Support for quitting lots of video games

[Windmill]

Call me crazy, but giving up my favourite RPG's for my faith is really, really, really, really REALLY hard.

does anyone have any verses that can help console me? I miss being able to play zelda (espically when twilight princess is coming up!) and kingdom hearts (my favourite game EVER) Luckily I never went into grand theif auto stuff but yeah. Also.. whats the verse that says to only do/watch what you'd do if Jesus stood right by your side?

 

[honorthesabbath]

Well, bless your heart Windmill. If you feel that the video games are somehow interferring with your relationship with God, and because of that are willing to give them up--then all I can say is that God surely is with you!

But you asked for some scripture to help in time of temptaion--here are a few that help me.

Ps 46:1 <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mt 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

I hope these help. My heart and prayers are with you little sister!!! Jesus said that His words would not return unto Him void. So CLAIM these promises--He is responsible to help you serve Him--He says without Him we can do nothing. TRUST His promises--they are better than gold!!

 

[Windmill]

thanks I feel so stupid. How the heck can I die for my faith if I can't even give up video games? Also, thanks for the verses I'm gathering a collection, and sticking it onto a card that I can carry around to remember an idea I got from a book.

 

[DarylFawcett]

The Bible verse that comes to mind is the one about the treasure and our heart for where our heart is our treasure is also.

 

[PaleHorse]

Welcome to the forum DarylFawcett!! Good to see the Adventist group growing online.

 

[Cliff2]

thanks I feel so stupid. How the heck can I die for my faith if I can't even give up video games? Also, thanks for the verses I'm gathering a collection, and sticking it onto a card that I can carry around to remember an idea I got from a book.

Good to see that you are still around "Windmill"

There are many things that can distract us from being close to the Lord even apart from vodeo games.

You are to be encouraged for taking such a stand in the times in which we live when many are lowering their standards in this area.

Blessings.

 

[tinkerbell]

Windmill

I'm so glad you've decided to make a stand for God in your own life. I've done that with some things that are difficult in my own life. These are some texts that I have memorized that help me. I pick one every week or so and hang them up all over my room and bathroom (I live in a dorm). Then, I see them and am reminded of them and God's presence all day. I know God will bless you in your endevour!

Tink

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

"Being confidnet of this that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Phillipians 1:6

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

"I will praise you with and upright heart as I learn your laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." Psalm 119:7-9

"And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20b

 

[tinkerbell]

Oh, and one more thing - Have you thought of selling or gettng rid of your game consul? I know it sounds extreem, but it's really a good thing. I used to be addicted to neopets.com. My fiance helped me to set up blocks on my computer, so I couldn't play it even if I wanted to. It has made things in my life so much better!

 

[TrustAndObey]

Addiction is such a horrible thing! The verses people are giving you are awesome ones and I hope they help!

I got addicted to video games once too. I lost the addiction but I still have the inquisitive mind that thinks "oh, what's behind that door? How do I get in there? Where's the key to unlock the chest?" etc etc. So I'll pray that your addiction leaves you but don't ever lose that adventurous mind because that is kind of what it takes to read the Bible. You have to search for verses that correspond and put the puzzle together sometimes!

 

[tall73]

Windmill, I hope this is helpful. I know that it is not an easy struggle trying to bring your life into line with God's instructions. So we don't at all think that you are crazy for having this struggle!

I wrote this email to a member who was concerned with her son's preoccupation with occult video games etc. Although she wanted him to stop her husband did not see the issue and played the games too. The latter part of the letter, a quote from a pastor regarding new age teachings etc. was mainly included for the benefit of the father, not as a definitive source. It was commenting on moral relativism.

While the focus here was on the content of games, the EGW comments also make a case for not playing any games, as they would be the type of entertainment that dominates ones thoughts, and keeps them from study, etc. In this particular young man's case, that was clearly true. He thought of video games constantly. They limited the time he could play them, but he thought of them, by his own admission, all day, whether in school etc.



