The 4 Horseman of Soul Stimuli

We are going to dive into the spiritual affects that human entertainment has on our spirits as God designed it to! Keep in mind that the examples given are not limited and these affects can lie in anything meditated.

There are four different types of visual/audio stimulation in terms of spiritual benefit:

1.        Beneficial

2.        Non-beneficial

3.        Consequential

4.        Bene-quential

Beneficial stimulation is anything you read, listen to, or watch that aids your relationship with the Holy Spirit. It can either teach you something or open the door to a spiritual benefit from God through it. It can also benefit you mentally, and maybe even physically.

Example: Reading your Bible, listening to worship music, or watching a Christian comedian

Non-beneficial stimulation is anything you read, listen to, or watch that does nothing for your spirit. It does not strengthen your relationship with the Holy Spirit, but at the same time, it doesn’t necessarily damage it either. However, its meaningless content can equal an idle mind against God. It also doesn’t benefit you mentally. It does not teach you anything and in some cases, can instead be consequential, depending on your attention span of the content as opposed to your attention span to God.

Example: Reading fictional novels, listening to clean but secular music, scrolling social media, or watching movies with desensitized content

Consequential stimulation is anything you read, listen to, or watch that can either lead you to stumble, invite demonic influence into your life, or damage your relationship with the Holy Spirit. This can be the result of extended non-beneficial stimulation and the results will negatively affect you physically, spiritually, and mentally. These kinds of stimulation become most dangerous when they turn into an obsession/addiction.

Example: Reading erotic novels, listening to music with explicit lyrics, watching movies that glorify certain sins, or watching porn

Bene-quential stimulation (yes, I made up a word) is anything you read, listen to, or watch that has the potential to be all three, beneficial, non-beneficial, or consequential. Each version can be more of one kind than another, but at least two are potential in some level.

Example: Attending a music concert, watching a secular comedian (even if they’re clean), listening to a podcast, or videogames

Beneficial Reading

Reading that can benefit you isn’t just God’s Word, even though it should be your primary material as it is more important than anything else you could possibly read. Reading the Bible is the prime example of beneficial stimulation which will positively affect you mentally, physically, and ultimately spiritually. It is also possible to find benefits in Christian novels including fiction, and informational books by Christian authors or authoritative/well-known figures, whether they be in church, politics, entrepreneurs, etc. Any form of Christian writing is beneficial so long as the material lines up with God’s Word, which is why the Bible is the ultimate source as everything else beneficial will refer back to it. It is the ultimate source of Truth and anything that stems from it contains those same truths. Truth is the main benefit by reading, which is why it is beneficial. Truth can also be found indirectly such as through fictional novels with figurative language written to project these same truths, such as works and novels by C.S. Lewis or Tolkien.

Beneficial Listening

Just like the Bible is the ultimate source of reading because of Truth, music is the ultimate form of worship because its lyrics can contain these same truths. Music is the highest form of meditation. Music which directly glorifies God such as worship music, should be your primary source of music for spiritual and other positive benefits. It can be a chance to invite the Holy Spirit and furthermore, God’s own presence into your space, which in turn can bring healing, joy, repentance, etc.

However, not all “Christian” songs, even some worship songs were written and released in the right heart posture, which does affect the influence of the song! The heart posture is also recorded with the lyrics and the melody! Make sure the lyrics line up with Scripture and discern whether or not the song produces fruit. Some worship songs (or Christian songs in other genres) have lyrics which match Scripture but was written and published with intentions other than Godly inspiration and humility. These intentions do produce influence when listened to and can shift your own heart posture in the wrong direction if you let them! So, remember that when you listen to worship music, all glory is directed at God, not yourself. Yes, God benefits you, but your heart should be in that you benefit Him, and such songs/lyrics should reflect that and not the other way around!

It can also induce God-given positivity we need from time to time, such as watching a Christian comedian. Although the entertainment can seem like a non-beneficial source, their purpose is to bring joy and laughter, two things directly from God (Jesus laughs too!) Even comedians can be used by God to ignite joy in His children. So long as the material is clean and does not disrespect God or His Son, like religious mockery and heresies, etc. You can enjoy people like John Christ or Tim Hawkins (2 of my favorites), both well-known authentically Christian comedians.

