We've had our fair share of, "Is it okay for Christians to play violent games?" or "Is it okay for a Christian to play game X?" threads in the last several years. I can summarize the general consensus regarding the topic thus:
If the game does not cause you to sin and you do not feel convicted to stop playing after genuinely seeking guidance in prayer, then you are free to continue playing in moderation and so long as you place God before games and all else. If you feel convicted to stop playing the game, stop playing immediately, but do not try to enforce personal (individually applicable) convictions on others.
And while it's important to be aware of how the content of the games we're playing affects us ("The eye is the lamp of the body"), I often wonder if we're overlooking a more subtle but more pervasive thread: video game addiction.
Video games, like many forms of entertainment, can offer a healthy way to relax, both in solitude and in fellowship with others. It would be contrary for the President of a Christian gaming community to say that all video games are wastes of time.
But it's important to constantly evaluate our priorities and make certain that we are making serving God our first priority. Our society is designed in such a way that a person going with the flow will consume without producing. We must be aware of the corruption of this world and strive to be set apart, even in our recreation.
So what about you? Have you ever struggled with video game addiction? Are you struggling with video game addiction? If you've overcome addiction, what helped you overcome?
Why do you think video game addiction is so tempting?
I'd also like to discuss how the prevalence of achievements in modern video games resonates with an innate desire for measurable accomplishment often frustrated by the average vocation and how achievements relate to video game addiction.
One last side note: I will say that I am encouraged by the many posts where members of our communities have stepped forward, admitted they are struggling with addiction, and have decided to put aside gaming, whether completely and temporarily or partially and permanently. I'm also encouraged by the responses from others in this community.
If any members of the community are struggling with video game addiction, rest assured you will find encouragement toward moderation here.
If the game does not cause you to sin and you do not feel convicted to stop playing after genuinely seeking guidance in prayer, then you are free to continue playing in moderation and so long as you place God before games and all else. If you feel convicted to stop playing the game, stop playing immediately, but do not try to enforce personal (individually applicable) convictions on others.
And while it's important to be aware of how the content of the games we're playing affects us ("The eye is the lamp of the body"), I often wonder if we're overlooking a more subtle but more pervasive thread: video game addiction.
Matthew 18:8-9, HCSBIf your hand or your foot causes your downfall, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than to have two eyes and be thrown into hellfire!
Video games, like many forms of entertainment, can offer a healthy way to relax, both in solitude and in fellowship with others. It would be contrary for the President of a Christian gaming community to say that all video games are wastes of time.
But it's important to constantly evaluate our priorities and make certain that we are making serving God our first priority. Our society is designed in such a way that a person going with the flow will consume without producing. We must be aware of the corruption of this world and strive to be set apart, even in our recreation.
So what about you? Have you ever struggled with video game addiction? Are you struggling with video game addiction? If you've overcome addiction, what helped you overcome?
Why do you think video game addiction is so tempting?
I'd also like to discuss how the prevalence of achievements in modern video games resonates with an innate desire for measurable accomplishment often frustrated by the average vocation and how achievements relate to video game addiction.
One last side note: I will say that I am encouraged by the many posts where members of our communities have stepped forward, admitted they are struggling with addiction, and have decided to put aside gaming, whether completely and temporarily or partially and permanently. I'm also encouraged by the responses from others in this community.
If any members of the community are struggling with video game addiction, rest assured you will find encouragement toward moderation here.