<name withheld>


I have been giving a great deal of thought to your concern about video games etc. My wife and I have also had to decide in our own lives what is consistent with our Christian profession, what will be to our benefit, and to the benefit of our children, and what would help our witness.
We decided to give up any video game, show, etc. that has mystical or magical elements, violence, etc.
Entertainment is a difficult issue at times. We need times of rest and relaxation. But there is a danger that our amusements can be of a nature that take our mind off of God, or place our thoughts on things that are directly forbidden in God's word. In fact, as I copied these texts, comments etc, I couldn't help but notice that video games and tv have pretty much all of the things that these texts warn about.
I have included Bible texts that forbid magic, psychics, consulting the dead etc. I have also included many texts that speak about what practices are forbidden for the Christian. Beyond this I have listed some texts that speak about the influence of our thoughts on our spiritual life. Ellen White's counels on entertainment has also been included. While obviously TV and video games, etc. were after her time, there is still a lot of things that apply from her comments.
God bless,
Dave
Bible texts:
Texts that forbid magic, psychics, violence, lust etc. Superpowers, pscychic powers, magical powers are all themes in much of today's entertainment.

Levit. 20:7
`I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.

Deut. 18:9
When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

I Chronic. 10:13
Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

Isaiah 8:19
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

 

[tall73]

General Texts, Bible forbids much of the content on tv, in video games, etc. . It also recognizes that what we focus our mind on determines what we are.

Psalm 17:4-5
As for the deeds of men-- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slip

Proverbs 3:31-33
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Proverbs 16:29
A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

MT 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, `Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

MT 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

MT 15:16 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17 "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man `unclean.' 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man `unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him `unclean.' "

1CO 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

REV 21:6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

GAL 5:19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

EPH 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

EPH 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

COL 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

PHP 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

RO 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

RO 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

RO 1:24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

MT 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

RO 1:26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

RO 1:28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

2TI 3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

 

[tall73]

EGW comments on the dangers of overly exciting amusement, and its tendency to erase religious impressions:
God has committed to my care children, not to train for worldly amusement, but for Heaven; and it is my duty to place them in the best possible conditions to understand their duty to God, and to become heirs of immortality. It is impossible for me to be guiltless if I place them in the way of temptation, where there is danger of their being thrown into every class of society, and being corrupted by surrounding influences. There is enough frivolity existing all around us, having a tendency to discourage serious impressions, and to put God out of the mind. Thousands of youth have bid fair to be an honor to their parents, and useful members in society, who have in an evil hour yielded to the Tempter who came in the form of a professed friend, and for the first time broke over the barrier to their conscience and attended the theater, to see and hear the performance of some celebrated actor. Everything fascinates them--their imagination is lively--their senses, their hearts, are carried away captive--they are intoxicated with excitement. They leave the theater; but their imagination continues to dwell upon the scenes they have witnessed, and they are anxious to go again, and again. They acquire a passion to witness theatrical performances. At times they may be convicted that card-playing and attending theaters are not having a beneficial influence upon their health and morals; yet they do not possess sufficient fortitude and independence to tear away from these exciting pleasures. They may strengthen themselves with the thought that physicians have not only attended theaters themselves, but have recommended others to do so, and these physicians were Christians. They thus stifle conscience with the example of worldly, pleasure-loving, professed Christians. They have learned to play cards, considering it an innocent amusement. In attending the theater they place themselves in the most dangerous company, and are exposed to the deceptive, fascinating charms of the gambler, the sensualist, and that class of females "whose steps take hold on hell." They yield to temptation, and continue their downward course until their consciences become seared, and they will not hesitate to degrade themselves by any vice. {RH, February 20, 1866 par. 21}

Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The mind must not be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate mental machinery becomes worn. The body, as well as the mind, must have exercise. There is great need of temperance in amusements, as in every other pursuit. The character of these amusements should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Every youth should ask himself, What influence will these amusements have on physical, mental, and moral health? Will my mind become so infatuated as to forget God? Shall I cease to have his glory before me? {CE 34.2}........Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality and virtue, and is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination, and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement. {CE 35.1}

There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.--"Testimony," No. 30, first published in 1881.