Beneficial Watching

Just like the Bible and worship music, there are some things you can view on TV, social media, etc. that can benefit you spiritually by way of Truth. There are also movies, such as Passion of the Christ, The Chosen, or House of David, which can give benefits to the mind and spirit when viewed. Some movies can be used by God to benefit His children and reach the lost. Movies like these can also contain Biblical truths as well as providing a beneficial form of entertainment. There are also some cartoons and TV series which, although aren’t Christian, perform and heed to Christian values found in Scripture.

However, watching from a screen should be the least used source as excessive screen time can lead to physical harm and temptations. Although things like movies can contain Biblical or spiritual truths from God, they should not be used as primary sources, because overuse can become non-beneficial. It should only be used as temporary beneficial entertainment.

Non-beneficial Reading

Non-beneficial reading is things such as novels, articles, blogs, etc. that are entertaining and do not contain dangerous language, topics, etc., but still do not contain Biblical/spiritual truth and have no spiritual benefit. In fact, they could instead provide false information based on opinion, bias, or just imagination/fiction. Some fictions are known, but some aren’t, which is why they can be dangerous (this risk does depend on the person’s prior spiritual knowledge). If anything, entertaining fictions can become distractions if you are not aware of your spiritual priorities as a child of God. Although reading a good book isn’t a sin, it depends on the content and the loyalty to the action, and only the Holy Spirit knows if it will affect you. Even if the content seems harmless, to ignore the Spirit turns harmless into harmful and sinful.

Non-beneficial Listening

Non-beneficial listening pertains to things such as music or audio that have no spiritual benefit or significant consequence. This can include music without lyrics, “clean” secular music, or podcasts. Although they are technically harmless, you can never take that mentality for granted. Time spent listening to meaningless audio could have been time spent building your spirit man. It’s not a sin to listen to clean music, but you must acknowledge that God’s original design for music was worship. As with podcasts, some conversations do have meaning, but some involve opinions and truths you may already know or agree with, deeming their rerun pointless.

You must also acknowledge that even clean or lyric less music can be dedicated to “the wrong side.” Satan can also use music like this as a distraction from beneficial music because the tune or beat is “more enjoyable” to the flesh. Sometimes, people will listen to the instrumental version of a song who’s original involves explicit or vulgar language or who’s author openly lives in sin without God. Use caution and consult with the Holy Spirit before meditating on music like this, as demonic ties could still have an attachment with it even though the lyrics aren’t present.

Podcasts voicing truth could also be performed with ungodly intentions and can instead stir negative emotions in the listener.

Non-beneficial Watching

Non-beneficial watching pertains to things such as movies with desensitized or meaningless content that doesn’t significantly affect the person but doesn’t have God in it either. Desensitized content is content that nearly every visual work has and can be overlooked, skipped over, or ignored without spiritual damage. This is one of the most popular stimulations among the Christian community. Although we can see and acknowledge most of today’s media as dangerous to the spirit, some works manage to make the safe cut, such as the 1st phase of Marvel movies, or the few appropriate sitcoms for adults and on kid’s channels. Although it’s not a sin to watch these things and can be physically beneficial to engage in cartoons from time to time, make sure it does not override time with God.

Consequential Reading

Consequential reading is the more extreme of non-beneficial reading. Not only can it pose as a damaging distraction, but it also contains content that glorifies topics, language, etc. that is not of God or even the opposite. Some Christians believe that their relationship with God protects them from the evils of reading certain material. Others believe in the non-existence or insignificance of the Spirit realm, the realm in which the demonic live (Its existence and influence is proven in Scripture). And the third falsification is that demons don’t attach themselves to things like books and paper. Just like good or Godly music can be dedicated without Him, books can be too. In fact, books that glorify sin are clearly dedicated against Him and can provoke and invite demonic influences into your life the same way reading the Bible invites God. Topics that include witchcraft, sexual immorality, posing evil things as good, or counterfeits to things that sound like truth have a real spiritual influence on the reader’s life whether they sense it or not. Reading things like erotic novels not only lead to temptation or sin, but they awaken desires and/or counterfeit desires in the heart before it is time.

Consequential Listening

Consequential listening pertains to audio materials that harm your spirit rather than benefit it. These could be things such as music with explicit and/or lyrics with cursing or swearing. Lyrics could also contain false Biblical truths, the celebration of fleshly (worldly) things, or secular or even Satanic encouragement. Much like consequential reading materials, listening to things with equal vulgarity have a damaging spiritual impact and can invoke and invite demonic influence into areas of your life. The “normal” reactions to this truth are “it’s just a song,” or “I don’t really listen to the lyrics.” As warned in non-beneficial listening, even the most harmless sounding songs can have demonic ties to them which in turn will affect whoever listens to them. These ties could reside in any musical genre and includes instrumental songs and songs created without lyrics. The more the listener meditates on the effected song, the more damaging to the spirit, and the harder it will be to break. Proof of the safety of the song can sometimes be seen in the atmosphere/vibe/elements of the artist’s music videos if they are available.

