Entertainment plays a big role in our lives today, but how should we approach it as Christians? The Bible offers principles on guarding our hearts and minds, and how to approach entertainment in a way that honors God. Let’s see what Scripture teaches about balancing fun with faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About parties
What Does The Bible Say About entertainment
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reminds us that everything we do, including our entertainment choices, should be done in a way that honors God. We should be mindful of the content we consume, ensuring that it aligns with biblical values and principles.
Entertainment can be a powerful tool for both positive and negative influence in our lives. As Christians, we are called to use discernment and wisdom when selecting our entertainment options, ensuring that they do not lead us astray from our faith or promote sinful behavior.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages us to focus our minds on things that are good and honorable. When it comes to entertainment, it is important to choose content that reflects these qualities. By engaging in entertainment that is true, pure, and praiseworthy, we can be uplifted and inspired in our faith.
However, we must also be aware that not all forms of entertainment adhere to these standards. It is crucial to exercise discernment and avoid engaging in entertainment that promotes immorality, violence, or other sinful behaviors.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Entertainment should be approached with the mindset of glorifying God in all that we do. This means being intentional about the choices we make and ensuring that they align with our Christian values.
For example, if watching a movie or TV show, we can evaluate whether it promotes virtues such as love, kindness, and forgiveness. By choosing entertainment that reflects God’s character and values, we can strengthen our faith while also engaging in enjoyable activities.
Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding and rejecting entertainment that promotes wickedness or ungodly behavior. As Christians, we are called to distance ourselves from such content and instead seek out entertainment that promotes righteousness and holiness.
While it can be tempting to engage in popular forms of entertainment that may contain immoral elements, we must remember our commitment to God and the values He has set for us. By making intentional choices that uphold our faith, we can avoid being swayed by the negative influences of worldly entertainment.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse serves as a prayer for God’s guidance in steering clear of meaningless and unedifying entertainment. It acknowledges the potential harm that can come from engaging in trivial and worldly pursuits.
As Christians, we should strive to prioritize entertainment that adds value to our lives and deepens our understanding of God’s Word. By turning our focus toward meaningful and beneficial forms of entertainment, we can nourish our souls and grow in our walk with the Lord.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse reminds us to be mindful of the company we keep, even in the realm of entertainment. The media we consume can have a significant impact on our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
By surrounding ourselves with wise and godly influences, both in our real-life relationships and in our choice of entertainment, we can foster an environment that encourages spiritual growth and maturity.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
As Christians, we are called to be distinct from the world and its values. This verse urges us to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God’s will rather than conforming to worldly standards, even in the realm of entertainment.
This requires intentional discernment and a commitment to engaging in entertainment that reflects and reinforces our values as followers of Christ. By doing so, we can actively participate in shaping our worldview and deepening our relationship with God.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
When evaluating our choices in entertainment, we should consider whether they align with the fruits of the Spirit listed in this verse. Does the content promote virtues such as love, kindness, and self-control?
Engaging in entertainment that reflects these qualities can bring joy and peace, while also encouraging personal growth in our Christian walk. Conversely, entertainment that contradicts these traits may hinder our spiritual development and lead us away from the path God has set for us.
John 15:4
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
This verse speaks to the importance of abiding in Christ and maintaining a close relationship with Him. As we consider our entertainment choices, we should reflect on whether they draw us closer to God or pull us away from Him.
Entertainment can serve as a means of relaxation and enjoyment, but we must guard against it becoming a distraction or leading us into sinful patterns of behavior. By staying connected to Christ and seeking His guidance, we can ensure that our choices honor Him and contribute to our spiritual growth.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle we face as Christians. The enemy seeks to deceive and entice us through various means, including the entertainment we engage in.
We must approach entertainment with a discerning and vigilant mindset, recognizing the potential influence it can have on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By being aware of the enemy’s tactics and relying on God’s strength, we can protect ourselves from being led astray by harmful or ungodly entertainment.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of protecting our hearts and minds from negative influences, including inappropriate or harmful entertainment.
What we allow into our hearts and minds through entertainment will ultimately shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise discernment and choose entertainment that uplifts our spirits and aligns with our Christian values.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
When selecting entertainment options, we are called to prioritize the interests and well-being of others. This means being mindful of the impact our choices may have on those around us, especially younger or impressionable individuals.