I was shown the state of the world, that it is fast filling up its cup of iniquity. Violence and crime of every description are filling our world, and Satan is using every means to make crime and debasing vice popular. The youth who walk the streets are surrounded with handbills and notices of crime and sin, presented in some novel or to be acted at some theater. Their minds are educated into familiarity with sin.
The course pursued by the base and vile is kept before them in the periodicals of the day, and everything which can excite curiosity and arouse the animal passions is brought before them in thrilling and exciting stories. {3T 471.3}

The literature that proceeds from corrupted intellects poisons the minds of thousands in our world. Sin does not appear exceeding sinful. They hear and read so much of debasing crime and vileness that the once tender conscience which would have recoiled with horror becomes so blunted that it can dwell upon the low and vile sayings and actions of men with greedy interest. {3T 472.1}

"As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." God will have a people zealous of good works, standing firm amid the pollutions of this degenerate age. There will be a people who hold so fast to the divine strength that they will be proof against every temptation. Evil communications in flaming handbills may seek to speak to their senses and corrupt their minds; yet they will be so united to God and angels that they will be as those who see not and hear not. They have a work to do which no one can do for them, which is to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. They will not be self-confident and self-sufficient. Knowing their weakness, they will unite their ignorance to Christ's wisdom, their weakness to His strength. {3T 472.2}

The day of the Lord is approaching with stealthy tread; but the supposed great and wise men know not the signs of Christ's coming or of the end of the world. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many has waxed cold. {6T 406.6}

There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon millions, who are now making their decision for eternal life or eternal death. The man who is wholly absorbed in his counting room, the man who finds pleasure at the gaming table, the man who loves to indulge perverted appetite, the amusement lover, the frequenters of the theater and the ballroom, put eternity out of their reckoning. The whole burden of their life is: What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and wherewithal shall we be clothed? They are not in the procession that is moving heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and with him will be destroyed.

The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon. He will not unite with the gay waltzers, or indulge in any other bewitching pleasure that will banish Christ from the mind. To those who plead for these diversions, we answer, We cannot indulge in them in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The blessing of God would not be invoked upon the hour spent at the theater or in the dance. No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall come. When we come to the final hour, and stand face to face with the record of our lives, shall we regret that we have attended so few parties of pleasure? that we have participated in so few scenes of thoughtless mirth? Shall we not, rather, bitterly regret that so many precious hours have been wasted in self-gratification,--so many opportunities neglected, which, rightly improved, would have secured for us immortal treasures? {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 6}

It has become customary for professors of religion to excuse almost any pernicious indulgence to which the heart is wedded. By familiarity with sin, they become blinded to its enormity. Many who claim to be children of God, gloss over sins which his word condemns, by linking some purpose of church charity with their Godless carousals. Thus they borrow the livery of Heaven to serve the devil in. Souls are deceived, led astray, and lost to virtue and integrity by these fashionable dissipations. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 7}
In many religious families, dancing and card-playing are made a parlor pastime. It is urged that these are quiet home amusements, which may be safely enjoyed under the parental eye. But a love for these exciting pleasures is thus cultivated, and that which was considered harmless at home will not long be regarded dangerous abroad. It is yet to be ascertained that there is any good to be obtained from these amusements. They do not give vigor to the body nor rest to the mind. They do not implant in the soul one virtuous or holy sentiment. On the contrary, they destroy all relish for serious thought and for religious services. It is true that there is a wide contrast between the better class of select parties and the promiscuous and degraded assemblies of the low dance-house. Yet all are steps in the path of dissipation. {RH, February 28, 1882 par. 8}

