What you watch on television can have an impact on your actions. A RAND Corp. study has found that among teenagers surveyed, those who frequently watched television programs with significant sexual content were twice as likely to be involved in a teen pregnancy in the following three years.

Indeed, some of the most popular viewing material, sitcoms, have the highest rate of sexual content. While there are other factors, shows featuring sex without consequences can shape the thinking of young viewers (Laura Coffey, "Study: Sex on TV Linked to Teen Pregnancies, "MSNBC.com, Nov. 3, 2008).

God's instructions are clear. Sex is permitted only in marriage (Hebrews 13:4). If the society around us lived according to this law, the pressures to break it would be less.

The conditions we live in today require each individual to carefully guard his or her mind (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 2:5). If the content on television becomes inappropriate and glorifies the breaking of any of God's commandments, do the right thing and turn it off.