By selecting entertainment that promotes values such as kindness, compassion, and selflessness, we can contribute to a positive and uplifting environment for ourselves and others.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
As Christians, we are called to surrender our lives and decisions to the Lord. This includes our entertainment choices.
By committing our entertainment decisions to God and seeking His guidance, we can trust that He will direct our paths and help us make choices that are pleasing to Him. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and confidence in our entertainment selections.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
Our bodies and minds are precious gifts from God, and we are called to honor Him with them. This includes the choices we make regarding the entertainment we consume.
By engaging in entertainment that respects the sanctity of our bodies and minds, we can demonstrate our commitment to honoring God and living according to His principles. This may involve avoiding content that is sexually explicit, violent, or promotes harmful behavior.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
This verse reminds us that true joy and fulfillment come from being in the presence of God. While entertainment can provide temporary enjoyment, it is ultimately in our relationship with the Lord that we find lasting satisfaction.
As we engage in entertainment, let us remember to seek fulfillment in God rather than solely relying on worldly pleasures. By doing so, we can experience a deeper sense of joy and contentment that surpasses the fleeting nature of entertainment.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
While entertainment can be a source of enjoyment and relaxation, it is important to remember that our ultimate hope and satisfaction should rest in God, not in worldly pleasures or material wealth.
By maintaining a proper perspective on the role of entertainment in our lives and placing our hope in God, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolizing entertainment or seeking fulfillment solely through worldly means.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
The enjoyment of entertainment can contribute to a cheerful heart and a sense of well-being. It can provide a much-needed break from the struggles and challenges of life.
By engaging in wholesome and uplifting entertainment, we can experience the benefits of laughter, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This, in turn, can positively impact our overall well-being and mental health.
Proverbs 15:13
“A cheerful heart makes a face happy, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.”
Entertainment has the power to influence our emotions and moods. By choosing entertainment that brings joy and positivity, we can cultivate a cheerful heart and a happier disposition.
However, it is essential to be mindful of the potential negative effects of certain types of entertainment. Content that promotes violence, despair, or immorality can have a detrimental impact on our emotional well-being and spiritual growth. Therefore, we should strive to seek out entertainment that fosters joy, gratitude, and a sense of hope.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
God desires for us to experience joy and delight in the blessings He has provided. This includes the enjoyment of food, drink, and other forms of entertainment.
As long as our choices align with biblical principles and do not lead us into sinful behavior, we can partake in entertainment with a joyful heart, knowing that God approves of our actions.
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
This verse reminds us to be discerning and cautious when it comes to the language and humor we encounter in entertainment.
Engaging in entertainment that promotes obscenity or crude joking can lead us away from a mindset of thankfulness and virtue. Instead, let us seek out entertainment options that encourage positivity, edification, and gratitude.
Psalm 119:14-15
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”
Entertainment can provide us with opportunities for reflection and contemplation, allowing us to further engage with God’s Word and gain deeper insights into His ways.
By choosing entertainment that aligns with biblical principles and values, we can use these moments of leisure to meditate on God’s precepts and consider His ways. This can deepen our understanding of His Word and draw us closer to Him.
Psalm 119:97
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”
Entertainment should not distract us from our love for God’s Word, but rather serve as a complement to it.
By engaging in entertainment options that foster a love for God’s law and promote spiritual growth, we can integrate our leisure activities harmoniously with our love for Scripture. This creates a balanced approach to entertainment that strengthens our faith and fortifies our relationship with God.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This verse encourages us to be discerning and intentional in our choice of entertainment, avoiding content that aligns with the values of the world and instead focusing on the delight found in God’s law.
By seeking out entertainment that aligns with biblical principles and promotes spiritual growth, we can reinforce our commitment to following God’s ways and deepen our understanding of His Word.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Entertainment can easily become a distraction and consume our thoughts and time. This verse reminds us to keep our focus on heavenly things and not become consumed by worldly pursuits, even in the realm of entertainment.
By setting our minds on things that are pleasing and honoring to God, we can actively choose entertainment that directs our thoughts and affections towards Him. This helps to guard against excessive or inappropriate indulgence in the temporary pleasures of entertainment.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Entertainment has the power to shape our thoughts and beliefs. As Christians, it is crucial to take captive every thought and align it with the teachings of Christ.
By exercising discernment and actively seeking entertainment options that are consistent with biblical principles, we can cultivate a mindset that is submissive to Christ and guard against being influenced by worldly ideologies.