A great responsibility rests upon the husband--house-band--to bind the household together, by the ties of kindness, love, and harmony. In the patriarchal ages, the husband and father was the priest of his own household. And still it is his duty to invoke in their behalf the divine blessing, and to instruct and guide them in the way of life. Alas that his influence should ever be exerted to lead them into folly and dissipation! When about to accompany his wife and children to the theater or the ball-room, let the professed Christian ask himself, Can I seek God's blessing upon the scene of pleasure? Would my Master be a guest at such a place? Will angels minister to me there? Can I there let my light so shine before men, that they may be led to glorify God? Worldlings themselves look upon these amusements as inconsistent with the Christian's profession. The following incident expresses the feeling which is entertained by many: A young lady professing to be a Christian had been gliding through the mazes of the dance, in a fashionable ball-room, when in conversation with another lady who lived only for this world, she revealed the fact that she was a member of a Christian church. "What!" exclaimed the other, "are you a Christian?" "I am," was the answer. Whereupon she received the stinging rebuke, "Then why are you here?" {ST, February 23, 1882 par. 9}

Ours is a solemn faith. We profess to be giving the last message of warning to the world. In our religious life we should be in advance of every other people upon earth. We must rise above the standard of public opinion, even in a professedly Christian community, if we would have our character without fault in the day of God. When the final hour shall come, and the shadows of death gather about the soul, shall we regret that we have visited so few places of amusement? that we have joined in so few dances? Shall we regret that religion has debarred us from scenes of revelry, profanity, and mirth? Will not many, rather, bitterly regret that precious time has been squandered, golden opportunities neglected, by following inclination rather than duty? {ST, February 23, 1882 par. 10}

 

[tall73]

The New Age Movement
and Entertainment
Pastor Wilbur Bruinsma (an internet article on the topic of the NEW AGE in entertainment. I included just selected quotes)

This God-defying philosophy has spread like wildfire in our society. God declares (Is. 5:20, 21), "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" Despite this Word of God the world does exactly that. Abortion - pro-choice: one can decide for herself if it's right for her or wrong for her. God's command, "Thou shalt not kill," is not determinative. Euthanasia: same thing. Fornication: if it feels good, do it. It is up to the individual. No one may impose his will on another. It is narrow-minded and bigoted to condemn another for what he feels is right for himself. Homosexuality: it's not for me, but if you like it, then who am I to condemn you? I accept you for who you are. Religion: believe what you want to believe, we are all going to get to heaven anyway. And so the list goes on. Do what is right in your own eyes. That is what the New Age teaches........

(These are dated, but the current programs have the same elements)

But what about cartoons? What about television for little people? All under the guise of good, our children are fed by the entertainment industry a steady diet of: Care Bears, Smurfs, Rainbow Brite, and My Little Pony - all programs that stress the occult: magic, incantations, spells, and the power of man. There are also available such animated features as: Transformers, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra, Thundercats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Power Rangers. All these blatantly teach the power of the occult, even Satan worship, using all the symbols of occult worship.

But, you may say, my children and I are ignorant of all of this nonsense that the wicked attempt to teach us. Surely, then, it does not influence us if we do not recognize any of it! Ah, but it does influence us. Especially is this true of the impressionable minds of little children who believe everything they watch. If our families are avid TV viewers, then we with our children have been exposed to much of the relativism, humanism, and self-gratification of New Age thought. Maybe we have even seen our children imitating some of the atrocities they view on television. If this is happening in our families, then New Age proponents are accomplishing exactly what they have set out to do: persuade the younger generation to turn from God and the objective rule of His Word for their lives, and to follow after man and His own values of right and wrong...

