Taking Charge of the TV

Randy Alcorn has a great post regarding how to take charge of your TV viewing. You may not agree with all of his points, but there is some really helpful stuff here. Make sure to visit his blog and read his reasons for each one:

1. Keep track of how much time you spend watching.

2. Decide in advance how much TV to watch per week.

3. Use a schedule to choose programs for the week (perhaps at family time)— then stick to your choices.

4. Keep your television unplugged, store it in a closet, and/or put it in a remote part of the house (prevents mindless flip-on).

5. Periodically "fast" from television for a week or a month.

6. Choose programs that uplift rather than undermine biblical values.

7. Use the "off" switch freely.

8. Use the channel changer frequently.

9. Watch and discuss programs together as a family.

10. Don't allow young children to choose their own programs—that's the parent's responsibility.

11. Don't use television as a baby sitter.

12. Spend an hour reading Scripture, a Christian book or magazine, or doing a ministry for each hour you watch TV.

13. Consider dropping cable, Showtime, HBO, or any other service that you determine is importing ungodliness or temptation into your home.

14. If you find you can't control it—or you're tired of the battle—get rid of your television.