The Riches OF GRACE
“hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11
Robert W. Reed
January 2012
Video Games
“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
+ The Dangers of Video Games +
Video games have become a dominant form of entertainment in America and advanced nations. They have become as popular as movies and music, and bring in billions of dollars each year. The first commercial video game put on the market was in the 1970’s and there is hardly anyone today who has not played them. Some of the games in the beginning seem to be harmless on the surface, but it is obvious that many of today’s games are filled with graphic scenes, evil, killing, aggression, nudity, crime, witchcraft, blood, gore, theft, exploitation of women, hatred, and disrespect for authority. Many people are in denial about this and most parents have not even taken the time to check into the video games their children are playing at home, much less elsewhere. Many of these video games are plagued with filth, and even Christians have turned a blind eye and allow their children to play them.
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
Luke 16:15
This article will list a number of dangers with video games. For more information listen to our sermon titled Video Games. There is also a lot of research available on this subject. We will approach this subject from a biblical point of view and not worldly reasoning. Most people ask the question, What is wrong with video games? But the real question should be, What is right with video games?
· The first danger I will mention is Violence. Almost from the beginning there has been fighting and killing in the games. The game Contra, in 1987, is about fighting aliens. Many of the games today such as Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Halo, etc. are filled with violence. The reason there is so much violence is because violence sells. Many studies have shown that there is a definite connection between media violence and inappropriate behavior, just look at our society. The Bible is clear on the subject, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (I Corinthians 15:33). We are commanded in the Bible to be non-violent (Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 1:16-17; Matthew 5:38-45; Romans 12:14, 17-21; I Peter 2:21-23). Scientists and researchers have known for years that playing video games causes players to become more aggressive. This is why the military has been using video games for years to train soldiers for combat.
· The second danger is Addiction. Again, many studies confirm that video games can become as addictive as alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Many hours of playing video games take much time from real life, family, and even the Lord. If someone thinks they are not addicted, just ask them to give them up and hear their response, “And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him” (Hosea 11:7).
· The third danger is Idolatry. According to Exodus 20:3, we are to have no other gods before us. Idolatry is putting anything before the Lord. Video games are a form of idolatry and will draw our hearts from the Lord. They will discourage deep mediation on the things of God. As stated by another author, “Video games tell a story like television, music, and literature. The stories of war glamorize global conflict and blind faith is placed in technologies of war, lock and load mentality.” These video games teach us to solve life’s problems by our own abilities. In Proverbs 4:23, we are told, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
· The fourth danger is Immorality. There are many obscene images and strong sexual content in these games. The bottom line: according to God’s Holy Word, video games are pornography. Some games present women as a plaything and also murder them. Again, nudity (partial or full nudity) is presented as normal and most of the women in the games are loose and could not be called a lady. Please consider Psalm 101:3, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”
· The fifth danger is Health. These games can cause negative social behavior, obesity (studies show being physically inactive will cause weight gain); they contribute to depression, stress, arthritis, and carpel tunnel syndrome. They can cause mental problems in children, teens and adults. According to I Corinthians 6:19-20, we are to glorify God in our bodies, for they are the temple of God.
· The sixth danger is Satanic. Many of the games today include monsters, demons, vampires, sorcery, witchcraft, magic aliens, zombies, supernatural creatures, etc. The occult is mixed with entertainment for those who play them. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 the Holy Scripture speaks against this kind of mixture. “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, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 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.”
· The seventh danger is Music. The repetition of ungodly secular music can have a profound effect upon us. Much of the music is rock and roll or some other form of worldly music. In I Corinthians 10:31, we have these words from our Lord and Savior, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
· The eighth danger is Language. Some of the video games have ungodly words, off color things, and insinuations. The game “Death Row” (rated M) is violent and full of cursing. Another author says, “It makes cursing an art form.”
· The ninth danger is a Waste of Money. The average cost of a game is between twenty and sixty dollars. Billions are spent each year by gamers. Consider using your money more wisely and for the glory of God and His kingdom. “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster” (Proverbs 18:9).
· The tenth danger is a Waste of Time. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:16, to redeem the time for the days are evil. We must use our time wisely. Video games are a great waster of time.
Conclusion
This is only a brief article on this subject. Maybe it will cause us to seek the Lord in this matter. According to Ephesians 5:11-12, we are to have no fellowship with darkness but rather reprove them. Many young people today are failing in their relationship with their parents and the Lord because of the entertainment industry. May parents have the wisdom and boldness to sanctify their home and cast these wicked influences out. Amen.
Facts
· Video games are a multi-billion dollar industry bringing in more money than movies and DVD’s.
· More than seventy percent of American teenage boys have played the violent rated Grand Theft Auto.
· Worldwide sales of video games are predicted to reach over seventy-three billion dollars by the year 2013.
· In the U.S., the video game industry took in about twelve billion dollars in the year 2011.
· Boys average thirteen hours a week of playing time. Girls average five hours a week of playing time.
· The best selling game of 2002 was M-rated Grand theft Auto III.
· In 2011, ninety percent of 12-17 year olds played video games.
· Almost half of all violent games are also featured with humor in them.
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
Victory Baptist Church
Pastor Robert W. Reed
14473 Bellingrath Road
P.O. Box 257
Coden, Alabama 36523
(251) 873-4422