds through dubious movies and books, sadly even some labeled "Christian."

Some questions to consider before beginning a book or movie; is it profitable, or could you use your time more wisely? Does it needlessly teach through the graphic picture of evil? Would it cloud your eyes from beholding the King?

Dear Lord, help me to keep my mind pure, ever beholding You and Your beauty. Let me set no evil thing before my eyes - rather keeping them fixed on You, for You are holy. Let nothing blur my vision of You as my King in His beauty and holiness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.