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Answer
Completed almost 2,000 years ago, God’s Word does not explicitly teach whether a Christian should engage in playing video games. However, the Bible’s principles are still relevant today concerning the optimal use of our time. When God reveals that a particular activity is taking control of our lives, we should distance ourselves from it for a while. This period of abstinence could involve abstaining from food, movies, TV, music, video games—anything that hinders our focus on knowing and loving God and serving His people. While these activities may not be inherently wrong, they can turn into idols if they divert us from our primary devotion (Colossians 3:5;Revelation 2:4). Below are some guidelines to consider, whether the issue pertains to video games, TV, movies, or any other worldly pursuit.
1. Will video games edify or simply entertain me? To edify means to uplift. Will playing video games enhance your love for God, deepen your knowledge of Him, and contribute to your ministry to others? “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24;Romans 14:19). When God grants us leisure time, we should engage in uplifting activities. Do we opt for permissible activities over commendable ones? When faced with options between good, better, and best, we should choose the best (Galatians 5:13-17).
2. Will playing video games align with self-will or God’s will? God’s will for His children can be summarized in His greatest commandment.Commandment: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” «And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. », (Luke 10:27). Our will has been polluted by sin. Because we have been saved from our selfish desires, we should surrender our will (Philippians 3:7-9). God’s will transforms our will «Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. », (Psalm 143:10). Progressively, His desires for us become our deepest desires as well.
Many people believe the will of God is boring and humiliating. They picture a monk in a lonely monastery or a resentful church janitor. On the contrary, people who follow God’s will for their lives are the most joyful, adventurous individuals. Reading biographies of history’s heroes such as Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, and George Mueller will confirm that. Certainly, these saints faced challenges from the world, their own flesh, and the devil. They may not have possessed much of this world’s goods, but God accomplished remarkable deeds through them. Initially, His will may seem unattainable and excessively holy to be enjoyable, but God will empower us to carry it out and to find pleasure in it. “I delight to do Your will, O my God” (Psalm 40:8a;see Hebrews 13:21).
3. Does the video game glorify God? Some video games glorify violence, indecency, and foolish decisions (e.g., “I’m out of the race, so I’ll just wreck my car”). As Christians, our activities should bring glory to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) This will also help us to grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ.
4. Will playing video games result in good works? “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10; see also Titus 2:11-14 and 1 Peter 2:15). Laziness and selfishness violate God’s purpose for us—to do good works for others (1 Corinthians 15:58; see also Galatians 6:9-10).
5. Will playing video games exhibit self-control? Many people have said that video games can become an addiction or an obsession. There is no room in the Christian life for such things. Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete disciplining his body so he may win the prize. Christians have a greater motivation to live a set-apart life of self-control—eternal reward in heaven (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
6. Will playing video games redeem the time? You will give an account for how you use your limited minutes. Spending hours at a time playing a video game can hardly be called a good use of time. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). “Live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God”/en/search-bible?s=1+Peter+4%3A2%3Bsee+also+Colossians+4%3A5%3BJames+4%3A14%3Band+1+Peter+1%3A14-22″>(1 Peter 4:2; see also Colossians 4:5; James 4:14; and 1 Peter 1:14-22).
7. Does it pass the test of Philippians 4:8? “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” «Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. », (Philippians 4:8). When you play video games, is your mind focused on godly or secular things?
8. Will playing video games fit in with my life purpose? Paul wrote that in the final days people would be “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” «traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; », (2 Timothy 3:4). Western culture fits that description. We love to play. Non-Christians become addicted to entertainment such as movies, sports, and music because they do not have a purpose higher than to enjoy life before death. These amusements cannot truly satisfy «I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. », (Ecclesiastes 2:1). When Christians become addicted to the same things as non-Christians, can we truly say that we are exhibiting the new life “in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” «that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crookedked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;”, (Philippians 2:15)? Or do we demonstrate to others that we are not truly different from them and that Christ has not made a significant impact on our lives?
Paul considered knowing, loving, and obeying God to be his top priority. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ… I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:7-10). Will playing video games demonstrate my love for God or my love for worldly things? (1 John 2:15-17).
9. Will playing video games help me maintain an eternal focus? Christians have the hope of eternal rewards in heaven if they remain faithful on earth (see Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 3:11-16). By concentrating on living for eternity rather than the temporary pleasures of the earth, we will have dedicated our resources, time, and hearts to ministry (Colossians 3:1-2;23-24). If our possessions or activities lead us to forfeit our eternal rewards, what value do they hold (Luke 12:33-37)? Christians often attempt to serve both God and their own desires. However, Jesus clearly stated, “No one can serve two masters” “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve Godand mammon.” (Matthew 6:24). God provides us with joy during periods of work and rest (Ecclesiastes 5:19; Matthew 11:28-29; Colossians 3:23-24). It is essential to find a balance between work and leisure. Just as Jesus did when He said “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” , (Mark 6:31), we should opt for an uplifting activity.
The question should not be “Can I play video games?” but rather “Would video games be the most beneficial choice?” Will this activity build me up, demonstrate love to my neighbor, and bring glory to God? We are encouraged to pursue activities that are praiseworthy, not merely permissible. Wherever He may lead you, follow Him wholeheartedly above all else. Prepare for eternity. Every sacrifice will appear insignificant when we encounter Jesus.
