Q: How would you advise a youth who is addicted to online violent or diabolical gaming to stop it before it is too late?

A: That is a relevant question. There are reasonable limits in enjoying some educational online games that promote sound general knowledge and the fear of God, but this is not always the case. Have you heard of Resident Evil, Diablo, Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Apex legends, Roblox, Fortnite Battle Royale, Sea of Thieves, Dota2? These are some of the popular online games of our times for young people. Addiction is a serious and prevalent problem in our times especially during this raging health crisis where we are to stay at home and internet gaming addiction during the pandemic has exacerbated as shared in an article in The Strait Times on 6 Feb 2022 entitled Gaming Addiction on the Rise Among Youths. On 24 Jan 2022, a 14-year-old boy killed his father who tried to restrict him from his excessive online gaming. Another youth set his parents back by $20,000 recently when he played games on the internet and charged it to their credit card. Many gullible and unsuspecting youths are caught in this serious snare. Some have consulted professional help in psychiatrists to try to resolve this matter. An expert said 6 out of 10 youths are addicted to gaming in one way or another and it could get worse.

 

The inspired Bible is absolutely authoritative and sufficient to guide us in all things including the spiritual, social and moral ills of our times. The principle of honouring God in our stewardship of time is the first thing to consider. We need to ask an honest question when we engage in an activity, is this the best use of our time in the light of eternity? This can apply to anything from watching Netflix movies, TV, listening to secular music, addiction to the handphone with the social media obsessions like Tik Tok, Instagram, chatrooms and Twitter or playing games till late at night. Does this have the potential to also distract my attention from my studies and work, from seeking, knowing, worshipping, loving God and reading His Word and prayer and Christian fellowship? Is there a possibility for these things to become an idol for me and displace my love for God (Col 3:5; Rev 2:4)? Below are some practical pointers to ponder regarding playing video games or any other earthly pursuit.

 

1. Will these computer games build up in me a good mind in the fear of God?

To edify means to build up. Will playing these internet games build up your devotion for God, the knowledge of Him in His Word, and our effective outreach to save souls or our ministry to others? Yes, everything is allowable but is it spiritually profitable, positive or constructive (1 Cor 10:23-24; Rom 14:19)? There is a proper place to unwind or for relaxation, but it is to be a spiritually uplifting activity or praiseworthy to God. Philippians 4:8 says, '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.'

 

 

2. Will this playing of internet games promote violence and the occult or the fear of God in the end?

Games like Resident Evil, Dark Souls, Dead by Daylight, Darkest Dungeon, 5 Nights at Freddy, Dark Moon and Zombie Vikings deal with profound violence or evil in their theme and actions. God's will for His children can be summed up in His greatest commandment, '…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 world has been polluted by sin, violence, immorality and the occult. Because we have been saved from our selfish desires, we should surrender our will (Phil 3:7-9). God's will should transform our will (Psa 143:10). Progressively, His desires for us should become our deepest desires as well.

 

To be sanctified or set apart for God is a command of God (1 Pet 1:16) for every Christian and it is a lifelong process that we must strive to be holy and be consecrated to Him and fight against temptations and worldliness. It is our joy and privilege to ask God to give us the power to delight in Him and His Word and prayers instead. We should delight to do His will always (Psa 40:8; Heb 13:21).

 

3. Does the internet game gratify self or the flesh or promote an interest in the occult?

Some computer games glorify violence, lewdness, immorality and even the practices of the occult such as geomancy, witchcraft, necromancy, spell casting and incantations. Some of these games require the player to fight against demons, ghosts, imps, spirits in graveyards, or even hellish characters and in some to even cut off heads and limbs and to brutally kill someone virtually. Are these actions right before the thrice holy and just God? Some role-playing games have caused phobias and irrational fears and compulsive obsessive behaviours in some of the players. Some have even reenacted them in real life and gotten into trouble with the law (For example, a Thai youth robbed a taxi driver in real life after stimulating it in a similar game and was caught and convicted). As Christians, we should be interested in those activities that bring glory to God and help us to grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.'

 

4. Does the playing of these constitute a form of good works or good testimony commanded of God?

We are created in Christ Jesus for good works for His sake (Eph 2:10; Tit2:11-14 and 1 Pet 2:15). Every Christian should strive to do something with their lives towards this end. A good example and testimony is important. What will others think of us if we engage in this activity? Slothfulness and self-indulgence are not consistent with God's sovereign purpose for us. Discipline and diligence are. We are to focus on the Lord and to grow in our faith and to be engaged in edifying things to glorify God and to minister to others as well (1 Cor 15:58; Gal 6:9-10).

 

To be continued…

 

 

By Rev Jack Sin (reproduced from Sovereign Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church Weekly published 20 Feb 2022)

 

 

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