Watching movies is a question that many Christians consider whether it is a sin to watch a movie or not, as it is everywhere in the world. I have experienced that in my own case, it is not really the issue of watching movies. It is how I really feel about the kind of movie, the message of the movie, and what makes me feel as far as my heart is concerned.
The Bible educates that we should be careful of what we feed on. The Bible in Philippians 4:8 states that we ought to have thoughts of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. This implies that when a movie fails to portray these values then it is liable to become an issue.
Simple viewing of movies is not termed as sin in the Bible. Movies are nothing more than telling a story, like parables, books, or dramas. Sinfulness is the fact that when the content encourages violence, lust, hatred, or anything that corrupts our spirit it is sinful. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to abstain from everything that makes it look evil.
Therefore, in case a movie is loaded with godless scenes, then being a believer, I should not watch it. I have personally seen some films and I felt uncomfortable in my spirit that too is a sign that the Holy Spirit is trying to warn me.
One more point is an addiction. The whole harmless movie can be turned into a sin as long as I don’t make my time and my priorities the slave of that movie. In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:12, it is stated that all things are lawful to me, but I will not be subject to the power of any.
This implies that I must avoid giving movies the precedence over prayer, fellowship or my duties. Once it turns out to be a distraction to God, then it is not harmless anymore.
Behavior is also subject to influence by movies. Proverbs 4:23 states in the Bible, that, keep thy heart with all diligence; out of it are the issues of life. The TV shows go into my heart and I have to be very protective.
I do not have to watch things that undermine my spiritual life, instead, I will watch movies that inspire, educate, or give strength to my faith.
To sum up, watching films is never a sin in itself except that it is a sin when it contains ungodly material, when it influences my spiritual being, or when it has power over my time.
We as Christians have to be careful and discriminating. I have developed a habit of asking myself before watching anything will God be pleased with it? By applying this easy rule we are able to entertain ourselves without losing our faith.