Are swearing, murder, fornication, and rebellion against authority (all of which can be seen in almost every television program) no longer violations of the laws of God? There are movies made for TV introducing homosexual characters and presenting them as the average, acceptable next door neighbor. These same programs condemn as narrow-minded bigots those who oppose such sins. There are movies which play so effectively upon the sympathies of their viewers that by the end of the program those viewers are fully persuaded that a particular woman did right by having an abortion. Comedies spoof those who remain virgins until marriage, mocking religion and the laws of God. Talk shows and the media are quick to condemn any person who takes a strong stand against abortion or homosexuality, especially if this is on the basis of biblical truth. There is no more right and wrong. That is the New Age ideal, certainly not the faith of the Christian.
Ah, but we know better. We can stand against all this. We see it, but we do not allow it to influence us. Do our little children see it when they are watching TV? And do our junior high students see it, especially if they have watched TV from infancy on? Television conditions, or programs, people. When we are constantly exposed to the themes of the New Age movement, our opinions are being shaped and our feelings conditioned. The result is that our reason may tell us something is wrong, but our feelings are now telling us that it is right. It is repeated over and over again on television and in the movies: if it feels right, then it is right; so do it! This is in part the reason some young people (and adults too) enjoy their drinking parties and fornication despite what they have been taught by parents and church. Do not underestimate the danger of television and movies! New Age advocates know of the power the television has, and they use it to their advantage. We must be aware of this!...

Then there are also popular songs, both country and pop, that glamorize the sins of fornication and adultery. In these instances they teach us to follow our feelings. And all the while we listen to these songs we are being conditioned once again to accept the things that are sung about. Now, the latest: combine music with the movie. Pay attention once to the background music when listening to a simple program on TV, and determine whether it is good or bad. Most of it, on commercials and children's TV programs, is heavy metal. Ought Christians to listen to this? Can we really convince ourselves that it has no effect on us or on our children?....
New Age influence even reaches beyond television and radio. There are toy stores filled with every toy imaginable to entertain our young. There are toys that teach occult practices to little children. There are toys that are out to make that which is ugly and evil beautiful and good. For older children and young people there are video games available, inside the home and out, which actually teach them to fight and kill. There are even mind-altering video games such as "Dungeons and Dragons," readily available for use by one of any age. All these are but a few of the many items of entertainment monopolized by the New Age Movement. Let the child of God beware!

Allow me to issue an urgent warning. There is nothing wrong with entertainment. Solomon tells us that God has given us the things of this world to enjoy. Neither am I an ascetic who wants to take away all pleasure from a person's life. I enjoy having a good time with my family and the people of God. But my study of the New Age has caused me to re-evaluate my own life and the life of the church in light of God's Word. Especially is this true of what we do for recreation and entertainment. Jesus asks a probing question in Luke 18:8: "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" The influence of the New Age Movement is no little challenge which we face. This movement has its grip on our society, and even now it reaches out to strangle the faith of God's people in this world. We may not simply go along with the fun and entertainment of this world because it feels good. We must judge it according to the objective standard of the Word of God. We must follow what God tells us is right and wrong, and put far from us everything that would violate His Word and commands. We cannot stand in our own strength against Satan and this mighty movement to establish the kingdom of man. We must constantly equip ourselves with the Word of God. We must study it diligently at every opportunity. It will give us the necessary knowledge to stand in these latter days.

There are two passages of God's Word which ought to guide us in the entertainment we enjoy. The first is Isaiah 5:20: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil: that put darkness for light, and light for darkness." The second passage is the one Paul gives us in the last verse of Romans 1: "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which do such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."



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In other words, if God words prohibits all of these things that make up the large portion of the content of video games, etc. should we fill our minds with them? Paul says in Romans 8 the mind of the one who has the Spirit is set on the things of the Spirit.

 

[tall73]

Oh, doubled...sorry! Anyway, I added another personal note below Windmill.

 

[tall73]

Windmill, here are some promises regarding God's work in us to overcome sin, that he can change our hearts and minds:

PHP 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.


RO 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.


1TH 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

HEB 8:10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.


JAS 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1JN 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Remember that in resisting evil the key is to come near to God. Set your mind on the things of the Spirit, not those of the flesh, and He will transform your mind to be like His.

It is natural for something that you have done for a long time to dominate your thoughts. But God is able to change your thoughts!

I will also pray for you. Sometimes the truth is that Satan has established a strong hold through participation in these ungodly, and sometimes occult informed practices. So spiritual warfare in your behalf is always a good thing, so that Satan's power in this area of your life can be broken.