In Part 1 and 2 of my Entertainment Series, I challenged you to look at your viewing habits by taking a survey and thinking of some reasons you might be addicted to video games, television or the movies. In Part 3, I present a detox plan along with some biblical guidance for creating more meaning in your life.
Galatians 6:1a "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault"
In the above biblical passage we start out with the notion that someone is caught up in doing something he or she ought not to. The concept of being "overtaken in a fault," in verse one of Galatians is very evocative. We can almost see our sins chasing us down in a darkened alley and finally catching up with us, and then having their way with us. In effect, beating us to a pulp. It also evokes the feeling of something we were not expecting. Maybe we were playing around in a dangerous place and were surprised at the direction things took.
In our quest for wisdom concerning entertainment, this verse has much meaning. For all that our smartphones offer us, including helpful information such as, navigational assistance, medical advise and applications that can start dinner before we arrive home; we are often overtaken by the control it begins to effect in our lives. What do we do when this happens to us? What if the problem lies with our children, co-workers, or even a husband or wife?
The answer is : we must always be on guard lest the use of our devices gets out of balance with the rest of our life. We must also cope with the fallout in our families or offices. It has been my practice to go on an "entertainment fast" from time to time. The concept of a fast is well established in the Bible as a spiritual exercise with many benefits. Whole families and Churches can also benefit from this practice. FAST
Daniel 10:3 "I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Now that you are taking a fast from entertainment you will have all sorts of time on your hands. You will also have to find other ways to accomplish the tasks that your phone has taken over for you. Use this time wisely. For instance, instead of instant messaging a friend or family member on social media, why not plan a visit instead? What about a party? Make sure to hug and kiss all the people that you are now interacting with. That is not something you can do while "skyping." HUG AND KISS
1 Corinthians 16:20 "All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss."
Learn something new. Maybe you could benefit from a financial lecture. An exercise class could help improve your health. What about a creative exploration? Is there an activity at your church that you have not availed yourself of? You can take a class in your community and meet people who have the same interest. Languages are best practiced with others. So, check out local opportunities (language club) to do this. LEARN NEW THINGS
Proverbs 1:5 "a wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."
If you have been using your phone, television or the computing capability in your life to avoid dealing with some problems in your life, this electronic detox is bound to bring those issues to the surface. Resist the urge to surpress these feelings and instead make a decision to face whatever your issues are. Is your marriage in tatters? Is your family estranged. Unhappy on your job? Angry, depressed or anxious? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
Psalm 50:15 " and call upon Me in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
In our quest for wisdom concerning entertainment, this verse has much meaning. For all that our smartphones offer us, including helpful information such as, navigational assistance, medical advise and applications that can start dinner before we arrive home; we are often overtaken by the control it begins to effect in our lives. What do we do when this happens to us? What if the problem lies with our children, co-workers, or even a husband or wife?
The answer is : we must always be on guard lest the use of our devices gets out of balance with the rest of our life. We must also cope with the fallout in our families or offices. It has been my practice to go on an "entertainment fast" from time to time. The concept of a fast is well established in the Bible as a spiritual exercise with many benefits. Whole families and Churches can also benefit from this practice. FAST
Daniel 10:3 "I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Now that you are taking a fast from entertainment you will have all sorts of time on your hands. You will also have to find other ways to accomplish the tasks that your phone has taken over for you. Use this time wisely. For instance, instead of instant messaging a friend or family member on social media, why not plan a visit instead? What about a party? Make sure to hug and kiss all the people that you are now interacting with. That is not something you can do while "skyping." HUG AND KISS
1 Corinthians 16:20 "All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss."
Learn something new. Maybe you could benefit from a financial lecture. An exercise class could help improve your health. What about a creative exploration? Is there an activity at your church that you have not availed yourself of? You can take a class in your community and meet people who have the same interest. Languages are best practiced with others. So, check out local opportunities (language club) to do this. LEARN NEW THINGS
Proverbs 1:5 "a wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."
If you have been using your phone, television or the computing capability in your life to avoid dealing with some problems in your life, this electronic detox is bound to bring those issues to the surface. Resist the urge to surpress these feelings and instead make a decision to face whatever your issues are. Is your marriage in tatters? Is your family estranged. Unhappy on your job? Angry, depressed or anxious? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
Psalm 50:15 " and call upon Me in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
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