Entertainment: Maintaining Christian Values in Leisure Activities

How we choose to spend our leisure time reflects our deepest values and priorities. In a world filled with endless entertainment options, believers must exercise discernment to ensure their recreational activities honour God and strengthen their faith rather than compromise their spiritual walk.

The Influence of Entertainment on Our Values

Be careful whatever you do in your spare time does not compromise your standards or subtly snare you away from devotion to God. The Bible warns in the last days, "People…will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Tim 3:4). Regularly monitor the amount and content of television you watch as it has a powerful influence to warp our values and condition us to the godless ways of the world, indoctrinating us with its evil.

Except for Christian programs, news bulletins and documentaries, the remainder of this medium is largely saturated with sex, violence, and unharmonious interpersonal relationships. Don't let entertainment shape your values as what we allow to invade our minds, capture our attention and consume our energy during our times of relaxation requires serious scrutiny – does it bring you closer to Christ or separate you from Him? Would you be embarrassed if you could visibly see Jesus with you? "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).

Guarding Our Hearts and Minds

In our times of rest and relaxation (along with our whole life's expression) we are instructed to "not become a stumbling block to the weak" in the faith, by what we involve ourselves with (1 Cor 8:9). At all times we are to "Guard our heart more than any treasure, for it governs our whole life" (Prov 4:23). Hence, it is imperative to tightly monitor the input into being as the evil that we so easily display comes from our heart (Mt 15:18,19).

We should endeavour to make all things serve our purpose and calling in life. The enemy is out to tempt us to sin and be less effective and committed to the cause of Christ (Mt 6:24; 1 Pet 5:8). Don't let him win the battle with you.

Making Wise Entertainment Choices

Our values determine how we spend our leisure time. When we choose entertainment that aligns with biblical principles, we strengthen our spiritual foundation and maintain a clear conscience before God. This requires intentional decision-making and a commitment to purity in all areas of life.

By setting clear boundaries and being selective about the media we consume, we protect ourselves from harmful influences and create space for activities that edify our spirit and draw us closer to God. This discernment is not about legalism but about stewardship of the time and opportunities God has entrusted to us.

Our values determine how we spend our leisure time

Every entertainment choice we make reflects our priorities and shapes our character. When we consistently choose activities that honor God, we build habits that strengthen our faith and witness to others. Conversely, compromising in seemingly small areas can gradually erode our spiritual sensitivity and dull our hunger for righteousness.

The challenge is to maintain balance – enjoying God's gifts of recreation and rest without allowing them to become idols or stumbling blocks. This requires ongoing self-examination and a willingness to adjust our choices as we grow in spiritual maturity.

Reflection and Application:

Review your current entertainment habits – do they reflect Godly values?
Identify one area where you may need to set healthier boundaries
Consider how your entertainment choices influence your spiritual walk
Prayerfully evaluate if Jesus would be comfortable participating in your leisure activities