Recently, I was flipping through the TV channels with my younger daughter. I noticed that each time we came across entertainment channels like cartoons, movies, etc., she would brighten up and shout, “Daddy, leave it here.” But as we flip on and get to educative and news channels, her countenance would fall. If I decided to leave it at such channels, she would revolt, “Daddy, change it back to cartoons.” I had to explain to her, “Learn to value educative contents. It’s not every time you watch cartoons.” She got the message.
Friend, do you value educative content? Or are you like my daughter who always wants something entertaining? I can always tell what kind of person you are and would become when I check what you spend your time on (1 Corinthians 10:7). Whereas there is nothing wrong with entertainment, but there is everything wrong with spending the bulk of your time on the same.
Our generation is largely an entertainment generation, but you must choose to be different (Daniel 1:8). It has also affected the way we do church. Musical concerts and picnics do not need much adverts for people to troop in. But what about seminars and word conferences? What about prayer meetings? You would need to encourage people to attend. If you want to judge how healthy and strong a church is, don’t visit during their concerts or picnics, visit during their mid week services and prayer meetings (Acts 2:41-42, 6:4).
Like I helped my daughter to understand the place of education, you need mentors and fathers in your life who would help you to commit to learning and personal development even when your flesh wants entertainment (1 Timothy 4:13). It is my firm belief that anyone who has not invested a considerable amount of time in educative content does not deserve entertainment.
Education is better than entertainment. Education frees the mind. Entertainment detains the mind. You need atmospheres that would reset your brain and help you to think; not just one that appeals to your emotions (Proverbs 13:20, 23:7). This is why some people do not like the X (Twitter) platform. They opined that it is too serious. If you want to grow intellectually and professionally, don’t spend the bulk of your time on Instagram and Facebook. Stay on Twitter and LinkedIn.
I was raised by a biological Dad who prioritised education. We always had a copy of the standard dictionary of the English language at home. I started learning words from my primary school days; my children are doing the same today. My Dad would return from work with newspapers for us to read. We had to endure watching the news with him. These have helped me greatly. Value education. Buy books. Read journals (2 Timothy 4:13). Educate your spirit. Educate your mind. Educate your grace, skills, and gifts. Value education. Is this helpful?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria