#3 Q&A: What does the Bible Say about Entertainment Choices?

What Does the Bible Say about Our Choices of Entertainment? At the core all of our choices must be done to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31) in the name of the Lord Jesus, to give thanks to God the Father through Christ (Col 3:17). This means that in all of our choices, including entertainment choices, our goal ought be to please God (2 Cor 5:9; 2 Tim 2:4). So, what choices would fit these parameters in order to glorify God? 1. Abhor all evil. • One category of choices we make are choices of morality. Some decisions are clearly defined in the Scriptures. • All our entertainment must be entirely wholesome because we want to behold no wickedness (Ps 101:3). Not only ought we to avoid wickedness but we ought to abhor (hate, disdain, etc.) it (Rom 12:9). • For instance if one form of entertainment we like involves us stealing, then that would be an immoral form of entertainment (Ex 20:15 ; Eph 4:28). This might apply to things like pirated movies. • Again, our entertainment choices ought to be free from any form of sexual immorality (Ex 20:14; 1 Thess 4:3). 2. Approve things that are excellent. • Our goal as Christians is not to ask, “How close can I get to the line?” Instead, we ought to approve what is excellent (Phil 1:9-11). This means “to make a critical examination of something to determine genuineness” (BDAG). • Testing (discerning) all things is a frequent command for the Christian (Rom 12:2; Eph 5:10; 1 Thess 5:21). 3. Aim to edify. • Although we have free choice, we ought make our aim to edify and encourage other believers (1 Cor 10:23). • A big part of this is taking care not to wound another’s conscience (1 Cor 10:27-33). 4. Avoid addictions. • While Christians make many choices that are morally neutral (not explicitly state in Scripture), Paul taught us not to be brought under the power of anything (1 Cor 6:12). • Nothing ought to dominate you or take over your life, even entertainment. 5. Adopt mindful activities. • Our minds pose a significant battleground as Christians because our minds are where we consider truth, the agent God’s Spirit uses to renew us (Jn 8:31-32; Rom 12:1-2; Eph 4:23). • Beware of “vegging” or “zoning out.” Amusement (A=not + muse=think) is off the table for the Christian. Peter instructed us at all times to be sober and vigilant in defense against our enemy the devil (1 Pet 5:8).