Giving ground to games
I think I could really easily slip into Puritan zone. Today, what I mean by that is their serious view of life. Limited entertainment, limited relaxation. Cut out the excess. Everything purposeful. Everything with value.
The trouble with the extreme version of this is what is missed in art and in rest and in entertainment. God made us with the ability to create and to enjoy what others are gifted in and that-- when done in moderation and not excess-- is God glorifying, not an excuse for sin or laziness. It is possible to give God glory in art and rest and entertainment.
But I have to remind myself of this when everyone I know seems to jump on the bandwagon of a new show or game. I don't see the "togetherness" these things provide. I don't see the "art" behind them that is God-glorifying. I don't see the "rest" that is rejuvenating so that my friends can endure more heartily when they're back to doing their work. What comes into my mind is what a colossal waste of time these things are.
If a game can be a conduit for fellowship, if it gets people outside and taking pictures of the glorious sunset that God is putting on display, if it is a way for people to express their God-given gifts and talents I should not camp myself on the high ground that says that my way of rest or art is better than someone else's.
I've been convicted this morning by a gentle rebuke and the words of 1 Peter 3:8:
The context is submission out of reverence for Christ, and never letting your own preferences or getting your own way divide you from people. I guess, in my critical ways of thinking, I am guilty of this.
So while I DON'T think a game or a show is a replacement for time in actual study of God's word, expression of our hearts to him in prayer, or truly Biblical fellowship, I DO think that I can give some ground for the good that comes of it for the glory of God and for the sake of unity and brotherly love.
The trouble with the extreme version of this is what is missed in art and in rest and in entertainment. God made us with the ability to create and to enjoy what others are gifted in and that-- when done in moderation and not excess-- is God glorifying, not an excuse for sin or laziness. It is possible to give God glory in art and rest and entertainment.
But I have to remind myself of this when everyone I know seems to jump on the bandwagon of a new show or game. I don't see the "togetherness" these things provide. I don't see the "art" behind them that is God-glorifying. I don't see the "rest" that is rejuvenating so that my friends can endure more heartily when they're back to doing their work. What comes into my mind is what a colossal waste of time these things are.
If a game can be a conduit for fellowship, if it gets people outside and taking pictures of the glorious sunset that God is putting on display, if it is a way for people to express their God-given gifts and talents I should not camp myself on the high ground that says that my way of rest or art is better than someone else's.
I've been convicted this morning by a gentle rebuke and the words of 1 Peter 3:8:
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
The context is submission out of reverence for Christ, and never letting your own preferences or getting your own way divide you from people. I guess, in my critical ways of thinking, I am guilty of this.
So while I DON'T think a game or a show is a replacement for time in actual study of God's word, expression of our hearts to him in prayer, or truly Biblical fellowship, I DO think that I can give some ground for the good that comes of it for the glory of God and for the sake of unity and brotherly love.
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