Consequential Watching

Consequential watching pertains to visual materials that damage your spiritual wellbeing rather that help or heal it. These are materials such as movies/TV series that glorify certain sins or exposing yourself to pornography. Although sin is portrayed in every work of cinema, (Christian films included), works that damage are films that portray these sins and evils as “good” or “enjoyable.” Sexual scenes and language (“adult content”) is used to invoke the physical reaction in the audience, because it “feels good” despite the Bible’s strict warnings against it. It is the same with watching pornography. Visuals like these are dangerous, because they invite demonic influence into the viewer’s life, lead to temptation and sin, and can easily become distractions and addictions, which in turn can destroy other areas of life.

A popular cinematic genre, including among the Christian community (unfortunately) is horror movies and movies which use or glorify witchcraft. The Bible clearly states that witchcraft, fear, and all the evil, demonic, and murderous elements in horror films are sins and that Christians should not be involved with them. Exposing ourselves to these evils invites demonic influence into our lives the same way an explicit film would.

The argument is typically that some Christians abstain from horror movies and certain movies with witchcraft yet justify others with the same material. They use this excuse to watch what they want. But you must also take into consideration, the platform of the sin displayed in the film. People like C.S. Lewis and Tolkien (Christian writers) have live action adaptations based on their novels which display what is obviously magic and some witchcraft. However, these films are still beneficial because of the way in which the sin is portrayed and the way it is interpreted, much like how we interpret the Bible. The “witchcraft” displayed in their films is clearly portrayed as evil and the plot of the storyline is to destroy it. Meanwhile, the magic Aslan uses was purposely used to portray the miracles of Jesus; As opposed to JK Rowling’s books and film adaptations, some of Marvel’s heroes, and some of the newest Disney movies which portray witchcraft (some of it directly in relation to Satan, Hell, and the demonic) as good instead. So, when watching a film or TV show involving witchcraft, always look for where its purpose lies, because it will influence how the audience views it in their heart. God knows your heart’s intentions and desires!

Keep in mind that watching is not just what you see on a screen. It is everything you see with your physical eyes. It could be certain promiscuous clothing a woman (or a man) is wearing. It could be explicit or demonic artwork, photographs, or even advertisements. Demons can attach themselves to anything, even paper and plastic!

Bene-quential Reading

Bene-quential reading pertains to reading materials that could either help your spirit, harm your spirit, or neither. This could be but is not limited to things like romance novels or Christian theology. Although there are Christian romance novels out there, even they can harm or become a distraction when the reader becomes so emersed that he or she wants their relationship to match the book, despite God’s plans. It can cause the reader to actively deviate from God’s will. General romance novels are distracting and dangerous, because even with the sexual bits removed, it still presents a counterfeit reality that the reader may desire, sparked by their imagination. Although God can use a Christian romance novel for good things, not all novels labeled “Christian” line up with scripture. Your knowledge on love and relationships should ultimately come from God, not a book, let alone a fictional novel.

Things like Christian theology is typically very beneficial, but in some cases, scripture can be misinterpreted, and God’s gifts used for knowledge can operate in the flesh, causing distorted or false information. This can furthermore deceive a multitude of readers and cause them to stumble in the spirit.

Bene-quential Listening

Bene-quential listening pertains to all things which pass through our ears, like music, podcasts, comedy, or even sermons spoken by pastors that could either benefit you or not. Attending music concerts has a bit of all three. Christian concerts can be proven beneficial when the singer is willing to lead the concert by the Spirit and not for fame. On the slip side, artists who perform Christian music by a means to make a name for themselves and not aim to point their audience to God has both an indifferent and even damaging approach. And lastly, allowing yourself to be exposed to the ungodly influence of secular artists has its spiritual consequences, especially if you idolize the artist (You can idolize Christian artists too!)

Motivational speeches or sermons spoken by Pastors have the most benefit, but also some of the most damage. Although positivity seems…well, positive, some positivity is aimed at the flesh rather than the spirit, causing you to believe and take pride in things that are against Scripture. Meanwhile, Pastors who distort the gospel exist and many people will miss Heaven, because they believed and applied false truth into their lives instructed to them by the person appointed to keep them from it, a cruel irony.

