by Sean Cavender
Synopsis: While entertainment is a modern obsession, Christians have a higher calling and noble purpose that is centered upon a shared relationship with God.
It will not take long for someone to notice how casual our society has become. Clothes that are often worn to formal events today (such as weddings, funerals, and worship services) would have been considered casual attire twenty-five or more years ago. Our attitudes have shifted, and we have become a very casual society. One definition of casualness is "lacking a high degree of inter-est or devotion" (Merriam-Webster).
Casualness toward God is a spiritual disease affecting our hearts, minds, and attitudes. We must search within ourselves for the causes of casual attitudes. Lacking an interest in and devotion to God is a problem that will keep us from making godly choices in our lives.
One of the causes of spiritual casualness is the way we allow entertainment to affect us. Many people, even in the Lord's church, have been affected by casual attitudes, and have abandoned godliness and holiness. Lacking a high level of interest in spiritual matters, many give little thought to their entertainment choices.
Entertainment is defined as "amusement or diversion provided especially by performers" (Merriam-Webster). Our attention may be diverted, and we can be amused by reading books, watching Netflix, cheering for our favorite sports team, listening to our favorite band, keeping up with the latest current events, listening to podcasts, playing video games, or spending time on the latest gadgets. Entertaining ourselves is not inherently sinful, and we should not feel guilty for taking some time to enjoy these forms of entertainment.
However, we must recognize the spiritual dangers in front of us. With entertainment, it is easy to focus on ourselves and our pleasure, which can introduce a spirit of casualness into our lives. Je-sus warned about this problem, looking back to the days of Noah when people were "eating and drinking" but were callous to the warnings of God's judgment (Matt. 24:38). Paul wrote about the Israelites who ate, drank, and rose up to play (1 Cor. 10:7; cf. Exod. 32:6). For the Israelites, enter-tainment revealed a casual attitude toward God by turning to idolatry (Willis, 296-297). A casual, lackadaisical attitude toward God is seen in every generation; yet, we must not allow it to invade the church of our Lord or destroy our souls.
How does entertainment affect our spiritual devotion to God? Jesus taught that citizens in the kingdom of heaven should have a passion for righteousness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He emphasized the disciple's need to yearn and live for righteousness:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matt. 5:6).But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matt. 6:33).
Christ expects His followers to abandon self-centeredness and manifest a desire to live for Him. We must examine whether or not entertainment consumes our lives, or if we are truly living for the kingdom of God.
Attending sporting events and concerts, or going on vacation, are just a few ways that people en-tertain themselves. While there is nothing sinful with vacations or sports, Christians must search for the joy that is found in spending time with God in worship. Many people reveal their casual attitude by choosing entertainment over attending the worship services and personal devotion and study. However, it is foolish to neglect worshiping the Lord and studying His word for the sake of entertainment (Ps. 119:16). Being present in God's house is where Jesus found delight and satisfaction. The disciples saw Jesus's love for being in the place of worship: "Zeal for Your house will consume me" (John 2:17). Our Lord desired to be in a place of worship to give glory and honor to God.
Sadly, entertainment often promotes ways on which we can focus inwardly and selfishly. We display a spirit of casualness when we desire to please ourselves, rather than choosing to give glory to our heavenly Father. Entertainment does not bring everlasting satisfaction and delight. True, eternal delight is found in God.
In an entertainment-driven society, it can be hard to retreat and spend time in prayer or reading God's word. It seems finding time to do what we want to do is not nearly as difficult. Do we spend more time binge-watching our favorite Netflix series than spending time with God's word in meditation and study? Have we lost interest in our Creator? If so, then entertainment has become our idol, causing us to be casual and lukewarm, lacking a fervency for God (Rev. 3:16).
How does entertainment affect our homes? Entertainment is invited into our homes every time we turn on a TV, laptop computer, tablet, or phone. How do such constant forms of entertainment affect relationships with our family? In-stead of gathering around the dinner table, people eat around the TV. Today, families rarely spend time in prayer, song, and Scripture reading, but, instead, watch Netflix and Youtube. If we would turn off the gadgets and spend time talking with our families about each other's day, or spend more time together in prayer, then our families would be much stronger.
Parents have the responsibility to know how their children are entertained. While we may not be able to control every situation our children might be involved in, we do control what is viewed on a television screen, a tablet, or phone, especially within the walls of our homes. Be involved and know what your children are watching or hearing. Teach them to make good choices.
Parents must also look at the example they set for their children. They grow up fast, but that does not mean we should treat them as adults before they are ready for adulthood. Children are young and impressionable. Stop and think about the language that is being used in the movies and shows that come on the TV. Should you subject your children to hearing cursing and sexual innuendo? For that matter, should you watch that kind of entertainment?
Parents must train up their children in the teachings of God (Eph. 6:4), not in the ways of Holly-wood. Music, movies, and TV shows will not help protect your children from sin. Sin is often promoted through song lyrics and TV shows. We should not invite sin into our homes in such a glorified way.
The apostle Paul warned of the dangers and influences of worldliness. He said, "If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals'" (1 Cor. 15:32-33). The world exhibits a spirit of casualness and has low regard for godly living. Therefore, it is essential for Christians to be cautious in their choices of entertain-ment. We must not mimic the same casual spirit. Instead of giving little regard to God, we are called to be highly devoted, serving Him with our entire heart, soul, and mind (Mark 12:30).
"Casual." Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casual.
"Entertainment." Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertainment.
Willis, Mike. Truth Commentaries: The Book of First Corinthians. Athens, AL: Truth Publications, 2011.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. La Ha-bra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.
Author Bio: Sean has worked with the Bald Knob church of Christ for two and a half years in Bald Knob, Arkansas. He and his wife, Kristin, have one son. The church website is diligentlyseekhim.com. He can be reached at spcavender@gmail.com.
