WHAT KIND OF RECREATION?

Does the Bible condemn having fun? Far from it!  The Bible says that there is "a time to laugh . . .and a time to skip about." (Ecclesiastes 3:4) God's people in ancient Israel enjoy music and dancing, games, and riddles.  Jesus Christ attended a large wedding feast and "a big reception feast" that Matthew Levi put on for him.  (Luke 5:29; John 2:1, 2) Clearly, Jesus was no killjoy.  May laughter and fun never be viewed as sins in your household.  

Jehovah is "the happy God." (1 Timothy 1:11) So worship of Jehovah should be a source of delight, not something  that casts a shadow of joylessness over life.  (Compare Deuteronomy 16:15) Children are naturally exuberant and full of energy that can be released  in play and recreation.  Well-chosen recreation is more than fun.  It is a way for a child to learn and mature.  A family head is responsible to provide for his household's needs in everything, including recreation.   However, balance is required. 

In these troubled "last days," human society is filled with people who are "lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God."  Just as was prophesied in the Bible.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5) For many, recreation is the main thing in life.  There is so much entertainment available that it can easily crowd out more important things.  Further, much modern entertainment features  sexual immorality, violence, drug abuse, and other grossly harmful practices.  (Proverbs 3:31) (among too many  games played all day by kids, teenagers and some adults. The same goes for going to more sports/sports games etc, than spending time with God. God comes first and foremost, then family, where people are concerned, when it comes to finances, the mortgage/rent, utilities, food/necessities,clothing. Other important bills that pertain to basic living, then entertainment.) What can be done to safeguard youngsters from harmful entertainment?

Parents need to set boundaries and restrictions. But more than that, they need to teach their children how to judge what recreation is harmful and to know how much is too much. Such training takes time and effort.  Consider an example.  A father of two boys noticed that his older son was listening to a new radio station quite frequently .  So while driving his truck to work one day, the father  tuned in to the same station. Occasionally he stopped and jotted down the lyrics of certain songs. Later he sat down with his sons and discussed what he had heard.  He asked viewpoint questions, beginning with "What do you think?" And listened patiently to their answers.  After reasoning on the matter using the Bible, the boys agreed not to listen to that station. 

Next time: Conclusion of WHAT KIND OF RECREATION?

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996