Keep Your Eyes (More) Pure Using youTube

The scriptures tell us to be thoughtful in the way that we live, not as unwise, but wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  That means that we are to know that we live in precarious times…we need to watch our step, and yet try to make a difference where we can, both at the same time.

As a bit of a retraction (am I allowed that?), due to some conversations and input, I am no longer boycotting youTube as a whole… only their ads.  I hope you’ll stick with me and read why without thinking me fickle.   

First, I need to answer some questions and give some tips as to how to use youTube to avoid those “visual land mines” where we know they exist:  

1.   Use the “My Favorites” and “Subscriptions” tools.  When you use the “subscribe” feature, you can subscribe to trusted author’s videos whom you’ve enjoyed in the past.  When they put out something new, just check your 
“subscriptions” tab and see all the new stuff they’ve put out since you visited last.  This keeps you from wandering arounnd where you perhaps should not be quite as much.   I currently have more in My Subscrotions to watch than I’d ever have time to watch. 

2.  Use the Search Feature… to selectively choose topics you are interested in rather than giving your mind room to wander, explore, and be entertained filtering through whatever has been published today.  I bookmark videos my kids are allowed to watch.  My kids are not allowed to free surf on youTube. 

3.   Watch for “visual land mines”!   If you are a Christian, hopefully you’ve addressed this issue already, I don’t know how guys do it, but don’t be unwise to Satan’s schemes.  Know that MANY people, men and women are getting addicted to internet pornography…there is an appeal innate in us that is drawn to what seems forbidden and “out there”.   Do not just randomly just explore “what’s out there”just to “see what’s out there.  Trust me, if it CAN happen…it’s out there to see.  Curiosity killed the cat.   Don’t research in the name of ministry.  There are minister porn addiction stories coming out every day due to that excuse. 

4.  Report!  (Why take the time?)  Why?  That helps them filter “live!”  There is no way they alone can filter alone all the bulk.  Don’t look for it, or click on it, but if you find it by accident, report it.  

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So, why did I just give you tips to use youTube when I said I was boycotting youTube?  HA!  I’m just that fickle!  No…because I realized my main trouble with youTube right now is with their ads…other things are just internet responsibilty we are going to have to learn. 

Today at my church, there was a strong message that we, as Christians, need to be known for “what we are for…not so much for what we are against”.  Definitely!!!  That’s the kind of person I want to be–more concerned about people’s salvation than destracted and Satan’s diversions.  We can get so wound up in reactivity, “issues”, and “social concerns” that we have no time to win the lost!  Satan still wins!  But, oh, church!  Let’s not react to reactions.  Let’s respond in the obedient character and nature of Christ:  full of both grace and truth.

Maggie