Reading Magazines

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (NIV)

I must admit I enjoy the sport of stock car racing. From my youth, I have enjoyed cars, and I like to watch a vehicle being pushed to its limits. Since I enjoy this sport, I also like to read magazines about the sport. One thing I have started to notice is that in these magazines there are pictures of women in bikinis or other skimpy clothing, either pictured with a car or with products for racing. My question is, "Why must these pictures be taken?" I buy the magazine to read about the cars and I like to see the cars. Some argue that the other images are part of selling the product. As a Christian man what do I do about this?

Do I cancel my subscription because the content of the magazine is not what I think is acceptable, even though I enjoy reading about the sport? Do I compromise my faith and try to rationalize that there is nothing wrong with this? I must also think about what I want my son to see. If I have this material in the house, can I tell him he cannot look at such things?

In today's scripture, we are told to think only of things which are good. One must remember that what we put into our minds will come out through our actions and words. If there is a source of material that can lead me to have impure thoughts, I need to deal with that source. In addition, I must have a source which is a good influence on me. For me, this source is God's word and fellowship with other believers.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for your help as we struggle with the things around us which are not good sources for pure thoughts. May we look only to you for our guidance through life and may we never leave your counsel. Amen.