Games: Biblical Wisdom and Discernment in Recreational Activities
Games represent structured leisure activities that develop mental abilities, physical skills, and provide relaxation. While mental puzzles benefit cognitive function and physical exercise keeps the body functioning better, it is essential to approach games with wisdom and discernment, ensuring they align with biblical principles and bring glory to God.
Benefits and Healthy Engagement
Games offer numerous benefits when engaged in wisely. Mental puzzles and strategy games sharpen cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. Physical games enhance coordination, strength, and overall health.
Social skills are enhanced as you participate in various sports and games with expertise. Healthy competition teaches fairness, perseverance, and graciousness. A good sportsman shows consideration for less experienced players, maintains positive interactions, and accepts defeat with grace. These social interactions help individuals become more socially adapted and boost self-esteem.
However, games should not become all-consuming or take precedence over more important matters. Wisdom is needed in choosing activities that are constructive rather than merely permissible.
Spiritual Discernment in Gaming Choices
Not all games are equally beneficial. Some computer video games involve fantasy elements and occult influences that should be avoided by
believers. Our activities should bring glory to God and help us grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (1 Cor 10:31).
Scripture provides clear guidance: "Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial or constructive" (1 Cor 10:23-24). We will give account of our time, so we need to be "making the most of every opportunity...don't live for human passions but for the will of God" (Rom 14:12; Eph 5:16; 1 Pet 4:2; 1 Jn 2:15-17).
The Bible encourages us to think about good, wholesome things and set our hearts on things above (Phil 4:8; Col 3:1-2). In the final days, people will be "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Tim 3:4). Paul considered everything worthless compared with knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-10).
Social Interaction and Eternal Perspective
Games played 'against machines' can lead to anti-social behavior and isolation. In contrast, interaction with others, especially children, develops positive skills and creates wholesome bonding experiences. Social games foster communication, cooperation, and relationship-building.
We should aim for a healthy balance between work and recreation. Even in times of relaxation, choose good, praiseworthy, and uplifting activities by keeping eternity in view. Recreation should refresh us for greater service and kingdom work.
It is vital in the 'game of life' to put your best into it, to obtain a crown that will last forever (1 Cor 9:24-27). Fix your eyes on Jesus (Gal 5:7; Heb 12:1-2). Living life 'to the full' and making it count for God is a serious matter. The choices we make in leisure activities reflect our priorities and love for God.
The 'game of life' has a serious outcome
Monitoring Competition and Competitiveness
Competition and competitiveness need careful monitoring. While games provide healthy challenges, we must remember it is only a game. The desire to win should never override godly conduct and treating others with respect.
Game outcomes are quickly forgotten. However, ungodly behavior during competition—anger, arrogance, cheating, harsh words, or poor sportsmanship—can have lasting results. Our actions reflect on our Christian witness.
Scripture warns: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" (Phil 2:3-4). We must guard against selfish ambition that seeks personal glory at the expense of others.
Jesus taught that greatness in His kingdom is measured by service, not dominance (Mt 20:26-28). In competitive settings, demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
Reflection and Application:
- Evaluate your current gaming and leisure activities in light of biblical principles.
- Consider how you can use games and recreational activities as opportunities for building relationships and witnessing.
- Reflect on whether your entertainment choices demonstrate that you are setting your heart on things above rather than earthly things.
- Examine if you are maintaining a healthy balance between recreation and your eternal priorities.