Just Pray No!
This weekend (March 29-30) is the 18th “Just Pray No” world wide weekend of prayer and fasting.
Just Pray NO! Ltd. mainly focuses on drug and alcohol addiction, but I think that praying for those held captive by addiction to video games is also appropriate.
For Christians specifically, it is important not only to avoid addiction, but also to avoid idolatry. Video games can very easily turn into idolatry if we place them about God. No one else can tell you if gaming has become an idol, because it is a matter of the heart, but they can help you realize it for yourself. Be honest with yourself and answer some of these questions. What do you think?
- Have you played games and not done your (school)work?
- Do you spend more time in the digital world or spending quality time with your family?
- How about prayer? Do you spend more time praying or thinking about gaming?
As Christians, we are supposed to pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Are you praying while playing games? - If you could play games or read your Bible which you you most likely do? What do you spend the most time doing?
- When you talk to friends, do you talk more about God and his word or about digital games?
- Since we as Christians are not to use our freedom such that it causes others to stumble, (1 Corinthians 8:9) we also needs to ask: have your gaming habits ever influenced anyone else to spend too much gaming?
For those who find themselves making an idol out of games and for their families, there is a way out. We have said that there really is no one size fits all solution, which is true, but there is a one size fits all beginning. That beginning is prayer. Everyone who wishes to conquer any addiction needs to start by going their knees. (and then continue praying)
I could conclude with some profound statement, but I really think God said it best:
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Amen? Now please join us in prayer.
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