In our A Mama Heart Like Jesus series we have been talking about protecting our kids from evil.
Here are three questions we talked about when deciding if something is a good influence for your kids.
- Is this going to shape my kids’ character in a godly way?
- Is this going to present a world-view that aligns with God’s Word?
- Is this going to encourage my kids in their relationship with the Lord?
These questions work great when choosing entertainment options that are best for your child. While some entertainment or influences are neutral and okay for our kids to watch, it is, ofcourse, best to focus more on the ones where you can answer yes to all three questions.
Solid Christian movies with a Biblical message can encourage our kids’ faith, character, and love for Jesus. Kids are drawn to screens, whether we like it or not, so what better way to encourage them by providing a message of truth rather than one full of the enemy’s lies?
Our children hear lies from the world almost every day, and because we are so desensitized to the world we live in, we don’t even notice them.
Messages like “It’s cool to be disrespectful to my family,” “I need that new toy to be fulfilled,” “I have to be good at something for people to like me,” and “I should follow my hearts desires” are just a few lies that run across our eyes from media, advertisements, and songs every day.
Good Christian movies help our children hear more of God’s truth and less of the world’s lies. When we are choosing entertainment for our kids, why not choose something that will speak life to our children?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Here are 5 important benefits to Christian movies…
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1. Christian movies teach our kids more about God.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
God wants us to know Him. He wants our children to know Him, and the more they know Him, the more they will love Him and want to be like Him. We can do this by talking about God, reading the Bible, and thankfully there are some great movies to teach our kids more about God too.
Owlegories is the perfect show for preschoolers and early elementary age that teaches aspects of God’s character through nature. This sweet series engages the hearts of little ones to be excited about God and how amazing He really is! It is available as an app, and DVD’s are available on Amazon as well.
2. Christian movies help our kids learn more about God’s Word.
Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
We want our kids to get excited about the Bible! When my children were little, we had the Read and Share Bible and purchased the Read and Share DVD collections as well! My kids LOVED these movies, and their Sunday school teachers were so amazed at their Bible knowledge at such a young age! What’s in the Bible by Phil Vischer and Super Book are two other great movie options to teach God’s Word as well! For older kids, try The Chosen, a publicly funded series on the life of Jesus which is available at thechosen.tv.
3. Christian movies give kids an example of Christ-like character.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love. Ephesians 5:1
Our children need a good role model of Christ-like character, which is difficult to find on the latest shows, especially as kids become older. One series that our children LOVE is VeggieTales’ newer movies that are parodies of famous stories such as Star Trek, Cinderella, and Lord of the Rings. Each story focuses on good character. For example, the Lord of the Beans teaches kids to use their gifts to bless others and display a selfless heart. Character Builders, Monster Truck Adventures, Gigi, God’s Little Princess, and Bible Man also focus on Godly character as well.
4. Christian movies inspire our kids to love God more than anything.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5
We want our children to love God first and most, which is hard with a world full of entertainment and pleasures. Movies that model this principle are a great influence on our children. Gigi, God’s Little Princess, is a great example of this. This movie, geared for preschool and young elementary girls, has a character named Gigi who knows God loves her so much and created her to be a princess. She prays to God every night, and she is clearly filled with joy knowing that she is a child of God.
5. Christian movies encourage our kids to live for God and not the world.
Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Movies that encourage our kids to live for God are definitely worth watching!
The Pilgrim’s Progress
Just because a movie appears on a Christian movies app or someone says it’s Christian doesn’t automatically mean it will meet the criteria for your family values, so you should always preview the movies and make sure it is appropriate for you kids and has a solid Bibilical world view. With that being said, you are most likely going to find a great selection of movies that will meet your standards when going with Christian movie websites and apps.
So where can you find these great Christian movies?
Minno Kids: (previously called JellyTelly): This movie app has most of the Christian movies I have reviewed. The movie selections are great for kids preschool through elementary age. The kids can watch it on a tablet or smart TV, and you pay for a monthly subscription.
Amazon Prime Video
Owlegories: This movie app series teaches kids about God through allegories from nature and uses adorable owl characters kids love. You can find Owlegories DVD’s on Amazon or as an app for your tablet or smart TV.
Right Now Media: This app is typically purchased by churches or Christian schools and allows its members access to movies for kids and adults as well as Bible studies and teaching. Check with your church or Christian school to find out if you have access to Right Now Media for your family to enjoy!
Pure Flix: This app has movies for kids, preteens, teens, and adults. Our family enjoys this movie app and have found great shows to watch together now that they are 11 and 13. Movies such as God’s Not Dead, Courageous, and The Case for Christ are great for these ages and really encourage their faith.
The Chosen has it’s own app too that you can download to watch all the episodes of the life of Jesus! This series is best for ages 10 and up, and the first episode of season one may be scary for young viewers. Otherwise, it has been a great series to watch with our family, and it has helped us have a greater understanding for what life was like for the people during the time Jesus lived.
I pray that these movies will uplift your family and encourage your kids to love God and desire to follow in His ways!
Happy Watching!
Taylor
