Having fun

Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Some religions say that playing cards is sinful. Some forbid dancing. There are people who believe that most types of music are evil—rock & roll, country, and rap, to name a few. Others won’t let their children watch TV or go to the movies, let alone play video games.

How do you decide what kinds of entertainment are God-pleasing and what kinds are not? The measuring stick to use is the Bible; Paul says whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Whether it is dancing or playing games or watching a show, the first question should always be: does this activity serve God in some way? Let’s consider a couple of examples.

In the Bible, people danced—they danced a lot. So when does dancing become inappropriate behavior? If you dance because you are happy, there’s nothing wrong with that—after all, God wants us to enjoy life. In the Bible, God’s people frequently danced as a way to show how happy they were because of God’s blessings. But dancing can take on another character; it can be a way to show off, which is selfish and can stimulate unhealthy sexual appetites in others. Such dancing does not give glory to God, and should be avoided.

What about playing sports? The Bible sometimes refers to athletic competition as a way to teach us about training for life. Sports can develop muscles and coordination; this is good, because we need healthy bodies to serve God to the best of our abilities. Team sports also teach cooperation, a skill that every person needs. But sports can get ugly when winning becomes the chief objective. When competition gets out of control, you get problems like steroid abuse and gambling; you get players who brag and teammates who are consumed with jealousy. A drive to win at all costs does not give glory to God.

Recreational activities can be a way to share with others the joy that God has given us. Leisure pursuits can also be a release when we are feeling stressed by the pressures of life, a way to blow off steam in an appropriate way. Having fun only becomes a problem when we let it distract us from God-pleasing behavior.