AS IN A MIRROR A mirror reflects light so as to give an image of an object or a person. When we gaze at ourselves in a mirror; we confront our emotions, physique and thoughts. Gazing into the mirror is synonymous to staring into a flat screen television or phone screen. In our fast-evolving world today, entertainment has become an integral part of our lives. We watch movies, skits, read books or articles to escape from our realities or relief stress. Entertainment encompasses the movies we watch, the books we read and the music we listen to. Entertainment, as known by people is a way to unwind from the grind and bustle of life, the stress and the pressure. We know the feeling and the dose of dopamine our brain rewards us when we watch our favorite documentary or lifestyle, scrolling through TikTok reels or Facebook. According to 2023 research from Data Reportal, the average screen me for users around the world aged 16 to 64 – across different platforms and devices – is 6 hours 37 minutes per day. Our attitude, character, morals and belief reflection what we continuously gaze at. Studies have shown that a child that is constantly exposed to movies that portrays violence, smoking, and other vices would tend to behave in such an absurd manner because his/her mind has been tricked on believing such vices are normal ways of life. In our genera on today, there are trends and it forcefully takes over the media and entertainment sectors; these are the trends of homosexuality, fornication and what nots. When one begins to assimilate, appreciate, and behold these bizarre lifestyles in the form of entertainment, our mind begins to adjust to this new culture. The bible admonishes us to reflect and fix our gaze on Jesus, and therefore we become more like him. (2 Corinthians 3:18) We are unconsciously what we behold. So, what are we to behold and fix our gaze on? Anything noble, pure, right, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8) Guard what your eyes gaze on because what you keep viewing is like a mirror which can trick your mind into something that you are not and its reflect on could transform your lifestyle. .

Jennifer Okoro Chioma