Are playing video games a sin?
The bible doesn't have a specific verse saying video games are sin.
But what can gain revelation on this topic according to the bible.
Praying the Holy Spirit will convict you, because thats what the Holy Spirit does, convict.
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:15-18)
Walking circumspectly is being 'careful' when you're moving & walking forward.
We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ( 1 John 2:15-16)
Video games can open doors towards temptation... which comes through the lust of the flesh, lust of the flesh & the pride of life.
We must guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23)
Be wise, discern & test everything.
Your body might not be participating with what you play… but what is influencing your mind?
Be renewed in the mind & be simply uncaged...
The enemy wants real estate on our mind!
We're called to meditate on a few things...
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
What are you meditating on?
Can you mediate on Gods word daily?
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2)
Even science has proven that video games can effect our focus, attention & emotional states in negative ways.
We MUST continue to glorify God in all we do.
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
5 questions to ask yourself about video games & pray to ask the Lord for more wisdom...
#1 Do you put it above God?
Video games can become an idol.
If you have an event to encounter God but you miss it just to continue to play video games...
#2 Can you play for 7 hours straight but can't pray for 7 minutes?
The spirit of addiction is real.
When you become more addicted to the things of this world over Jesus... then you must check your heart.
#3 Can you fast from it?
We want to fast to please God. (Isaiah 58)
Can you truly give it up to seek God during a fast?
#4 Does it bear fruit in your life?
Your fruit is what we will know you by.
Video games can influence you to be angry & sometimes 'rage' depending on the games you play.
But are you bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life?
#5 Does it TRULY honor God?
It's not that God doesn't want us to enjoy life.
In fact we are called to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13)
Our labor should be 'good' in the eyes of God.
Last thing, want to leave you with another verse to meditate on.
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. (Psalm 101:3)