David has labored with the 160th Avenue church of Christ in Gresham, Oregon since 2016, having regularly preached the gospel since 2003. He and his wife, Starla, have two children. The church website is http://www.160thavechurch.com/. He can be reached at davidhalbrook@hotmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Synopsis: Christianity enjoins a sense of decorum and modesty that should be seen in our dress and demeanor at work, play, and worship.

Paul ends his list of the sinful desires of the worldly mind (the lusts of the flesh) with the phrase “and the like,” indicating that he had not composed a complete list of all forbidden thoughts and deeds (Gal. 5:19-21). Those final words warn us not to think that something is acceptable to God simply because it is not specifically forbidden. Sometimes we must reach unstated, but necessary, conclusions to identify sinful activities. God does not always spoon-feed truth to us, so we must be diligent workmen to identify sin and gain His approval (2 Tim. 2:15). We must do this in every entertainment decision we make because some things, though entertaining (bringing joy or pleasure), are sinful (Heb. 11:25).

We have many entertainment options today due to widespread wealth and luxury. “Luxury is not for fools” (nor entertainment) because fools do not learn to keep their treasures in heaven (Prov. 19:10; Matt. 6:19). As seductiveness is increasingly viewed as entertainment, we must ask, “Have I learned to avoid every form of seductiveness in my entertainment?”

The Sin of Seductiveness

Like gambling, abortion, and pornography, the word “seductiveness” is not in Scripture,[1] so we must patiently study to understand the will of the Lord. Seductiveness is the equivalent of lasciviousness (KJV), lewdness (NKJV), sensuality (NASB, ESV), and debauchery (NIV), and “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). All such activities involve thoughts or deeds that borrow some element of sexual activity, without committing sexual immorality. Sexually-related words or images (photo or video) are seductive. Drawing the attention of others to the sexual parts of the body by movement, display, or touch is seductive. Which parts of our body does this include? At a minimum, it includes the thighs, the chest, and everything in-between, which God identifies as “nakedness” and shameful to be publicly displayed (Rev. 3:18; Exod. 28:42; Prov. 5:19). Beyond the “bare minimum,” saints should also consider what parts of the body their culture considers seductive and avoid stirring sinful desire in others in the name of “liberty” (1 Cor. 10:23-33).

We must abstain from every form of lewdness, and repent if we have been guilty of practicing such (1 Thess. 5:22; 2 Cor. 12:19-21). Remember, the wages of seductiveness is death (Rom. 6:23). Accordingly, to make application of this point, think of someone in Scripture who practiced seduction. Study and meditate upon that person’s life to learn how such behavior affected them and others.

Entertainment that is Seductive by Nature

Some forms of entertainment are by nature seductive and thus always sinful. The “entertainment value” never justifies pornography (whether soft or hard core), strip clubs, or nudist beaches. The history, observation of, or participation in typical, modern male-female dancing (outside of marriage) helps us to understand that it is also a form of lewdness. Modern couples-dancing is designed to initiate or deepen sexual thoughts and desires by drawing attention to the sexual parts of the body through movement, touch, and/or display. Every occurrence of adultery or fornication begins with some form of seduction. To avoid dying the death of the simple, reflect upon the strategies of the seductress of Proverbs Seven.

Ask yourself... Though most of the forms of entertainment mentioned above have always been present in our country (and in human history), why is the number of participants growing?

Entertainment that May or May Not Include Seductive Elements

Some decisions we face are not simple. Our process of making such decisions reveals whether or not we have added and are abounding in virtue, self-control, and love which always leads us away from seductiveness (2 Pet. 1:5-10).

