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.
I've been thinking on this since last night as well (and didn't really sleep because of it). So I studied Ecclesiastes this morning (it's a quick read) and found some verses as food for thought.
ReplyDeleteEcc. 3:12-13 "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God."
Ecc. 4:8 "There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. 'For who am I toiling,' he asked, ' and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?' This too is meaningless- a miserable business!"
Ecc. 5:18-19 "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction is his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him- for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work- this is a gift of god."
I think the last one especially suggests that God does give us things for us to enjoy them (personal pleasure). As much as I realize that serving God is it's own reward. I don't think God created us to love us and take away all of our personal pleasures in order to serve Him. I do think God blesses us with ways to relax and enjoy life. Consider Ecc. 6:3:
"A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he."
And finally Ecc. 9:7-10:
"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot if life and in your toilsome labor under then sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."
I realize that none of these directly say go play video games, but I do think that a lot of these verses suggest that God allows personal pleasure and enjoy the fruits of life.
As always, I'm open to thoughts.
Matt - thank you for responding. I love the verses you pulled out. I really agree with them - I agree with you. I don't think that we are meant to live ascetic lifestyles and give up our God-given pleasures. Sometimes, honestly, I feel like I should do this. I feel like God wants me to do this. But then, deep down, I also feel like my relation to people (especially youth) would greatly diminish.
ReplyDeleteI think the thing that really got me last night is that no one seemed to consider what I was saying as something that could make sense. I feel like we all do this - we become selfish. I have never mentioned thoughts like this before because, to be honest, if I'm right then I have to change or deny being as close to God as possible. I was under the impression that that is how people were reacting last night - defensively. I didn't hear their words - I heard "I don't want to change this thing about me so I am going to defend it as permissible!"
I don't know if that was the wrong impression to get, but that's what I saw in the responses I was receiving.
That being said, I'm happy to have guys to talk about this stuff with. This has been the first b-stud with you guys that I've not been completely satisfied. I'll come next week with homework done to give my full attention. You guys deserve it.