“The time has come,” Jesus said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

We live in a time when many Christian movies and T.V. shows are being produced. They are high quality and can be very inspiring. Some of you have seen The Chosen (about the life of Jesus) or The House of David (about the rise of King David). Some have seen movies like Jesus Revolution (about the spiritual awakening in America in the 60’s and 70’s).

I frequently get asked what I think about them. 

Each of these shows or movies is different, but in general you need to be discerning. It’s positive when they portray historical and cultural details with accuracy. It’s also positive when they stay true to the biblical teachings. 

You need to remember, however, that interpretative choices are being made by the writers and producers. They sometimes take some poetic license to “fill in the gaps” of various stories and attribute words to Jesus or David that they didn’t actually say. Again, discernment is needed.

One thing that is often missing, however, is honesty about the hard work of actually becoming more like Christ. People love to hear about forgiveness and love and mass conversions, but they shy away from repentance, taking up a cross, turning away from sin, and making choices that will make them unpopular with the wider culture.

J.I. Packer says: “In this world, royal children have to undergo extra training and discipline, which other children escape, in order to fit them for their high destiny. It is the same with the children of the King of kings… He is training them for what awaits them, and chiselling them into the image of Christ.”*

The “King of kings” is Christ (as per Revelation 19:16). We are his royal children. And yes, we need to undergo special training and discipline. Otherwise how will we become more like him? 

This includes trust, genuine repentance, learning Jesus’ teachings, relying on God, carrying a cross, loving enemies, blessing and serving people, walking alongside others, and growing in holiness. It is also a path of peace and joy—praise be to God! 

But we need to be honest about the whole picture, not just half the picture.

As you watch Christian media, I hope you enjoy it. I hope you get a lot out of it! But be discerning. And take seriously your training and discipline as royal children of the King of kings.

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Notes:

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on August 4, 2025.
-*J.I. Packer, Knowing God (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1973), 235.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.