by Phillip E. Stuckey
Synopsis: When we choose to have fun, and be entertained with God's principles in mind as a family, we not only build better and stronger families but also show others that God's ways are better.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Eccl. 3:1, ESV).
The family is an important part of God's plan for humanity. God designed the family to provide not only companionship for a husband and wife, but also a relationship where children are to be conceived, born, and then brought up to love and serve the Lord (Gen. 2:18-24; Eph. 6:1-4). When we follow God's plan for our family, then it will be one of the most joyful and rewarding relationships we will have in this life (Ps. 127:3-5). Part of family life is having fun and enjoying entertainment and good times together. Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes remind us that this is so (Eccl. 3:1-8). The Bible is filled with examples of people enjoying fun and entertainment: some of it is good, harmless, and even wholesome and some of it is not (Zech. 8:5; Exod. 32:6). Let us consider how we can enjoy time together with our families that is not only pleasing to God but beneficial.
There are a few principles we should always keep in mind. Whenever we choose to do something together as a family, we must first consider if it is lawful in God's sight. The Bible says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17), and "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). If something is not pleasing to the Lord, then we should not do it, nor should we take pleasure in it.
Also, we should consider that even if it is lawful, is it wise? The Bible says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16). Our society is obsessed with leisure and entertainment. However, we need to make sure that we are using godly wisdom in our choices and not letting our family fun take over our lives, causing us to neglect other beneficial and essential pursuits.
Another principle to think about concerning our choices is whether they are beneficial to our own families and others. We must not be selfish, but as Paul said, "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor" (1 Cor. 10:24). We must be careful not to engage in anything that would encourage others to sin or would bring reproach on the Lord or His church (1 Cor. 10:31-33). Our choices of fun and entertainment are opportunities for us to be salt and light and to help lead others to Christ (Matt. 5:13-17).
When I consider this subject, I recall a session I attended at an educational technology conference about content filtering some years ago. The presenter lamented the fact that the vast majority of the efforts in content filtering were about blocking inappropriate content instead of identifying appropriate content. He said he was "tired of enumerating badness" and wanted instead to "enumerate goodness." Some wisdom is here found for parents as we guide our families. Our society is saturated with filthy movies, television shows, music, and other entertainment and media. We cannot allow ourselves or our children to consume ungodly content, or participate in ungodly pursuits.
We do not want just to teach our children to avoid sinful and harmful pursuits; we must train them to engage in lawful and godly activities. The gospel teaches us to put off the old man of sin and to put on the new man who is being renewed in the image of Christ (Col. 3:1-14). Scripture teaches us to "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12). This must be our constant aim in training our children to discern not only good and evil but also what is wise and expedient. We should make the best use of our time together so that when our children are grown, they will be equipped to choose appropriate, beneficial, and godly entertainment for themselves and their families.
So, what are some things we can do together as families that are wholesome, enjoyable, and godly? Worshipping as a family and with other saints should be enjoyable and something we love to do. Like David, we should be glad when we have the chance to worship (Ps. 122:1). One of the best things you can do as a parent as your children grow up is instilling in them a joy and love for serving God. They should see that in our priorities. We make time to do what we love. Many people let their kids stay out late to go to the "big game," or a concert, or some school event, but some of these same people will not drive an hour or stay up late to encourage other brethren at a gospel meeting or singing or in spending time with their brethren. Make sure your children learn to enjoy worshipping and serving God.
While worshipping God is not entertainment and should not be merely entertaining, serving God should be something that we enjoy doing, and that brings us joy. Such activities should be pleasant and even fun in many ways. Serving and helping others provides good quality family time. Remember, Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve" and He said it is "more blessed to give than to receive" (Matt. 20:28; Acts 20:35). Opening our homes to others should be fun and enjoyable. As the Scripture says, "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Pet. 4:9).
When our children are small, entertainment choices are easy, basic, and simple. Playing together, reading together, and simply being together throughout the day during those early years is just bliss. As the kids get older, entertainment choices and opportunities expand. There are always movies, TV, board games, and, of course, video games that we can watch or play together. Athletics, arts, and music are generally good and wholesome pursuits provided we maintain godliness in our conduct, speech, behavior, and dress.
Our family likes to spend time together learning about history and the world, so we like to visit libraries and museums. Getting outside and enjoying God's creation, whether that is in your backyard or visiting a state or national park, is a great way to enjoy time together. There you can walk, hike, hunt, fish, camp, and experience a host of other activities. These provide opportunities for us to encourage our children to develop their talents and to build and strengthen relationships with God and with others. However, we must always maintain our commitments to God and the church and not let recreational activities become idols that consume all our time (1 John 5:21).
No doubt, many of these things that we have discussed are obvious. But some areas are often overlooked when we think about enjoyable things to do together as a family. One is just working together. As parents, we must realize that not every opportunity or experience we provide for our children will be thought of (at the moment) as "fun." Cleaning house, doing laundry, washing the car, working in the yard, canning beans, or freezing corn might not seem entertaining today, but these times offer some of the most pleasant memories of childhood. When chores must be done, engage the family, and do your best to make the work entertaining. Singing, telling family stories, or even staging competition can make the work go faster.
Living the Christian life is costly and often challenging (2 Tim. 3:12), but that does not mean it is a joyless drudgery. Family life is a blessing from God; it should be fun and enjoyable. When we choose to have fun, and be entertained with God's principles in mind, we will not only build better and stronger families, but we will also show others that God's ways are better. May God help us to make godly and wise choices in how we enjoy fun and entertainment as a family.
Author Bio: Phillip and Elizabeth labor with the Robison St. church of Christ in Edna, Texas. The church website is ednachurchofchrist.org. He can be reached at philstuckey@gmail.com.
