Enjoy Yourself

I recently saw a computer game slogan that read “Enjoy yourself before you destroy yourself. ”
That's what this hedonistic world commonly believes. All over the world we are taught to enjoy ourselves, try to get as much as you can before you die. Inevitably people are destroying themselves, speeding down a hill with no brakes until they crash and burn.
I'm not saying video games are a sin or that you're in anathema with God if you play some video games. And I'm not trying to make up some rule where "you have to do this" in order to live in accordance to God's will, like some standard of which you must reach to be acceptable to God. It's nothing like that. What I want to share with you is the convictions I recently got with video games.
You can enjoy video games, but control yourself. Keep close attention to your thoughts when you play these games. In some of these new games you can steal cars, shoot pedestrians on the street, order a hooker, get drunk, drive drunk, and get away with pretty much anything that you'd never think of doing in real life. Be careful!

O'boy! Do we love playing. I see adults playing with their new iPads and iPhone 4's everywhere I go, especially the subway. I thought games were for children but nowadays they have games for all ages. They'll make'em for the adults too. Violent, sexy, deep stories, swearing. Whatever the wretched soul wants. Yep! I said it. I'm a wretch too though. But isn't it a bit silly what we still have 40yr old men playing video games? No wonder they do, they still act like little boys! It's no wonder they are still playing video games.

One of Satan's greatest accomplishments has been the entertainment sector. First, the motion pictures, then television, computers, video games, and the internet. The devil is welcomed into every home. We allow things to happen in our living rooms, offices, and bedrooms what we would never allow in reality. It's tucked under and protected by a slavish "it's just a movie" or "I played those games all my lie, that doesn't mean I'll go shoot up a school." It's true many of us can control ourselves. But we are still human and capable of these horrendous acts. I'm not saying just because you played a video game that you will suddenly snap and go on a massacre. But it's what images and thoughts we plant into our heads. Those seeds plague our minds. While we try to grow in faith, we are bombarding our minds with this junk when we could be filling our minds with Godly things. Video games can easily entangle us and take us out of reality. Admit it, you don't always want to face reality. But too much video entertainment isn't healthy--especially for the soul. It takes your focus on dealing with reality and the issues we need to face day to day. It's a fake reality with artificial accomplishments like level-ups, checkpoints, upgrades, and new skills that you haven't really learned. It's Satan's distraction to the real world.

Okay. I know we can't possibly live 100% always focused on God, we aren't perfect. But thankfully our Lord took care of that with Jesus. But hold on! That doesn't mean just because Jesus did it all we can go do as we please. Not at all! Don't fall for the lie that you can "Love God and do as you please." Remember what Jesus said to the prostitute. "You are forgiven. Now, go, sin no more." You're chosen to live a holy life--a life that displays Jesus' character.
You are capable of overcoming anything and conquering any.. and I mean any sin! He has overcome the world and His Spirit dwells within you. And it's only by Him that you are able to overcome. I know that some unbelievers have overcome many things by their own will. The human will is strong but easily deceived and easily corrupted and blinded to God. The things you overcome are much more than just some alcohol abuse or drug addiction. When you can control your own thought patterns, take them captive and say no to your very own lusts, that can only be accomplished by God. There is a drive in man to do what is right. Sometimes we think what we are doing is right but in God's eyes it won't earn you a medallion.
The reason we repent and try to do what is right in God's eyes is because of what He did for us. Yet, we were still sinners he died for us. Just as someone would save our life for us on earth, we'd want to dedicate our whole life to them, sometimes even become servants to them! That is how we should treat our Lord--as our Lord! We should be dedicated to Him for what He did for us because we love Him for what He did.

Remember when Jesus asked the Pharisee to show him a coin. He said, "Whose face do you see on the coin?" The people said, "Caesars!" Our Lord said, "Give then what is Caesars and to the Lord what is the Lord's." Think about this, What is the Lord's? That question had already been answered. The Pharisee was smart. He was just trying to trap Jesus with this question. Back to what I was saying, What is the Lord's? I think if the Pharisee were to ask another question, the next one would be "What is the Lord's?" My guess is that our Lord would have told the people "Whose face is on yours?" Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to the Lord what is the Lord's. That is you!
Devote your life to him and in good conduct. Even when it comes to video games or watching a movie. Try to guard yourself and any brothers or sisters around you. Electronics are a blessing. But even a blessing can be used by the enemy. Satan can easily take it and wield it into a snare or spear. We can still enjoy ourselves. Just don't let it control your life or get in the way of loving your family, wife, children, friends. And most of all don't let it take up your time, the precious time you need between you and the Lord.

Remember what your Lord did just for you on the cross. Don't waste your time with hours of video games. Control your time and manage it well. You're in control of your body. As we are slaves to our Saviour, our bodies are slaves to us.

God Bless



Luke 13:1-5