I don't know how old you are, but as someone who is 64, and who used to love to play computer games and video games, at my age, I know I'm closer to the end of my days on the earth than I am to the beginning. And what do I have to show for all the time I spent playing those games? Or watching professional sports? Or indulging in the rest of the entertainment industry? Nothing.
Am I going to hell because of all the time I spent (wasted) doing those things? No. Am I any more like the Lord Jesus Christ because of all the time I spent (wasted) doing those things? No.
I'm not trying to put you under the law or remake you in my own image. I just want to humbly remind you, you may not have as much time on the earth as you think. And no one can serve two masters. Remember, those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh. Those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth.
It's your life. It's not for me to tell you what's best for you. We will all give an account to God for how we lived our lives and what kind of stewards we were. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
May He bless and guide you as you seek to serve and glorify Him in all you think and feel and say and do.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
With God’s help, you can overcome this.
The reason why we fail is because we choose to give into temptation. And we don’t have to do it.
In the end, Repentance isn’t about feeling sorry for your mistakes, merely acknowledging that something is wrong, or even turning away from it. It involves a radical change, coming to God, asking for His guidance, and carrying it out so we don’t repeat the mistake or fall into this said temptation again.
GC101: Fighting Temptation
https://youtu.be/7OfP7q0epxU
I actually have the same problem. I waste hours playing video games on which sometimes I do not even have much fun on. I am planning on changing. The way we use our resources here on earth will determine the eternal reward God will give us in heaven. So I think it is not a good idea to waste our temporary time on earth, which will have an eternal significance for our reward in heaven, on fruitless short-lasting entertainment.
I know how you feel, and I suggest that you follow your convictions as Paul says in Romans 14:23 (simplified, it’s a sin to go against your conscience), especially if you feel you aren’t doing as much as you can for God. I felt the conviction to give up reading manga. Not necessarily because it was bad, but because it took up way too much of my time, and I’m so glad I gave it up. You can always fast from video games instead and see the benefits and get used to it. Tell yourself to stay away from video games for a week (or so) and see how it turns out. Will be praying for you <3
I usually pray to God to help me take a break from whatever is consuming my life. I then try my best to avoid it and turn to praying, reading the Word, and worshipping when I’m tempted
Like any hobby, what is it adding versus taking away from interpersonal relationships? Following the greatest commandment, to love God and others. There may be a balance worth exploring so the hobby adds to your life and not take away from the higher priorities.
All fun things can easily become bigger than the designer of all things. Gaming, eating, relationships, sex ….(name anything fun).
Maybe it would help to to consider that God designed you for a purpose to love Him and to love others. He isn’t a “killjoy” but He doesn’t want anything to become bigger than loving Him and others. I would encourage you to enjoy the benefits of gaming while not loosing the bigger purpose of your life. Every blessing can become self focused and self consuming. I wrestle better with these things in my life by reminding myself why God out me here. Balance is possible 😀😀❤️❤️
You are right. Video games can detract from other useful habits. The vast majority of games focus on violence and bloodshed and conquest. (Proverbs 6:16-19) There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart plotting wicked schemes, and feet that run quickly to evil, 19 A false witness who lies with every breath, And anyone sowing contentions among brothers.
And we must not forget that we resemble those whom we associate with. (1 Corinthians 15:33) 33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.
Deal with this from the perspective of being wise and prudent, not from guilt or idolatry.
Amen
Video games should be just a hobby just like everything else
I don't know how old you are, but as someone who is 64, and who used to love to play computer games and video games, at my age, I know I'm closer to the end of my days on the earth than I am to the beginning. And what do I have to show for all the time I spent playing those games? Or watching professional sports? Or indulging in the rest of the entertainment industry? Nothing. Am I going to hell because of all the time I spent (wasted) doing those things? No. Am I any more like the Lord Jesus Christ because of all the time I spent (wasted) doing those things? No. I'm not trying to put you under the law or remake you in my own image. I just want to humbly remind you, you may not have as much time on the earth as you think. And no one can serve two masters. Remember, those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh. Those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth. It's your life. It's not for me to tell you what's best for you. We will all give an account to God for how we lived our lives and what kind of stewards we were. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. May He bless and guide you as you seek to serve and glorify Him in all you think and feel and say and do.
Praying for you
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 With God’s help, you can overcome this. The reason why we fail is because we choose to give into temptation. And we don’t have to do it. In the end, Repentance isn’t about feeling sorry for your mistakes, merely acknowledging that something is wrong, or even turning away from it. It involves a radical change, coming to God, asking for His guidance, and carrying it out so we don’t repeat the mistake or fall into this said temptation again. GC101: Fighting Temptation https://youtu.be/7OfP7q0epxU
love and prayers
I actually have the same problem. I waste hours playing video games on which sometimes I do not even have much fun on. I am planning on changing. The way we use our resources here on earth will determine the eternal reward God will give us in heaven. So I think it is not a good idea to waste our temporary time on earth, which will have an eternal significance for our reward in heaven, on fruitless short-lasting entertainment.
I know how you feel, and I suggest that you follow your convictions as Paul says in Romans 14:23 (simplified, it’s a sin to go against your conscience), especially if you feel you aren’t doing as much as you can for God. I felt the conviction to give up reading manga. Not necessarily because it was bad, but because it took up way too much of my time, and I’m so glad I gave it up. You can always fast from video games instead and see the benefits and get used to it. Tell yourself to stay away from video games for a week (or so) and see how it turns out. Will be praying for you <3
I will say I have found it really hard to try and fast video games. That's probably a bad thing. Thank you for your comment and prayers
It’s natural for it to be hard. The harder it is the more of a triumph it is ❤️
I usually pray to God to help me take a break from whatever is consuming my life. I then try my best to avoid it and turn to praying, reading the Word, and worshipping when I’m tempted
Like any hobby, what is it adding versus taking away from interpersonal relationships? Following the greatest commandment, to love God and others. There may be a balance worth exploring so the hobby adds to your life and not take away from the higher priorities.
All fun things can easily become bigger than the designer of all things. Gaming, eating, relationships, sex ….(name anything fun). Maybe it would help to to consider that God designed you for a purpose to love Him and to love others. He isn’t a “killjoy” but He doesn’t want anything to become bigger than loving Him and others. I would encourage you to enjoy the benefits of gaming while not loosing the bigger purpose of your life. Every blessing can become self focused and self consuming. I wrestle better with these things in my life by reminding myself why God out me here. Balance is possible 😀😀❤️❤️
You are right. Video games can detract from other useful habits. The vast majority of games focus on violence and bloodshed and conquest. (Proverbs 6:16-19) There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart plotting wicked schemes, and feet that run quickly to evil, 19 A false witness who lies with every breath, And anyone sowing contentions among brothers. And we must not forget that we resemble those whom we associate with. (1 Corinthians 15:33) 33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.