Technology is in a never-ending battle for our attention. Whether it’s the latest mind-blowing documentary or the newest gadget promising to change the game, there’s always something shiny competing for our focus.
Case in point: my ongoing Jesus vs. Netflix dilemma. If I’m being honest, Netflix is winning way too often.
Ironically, back in the 1950s, some pastors called TV “the Devil’s Box.” Fast-forward 70 years, and a Barna study found that practicing Christians actually watch more TV than non-Christians. Oops.
I love to be entertained. I binge-watch seasons in days, fall into YouTube rabbit holes, and, yes, even stick with bad shows out of sheer stubbornness. Entertainment is my love language. But here’s the kicker: if I invested that much energy into my spiritual life, I’d probably be a walking glow stick of God’s glory—or at least have a few more Bible verses memorized.
And I know I’m not alone.
The Entertainment Obsession
We’re hooked. People change their diets after watching Netflix food documentaries. Others take PTO to marathon Breaking Bad. (Not judging; I get it.) And if you’re struggling to connect with someone at church, just mention what you’re binging—it’s instant small talk gold.
But here’s the thing: how does Jesus compete with the constant noise? How do we turn down the volume on entertainment to turn up awe and hunger for Him?
Maybe the real issue isn’t entertainment itself but the why behind it. We’re desperate to be inspired, to escape the monotony of everyday life, and to find a story that gives us purpose. So we scroll, stream, and binge. But what if we’re looking in the wrong places?
Jesus: The Original Storyteller
Let’s not forget that Jesus was a master storyteller. His parables—about lost sheep, rebellious sons, and shady farmers—were as compelling as any Netflix drama. He was provocative, unpredictable, and impossible to fit into a box.
Jesus wasn’t just about delivering truth; He made it an experience. He performed miracles that left people speechless, flipped tables, and challenged the status quo. He’s the kind of story you can’t stop thinking about.
And here’s the best part: His story is meant to be ours.
Mike Yaconelli once wrote: “I want a lifetime of holy moments…a faith that is gloriously treacherous.” That’s the kind of life we were created for—one that feels more like an epic adventure than a passive viewing experience.
The Real Competition
It’s not about quitting Netflix or throwing out your TV. Entertainment isn’t the enemy. But when we let it dominate our time, we risk missing out on the bigger story—the raw, unedited, unpredictable life of following Jesus.
Brother Lawrence, a monk from the 1600s, once wrote about experiencing God’s presence in the ordinary. Whether you’re bingeing a show or doing the dishes, God’s not checking out when you’re not “being religious.” He’s there, ready to meet you in the middle of it all.
But sometimes, we need to pause the noise. Not to be legalistic, but to remember what really matters. Netflix may grab a few hours of my time, but Jesus has my heart forever. The key is living like that’s true.
So, no, Netflix—I won’t hit “Next Episode.” Not today. Today, I’m tuning in to the Author and Perfecter of my faith, the One who’s written the greatest story ever told and invited me to live it.
Because the best stories aren’t the ones we watch. They’re the ones we live.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source relevantmagazine.com ’
