5. Will the playing of internet games improve my temperance or self-restraint?

While it is not wrong to play an educational game or a mentally stimulating game, the question is, can this online game become an addiction or an obsession in itself for me? We are not to be slaves of anything for Christ has set us free. The problem with drugs, alcohol and smoking and some of the enslaving activities is that we can be brought under subjection. Paul warns us of disciplining the body so we may win the prize. Christians have a greater motivation to live a consecrated life of temperance to gain the everlasting prize in heaven one day (1 Cor 9:25-27).

 

6. Will the playing of these games help me to redeem the precious time that is going by?

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, 'See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.' All of us will give account for how we employ our limited time. Can you account for spending so many hours playing a game before the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ one day (2 Cor 5:10)? Think about it prayerfully. Let us choose to live for God and not for fleshly reasons or pandering to our selfish desires only (1 Pet 4:2; Col 4:5, Jas 4:14, and 1 Pet 1:14-22) and employ our time for eternity's sake.

 

7. Does it pass the test of 1 Corinthians 8:9?

1 Corinthians 8:9-12 says, 'But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, yes in against Christ.' When you are obsessed with playing online games, your testimony is at stake and your focus on secular things is a bad example to others and may even stumble some. Do not let this happen and destroy your good influence in them for Christ peradventure you may share the gospel with them? Do not be a stumbling block but be a steppingstone for others in their walk of faith. Let us do all things for Christ and for our brethren’s sake.

 

8. Will the playing of these internet games fit in with my overall life goal for God?

In the shorter catechism, we are reminded that “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” Ask yourself, will these amusements fulfill my life purpose or aims of glorifying God as a Christian (Ecc 12:1)? Paul in Acts 20:24 says, 'But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.' Am I regressing in my spiritual life and being part of this crooked and depraved generation (Phil 2:15)? Are we really different from the world as Christ has made a significant difference in our lives by saving our souls from sin and damnation?

 

The joy of knowing, loving, and obeying God should be our highest priority (Phil 3:7-10). Will playing computer games demonstrate my faith and consecration to God or on the contrary, my lust for the things of the world which should not be? Remember Demas who fell away in 2 Timothy 4:10 which says, 'For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.'

 

9. Will the incessant playing of these games give me an eternal purpose or hope?

Christians have the hope of eternal rewards in heaven if they are faithful on earth (Matt 6:19-21,1 Cor 3:11-16). Note that we cannot serve two masters, God and mammon, and we need to make up our minds to choose God (Matt 6:24). God gives us strength and enjoyment through times of work, rest and relaxation (Ecc 5:19; Matt 11:28-29; Col 3:23-24). There is a time for everything and we must find that balance between work or studies and a time for sound recreation. When we do set aside time for relaxation as Jesus did (Mark 6:31), we should choose edifying activities like jogging, swimming, reading a book or spend an edifying time fellowshipping with godly friends and family.

 

Conclusion

There are legitimate games that promote educational learning, understanding of nature, history, geography, general knowledge or even the deeper understanding of the Bible and we do well to learn from them. But we need discernment lest we indulge in unsound games that have the potential to deceive, addict or harm us in this health crisis. The important question we should all answer is 'Will I glorify God in this activity or edify myself or others which is our chief end in life as a good steward of Christ?'

Let us pursue God-honouring activities in 2022. Let us live and prepare for eternity for the world is passing away soon and the lusts thereof (1 Jn 2:17).

Let us remember the atoning sacrifice of the Lord who died on the cross for our sins and gave Himself a ransom for our souls and by God's grace and enablement, let us humbly seek God for his pardon and strength and to stop this obsession or addiction, for Christ and for our own soul's sake before it is too late.

(For deeper studies, read Mark Shaw, The Heart of Addiction, A Biblical Perspective, 2008)

 

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

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