Can a Christian play video games?

Since this is such a sacred cow for many professing Christians I need to lead with, "please hear me out first* before making an opinion on this". *He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Proverbs 18:13 Considering the violence and worldly influences that the majority of video games have today the Christian writing this article will not be playing video games, that's for sure. It's not simply just a matter of preference but it's a matter of obeying God's Word. But they didn't have video games back when the Bible was written! Yeah, there weren't pornographic movies either but there is enough direction in God's word that tells us those are flat out wrong. The same goes with video games. A lot of video games involve magic and supernatural powers, and God finds those things an abomination. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, [11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. [12] For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord : and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 In case you were wondering, God hates Disney and Harry Potter and anything thing else that dabbles in Magic, not just video games. This is according to His word. Do video games offer a window to heaven through which one can focus their thoughts? No, actually they are a portal straight to hell for the most part. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 Is there anything remotely wicked in video games? Why of course there is... most reasonable folks wouldn't argue this. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 101:3 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Psalm 119:37 Many try to deny this but exposure to the violence and murder in video games not only desensitizes one in these areas making them more accepting of these things but just the depiction of the violence and murder goes against God’s law and the essence of His character. Most are familiar with God’s commandment to not kill. He said, “Thou shalt not kill” in Exodus 20:13. What many do not realize is that the hatred underlying all murders and violence is rooted in the minds of the offenders and this is just as much of a sin in God’s eyes as murder is. In fact, Jesus said “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21-22. To put it simply, hatred equals murder and video games are fraught with hatred based themes as well as actual killing. Then there is the sensual aspects of so many video games where scantily clad women abound. These images and depictions of women are actually naked as per the Biblical definition of naked. That is another study I encourage the reader to do on their own. When exposed to these images not only does the viewer gain a decreased respect for women (and men) but they are actually committing adultery because just like murder Jesus said that adultery is first committed in one’s heart. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28 I work in the IT industry with many individuals who readily admit that gaming takes a lot of their time. Can one redeem this time for the Lord? Of course not. Needless to say, this is not acceptable to the Lord.  He will not share His glory with anyone or anything else. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them . [12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. [13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. [14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. [15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:10-17 I am the Lord : that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8 Gaming is actually a pursuit of selfish gratification (i.e. lust). So in other words it is a pursuit of satisfaction for the flesh and in no way does gaming promote righteousness. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 Gaming really is a narcissistic indulgence that a mature adult should really recognize as such, especially a Christian adult. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 Solomon, if he were alive today, no doubt would say that gaming is vanity. I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity....Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 2:1, 12:13-14 No true born again believer would ever say that one can play a video game "as to the Lord". On it's face that is simply ridiculous. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 3:23-25 If you make excuses to justify your right to playing video games instead of actually proving whether or not it is acceptable to the Lord then you are in sin and need to repent and get right with God. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [22] Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

So, like I said earlier, based on God's council from within His Word this Christian will not be playing video games. One last thing, Jesus said that..."except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish". Luke 13:3 (and 5). 

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