I was troubled by a Bible Study tonight with some very close friends.
We're studying Jeremiah and we were discussing idols - what makes an idol? Can you have idols that are not above God but are sill frowned upon in His eyes? And various other questions.
I said something like this - "I really don't think we should even do things like video games and such (a big source of entertainment for our group). It's my personal opinion, but why do something if it doesn't bring us closer to God?"
It may not have been exactly that (as I was working on homework in the background...whoops) but I hope that's the point they all heard from this. Anywho...
Not one person agreed with me. Their immediate reaction was to defend video games (in the case Black Ops) as a legitimate form of fellowship. Which it very well may be, I don't know as I'm a PC gamer - not an XBox live kind of guy. I did state that this was my personal opinion a few times, though, and just felt attacked by my thoughts.
I often feel as though we live a life that caters way too much to ourselves (myself included). I honestly feel as though the things I do strictly for MY personal pleasure shouldn't even be a thought in my mind. Video games - shouldn't play them. Television - shouldn't watch it. Reading (books other than the Bible/regarding God's word) - shouldn't do it. Maybe this is extreme, but I really feel as though it is how Jesus would have me live. I feel as though he would ask me to give up all that crap and follow him. I can do this through fellowship, scripture, prayer, fasting, evangelism, etc...I think that I would have plenty on my daily plate if I did this.
But am I wrong? I never give up these things because I always hear positive affirmation saying that it's okay to indulge in these earthly pleasures. They're relaxing, fun, exciting, etc...but in the deepest part of my heart, something says that maybe I should look to God to find relaxation, fun, and excitement. I really want some input here...I'm still very on the fence about this idea.