Attending to or listening to a comedian can be beneficial if the person’s words are clean and careful (even some non-Christian comedians are like this). But listening or watching someone who uses the words of the world; even if the person is considered “clean,” can spiritually influence the audience negatively. Most secular comedians use vulgar, explicit, or sack-religious language that God wholeheartedly disapproves of and advises His followers against listening to fools such as these. Language is no joking matter according to God, so we should not take joy in it as the world does.

Things like podcasts can pose with a level of all three effects depending on what is said. Podcasts are already generated by bias and opinion, even though truth and Biblical truth amongst them is possible. There are podcasts that are dedicated to preaching the Gospel and otherwise Biblical Truth to the audience. But there are also podcasts with truth and reality that are not Godly, such as those who make fun of others or call out certain truths in anger instead of love. Even some professed “Christian” podcasters are known to shout down false ideologies speak truths, and demand reality, while publicly shaming and cutting down those who are opposing their beliefs in the process. Their podcasts on truth are done out of anger and not love and their efforts are even in vain or go against the Bible on how such things are to be handled the way Jesus would handle them. Listening to things like these on a constant basis can subconsciously shift your heart posture, sometimes without you knowing. So, be watchful of what you listen to. Listening materials like these require the Spirit of discernment to separate right from wrong (even the truthful ones can make mistakes).

Bene-quential Watching

Bene-quential watching pertains to things which pass through our eyes and directly into our mind and soul. What we see, especially on a screen can have the most benefit, but also the most damaging. Videogames is near the top of the list of stimulation, but unlike the others, videogames don’t have any spiritual benefit, only indifferent and harmful consequences. Not only are some videogames violent and explicit, but even the mellow versions pose as a distraction, or an obsession/addiction, which can destroy a person’s life if the hold is strong enough. Although it’s not a sin to play clean videogames from time to time, it should never be put in front of God.

Social media is a close second to video games. It is one of the primary causes of our world’s negative mental problems, such as insecurity and actions based on false information. Although God can and does use social media to reach and minister to those who need Him, you must be especially careful what you watch and how long. Poisoned minds live behind the screens and can unintentionally open the door to temptations and sin. It can also just as easily become an addiction and distraction. Despite the spiritual benefits, social media seems to be more the devil’s tool than it is God’s.

What does God say about dangerous enjoyment?

·      Ephesians 4:7- Give no opportunity to the devil (opportunities are everywhere and can reside in anything, even pets and inanimate objects! Don’t underestimate where the devil can hide!).

·      1 Thessalonians 5:22- abstain from every form of evil.

When other Christians see you watching movies, listening to music, or reading books that glorify what you claim to avoid, it will cause them to stumble.

·      Proverbs 4:23- Keep your heart vigilant.

Protect your heart from evil things because what you meditate on goes there.

·      Ephesians 5:11-Don't take part in evil things. Instead, expose them!

Christians who know that Satan is hidden in something; warn others so they won’t stumble!

·      Psalm 119:37- (David) “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”

This can include non-beneficial things! Ask the Holy Spirit!

·      1 Peter 5:8- Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Predators hide so their prey doesn’t know they are there and create false safety. The devil hides everywhere and can be in anything, even “harmless” things! “Harmless” is the lie that keeps us where he wants us so he can pounce.

·      Isaiah 5:20- Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Worldly and even Christian ignorance was prophesied. Our enjoyment and fascination with things like witchcraft were previously known by God and He even added warnings against it in His Word. That should make your conviction obvious.

·      2 Corinthians 11:14- even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Satan disguises himself in enjoyable things to make them appear good! To a Christian, “harmless” will always look appealing!

·      2 Corinthians 6:14- Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

This includes what we expose ourselves to and how we respond to it, not just “being friends with unbelievers. How can a Christian abstain from and even teach against practicing witchcraft, yet willfully involve themselves in franchises that glorify it?

·      1 Thessalonians 5:22- Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Unbelievers and believers alike pay attention to what Christians involve themselves with. If they see a Christian involve themselves in worldly and even some evil things, they will use it to justify their own sin or use it as a place to start a sin. Never give the implication of sin, even if it’s fake! Faking sin grieves the Holy Spirit!

·      Mark 4:24-Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you and still more will be added to you.

The Holy Spirit will let you know if something you listen to is worthless or harmful. Keep listening for Him because your ignorance will be judged!

