What do you think about fighting games?

aiki said:

The writer of Hebrews speaks of the Christian who sets aside both sin and "weights" in order to "run the race." (Hebrews 12:1) Have you ever thought about what a "weight" in this instance might be? Literally, the word "weight" means a "bulk or mass" and carries the sense of an "encumbrance." Imagine trying to run a race while shouldering a box of iron plates. You might be able to move forward, but not easily. And as weights accumulate, they will make it harder and harder for you to walk, let alone run.

The writer of Hebrews distinguishes "weight" from sin. Whatever the "weight" might be, it isn't strictly sinful. But, it does have the effect of hindering - perhaps greatly - your running of the race of the Christian life. When you look at the gaming you do, can you see that it has a hindering, encumbering effect on your walk with God? Does Mario Kart move you deeper into fellowship with God? Does it aid you in "running the race." Or is it just a weight that drags upon you, blunting your spiritual life, slowing your progress into spiritual maturity? Gaming might not be sinful, exactly, but it may certainly be a weight. If it is, will you lay it aside as the writer of Hebrews indicates you should? If you can't easily and readily say, "Yes!" I would suggest to you that this reveals that gaming has more of a hold on you than it should.

Just one other word about letting your conscience be your guide: Don't. God does not leave it up to our conscience to determine what is right and wrong. He tells us in His word what His will and way is. (Psalms 1; Psalms 119:11, 105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) The human conscience can be warped, and blunted, and seared. It can be made comfortable with all sorts of evil. Your conscience, then, is not a good source for determining moral right and wrong and guiding you into proper Christian living. God's word and the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-13) are the means God has supplied to you by which you navigate questions of right and wrong.

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LaBèlla said:

In my experience, the things Lord desires to remove from my life are accompanied by the prompting of the Holy Spirit or cessation of interest. It isn’t something I have to work at or will myself to relinquish.

I can’t tell you if the games are inappropriate. But I can share a recent experience that may provide an answer of sorts.

One month ago I listened to several songs from a new CD. The music ignited something in my spirit. I kept listening and every time I did I felt lighter and happier. Finally, the day came when I heard the music live. And it set my soul aflame. We played the videos throughout the day and night and couldn’t sleep. The praise was infectious and we couldn’t stop.

I’ve never experienced anything like that and its happened more than once. The music feeds something within me and I soak it up. After a while I noticed a startling difference. That was all I heard. I no longer desired the rest.

I’ve posted my share of music on the site. But what I’m listening to now takes me to a place in God that nothing broached. It didn’t touch my inner sanctum but this does.

Nevertheless, I’d be the last to call secular music bad or dissuade anyone from playing it. I haven’t for reasons God knows and I’m still discovering. He’s ministering to me through the music I’m listening to.

And for me, what I’ve gained is head and shoulders above the things I set aside. Maybe this was the only way that could happen.

Allow Him to direct your steps. If He’s leading you away from games you’ll know. And you won’t need to ask. You’ll feel a settledness within and the answer will be clear.

~Bella

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