How would you respond to these questions: “Do you want to go to the movies with us?” “Are you attending John’s birthday party (or bachelor party)?” or “Will you meet us at the city pool on Saturday?” These activities may be innocent or may be sinful; so how does God expect us to answer? Learn in advance whether they will revolve around sensuality. What movie are you considering? Many websites identify a movie’s content, also, filtering tools allow some movies viewed at home to be adjusted according to the viewer’s values. Ask who is hosting the party. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; in other words, do not commit yourself to participate in activities chosen by someone in the world without knowing what you will be doing. If you go, be ready to “come out from among them and be separate” if necessary (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Or, is the city pool being privately rented so as to allow friends of the same gender to swim or will the community be present with their nakedness in view? Your decision determines whether you are the distinctive salt of the earth or a lampstand hidden under a bushel (Matt. 5:13-16).

Social media is often a source for entertainment (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr.). What do you do with pictures or posts that are filthy, foolish, or coarse jesting, and thus unfitting (Eph. 5:4)? Do you pass them on to others, or quickly avert your eyes and mind, hating every false way (Ps. 119:104)? Parents must teach and train, chasten and model godliness in determining the need, wisdom, and boundaries of these oft-abused tools of communication. Starting in their youth, according to their maturity level, and consistent with their exposure to these things, talk to your children about the dangers they will encounter. If this seems awkward (perhaps because your parents never talked to you about sexually-sensitive subjects), read Proverbs 1-7 with your children, and within the text you will find opportunities to make applications to your children’s lives. You must be their primary teacher and not depend on school teachers, Bible class teachers, elders, evangelists, or any others to lead them in learning God’s plan for the gift of nakedness and sexual pleasure. And to the unmarried, before you marry or have children, prepare yourself for those roles by abstaining from every form of seductiveness (1 Thess. 5:22). Make a covenant with your eyes, ears, and hands (Job 31:1-4).

Ask yourself... Can you remember an occasion when you tried to justify some form of entertainment, though deep down you knew there was a sinful element to it?

Entertainment that is Free from Seduction

The boundaries that Jesus Christ set are not to suppress the enjoyment of entertainment. In His wisdom, His boundaries are not grievous but for our good always (1 John 5:3; Deut. 6:24). Sex within marriage is a form of entertainment that refreshes the mind, body, and marriage relationship again and again. That’s why Solomon uses water as a figure of sexual pleasure (Prov. 5:15-20). When sex is separated from the sin of seduction, it is among the most profitable and pure forms of entertainment, but it is not alone.

Hospitality and other ways of serving all men, and especially those of the household of faith, redeems our time and builds relationships that are productive in a variety of ways (Gal. 6:10). Jesus and the saints in Jerusalem often participated in such forms of entertainment and used them to the benefit of all (Matt. 15:32-39; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 7:36-50; 11:37; 19:5-10; Acts 2:46).

Exploring nature, either by reading books or through direct observation and interaction, brings pleasure along with the thoughts and realizations expressed in many psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The next time you view the stars or go hiking, pause a moment and sing “How Great Thou Art,” “Lord, I Believe,” or “This is My Father’s World.” Also pray and see if the satisfaction, benefit, and pleasure of praising God “in the moment” exceeds the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster ride or the roar of a crowd of sports fanatics.

Ask yourself... What forms of entertainment provide benefits that last beyond the activity itself, instead of merely “killing time”? How can you apply Ephesians 5:17 to entertainment decisions for you or your children?

Conclusion

Are the lives of Christians monotonous and boring because they abstain from all seductive entertainment? No. To the contrary, when we are not conformed to this world we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. By presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, we prove (better understand, appreciate, and enjoy by experience) the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). The abundant life Christ came to bring us frees us from the bondage and yoke of all sin, including seductiveness (John 10:10).

Sources

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations come from The New King James Version (NKJV).

For further study, see “Dance Time is Decision Time” (Truth Magazine, March 2011, p. 20-24). The material in this supplemental article is also available for purchase as a Truth Tract at http://www.ceibooks.com/church-supplies/dance-time-is-decision-time/

[1] “Seductress” is found seven times in the book of Proverbs, in the New King James Version.