·      Proverbs 4:23- Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

And out of your heart, the mouth speaks. So, if you’re exposing yourself to darkness, out of your heart will flow springs of darkness…whether you want it to or not.

·      Matthew 5:16- In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The second half to 1 Thessalonians 5:22: Don’t cause other believers to stumble or even unbelievers to keep stumbling. Instead, show them the light Jesus gave you.

·      Philippians 4:8- Finally, believers, whatever is true, honorable, worthy of respect, right, confirmed by God’s Word, pure, wholesome, lovely, brings peace, admirable, and of good report; if there is any excellence, or anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things.

A hint to what you should be meditating on regardless! Meditating on things which don’t glorify God is the opposite!

·      1 Corinthians 10:31- Everything you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Watching movies, reading novels, and listening to music that glorify darkness is not glorifying God, it’s approving the darkness, even if you swear you aren’t approving it and aren’t performing it yourself. Willing exposure is the same as approval!

Conclusion

What you listen to with your ears and watch and read with your eyes, goes directly into your soul, which then travels to your heart, and out of the heart, the mouth speaks, which is why what you listen to can be dangerous. The eyes (and ears) are the gateway to the soul. Reading, watching, and listening are all forms of meditation through the eyes and ears, more effective when the stimuli is repeated. Meditation is repetition, repeated exposure to a stimulus. Watching and reading is the meditation of the eyes and listening is the meditation of the ears. All three invoke the imagination, and depending on the stimuli will raise the sign for either God or Satan to see and draw. This is exactly why Scripture tells us to meditate on it. All Scripture is inspired from the Holy Spirit, who is omniscient (all-knowing) and knows what will affect us, where, and how.

All non-beneficial stimulation can result in a distraction, which is why God should always be put first. It is not a sin to engage in non-beneficial material from time to time as it is not a sin, but it can become sinful when placed in front of God.

All bene-quential stimulation can also result in distractions, depending on the class in relation to the material. For example: social media can be beneficial, non-beneficial, and consequential, meaning the potential for each exists. Meanwhile, things like romance and fiction novels are only non-beneficial or consequential, meaning the lack of spiritual benefit should be taken into consideration as stumbling is possible no matter what with these materials.

All consequential stimulation can result in distractions, addictions, demonic invitation and influence, and destruction of life areas. They can also invite demonic influence into your life because demons use sinful bonds as contracts to work. Demons can attach themselves to anything, even what our flesh sees as harmless. These could be as open as a relic in your house or as small as a movie/music poster on your wall. Only our Spirit through God knows what we as individuals should avoid. Only God truly knows what your flesh will respond to negatively, which is why total avoidance is necessary in terms of protecting your spirit. Your flesh doesn’t know and you can’t say you know unless you’ve already talked to the Holy Spirit. This means that some can read, watch, or listen to things that genuinely won’t affect them, while others cannot. However, this only pertains to non-beneficial and bene-quential materials. This is not an excuse to engage in stimulations that are consequential or expose yourself to whatever you want! It’s not your job to test it! In fact, the temptation to test your flesh should give you all the clarity you need to stay away from it! Satan knows all about testing the Lord your God. He tempted Jesus with it! All consequential materials should be abstained from by everyone, Christians especially. It’s never “just a movie,” “just a book,” or “just a song.” Everything we expose ourselves to affects us. Belittling something by saying “just a” is an opinion, and it’s not God’s opinion. In fact, it’s exactly what Satan wants us to think. Calling a movie glorifying witchcraft, “just a movie” is the same as saying pornography is “just a short film,” or “just fiction.”

God isn’t trying to keep you from having fun. He’s desperately trying to protect you, because in the event that the stimuli causes you to stumble, He has to turn His back; because not only did you disobey, but you fell prey to the stalking lion in that screen, or in that novel, or in that song. You let him pounce. The Shepherd was protecting you from the lion, but you ran towards him anyway. Don’t run from the Shepherd. Life is always safer with the Shepherd. You may be God’s greatest masterpiece, but never take that for granted. You may be a human being made in God’s direct image, but you aren’t God. You’re not the Shepherd. You’re a sheep. You don’t govern your own life. You don’t forgive your own sin. You don’t decide what’s safe and what isn’t when you haven’t exposed yourself to it yet. Only God knows, only God governs, and only God forgives. So listen to Him! When He tells you not to read that book, or watch that movie, or listen to that song, don’t do it!