Far too frequently, our perception of the enemy is flawed. We envision him coming into our lives in a boisterous and obvious manner, wreaking havoc and prompting fear. While this approach may be employed on occasion, more often than not he accomplishes his objectives by quietly lulling us into a spiritual stupor. Jesus called him the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Paul tells us he cunning and devious (2 Cor.11:14). We are admonished not to be “ignorant of his schemes” (2:11) and instructed to put on the full armor of God in order to protect ourselves against attack (Eph.6:11).
One of Satan’s most subtle and effective tactics for saints in the 21st century, however, is the almost imperceptible transformation from being lovers of God to being lovers of pleasure (2 Tim.3:4). Borrowing from Neil Postman’s 1985 book title, we can become so enamored with the “fun facet” of the world that we “amuse ourselves to death.”
Legitimate Diversion
Let me state from the start that I believe there is a legitimate place for the enjoyment of life. Christians are not to be sour and dour, behaving as though they’ve been baptized in lemon juice. It is not sin to find pleasure in the good gifts God has bestowed (1 Tim.4:4). It is not wrong to relax and have some fun. God does not prohibit entertainment, but He does expect balance and moderation.
Our culture has changed dramatically in 100 years. Today, most have more disposable income and discretionary time than their grandparents or great-grandparents could have ever imagined. Though these changes have brought numerous benefits, they have also introduced a variety of perils. With an abundant supply of time and money, the aim of a growing number is to discover how they can expend both in the pursuit of a “good time.” The world is no longer seen as a workplace (Gen.2:15) or a battlefield (John 15:19), but merely a playground where the rule is, “the one with the most toys, wins.” Jesus warned that the “worries and riches and pleasures of this life” possess the ability to choke out the word of God, and render it unfruitful (Luke 8:14). Sadly, many have turned a deaf ear to that important counsel.
Television
Television has changed the world forever. What had predominantly been a word-based culture rapidly shifted to one that is image-based. Today, the preferred means of communication is not intellectual discourse (whether verbal or written), but the emotional excitement and sensual stimulation of TV. Nothing has done more to promote our obsession with entertainment than the invention of what older folks once called, “the squawk box.”
According to A.C. Nielson, the average American watches four hours of television a day. That’s two months every year! The addition of cable and satellite programming, VCR’s and DVR’s, DVD rentals and video games has only increased the number of hours sacrificed to the “god of entertainment.” Is it any wonder that in a world inundated with 3.5 second-long flashes of movement (the average duration of a shot on network TV), that the ordinary reading and study of the Bible has lost its luster? I fear that many 21st century saints know more about Hollywood stars than they do the real heroes of Scripture. I’m not telling you to toss out your TV. What I am advocating is regular implementation of the “off” button on the remote to allow for an involvement in things of greater import.
The Internet
Like television, the Internet has also brought significant cultural changes. And not all of them are good. The “information super-highway” not only provides rapid travel through an abundance of information, but numerous spiritual potholes, such as electronic gambling and pornography, also mar it. But even if one should work to avoid these glaring evils, the Internet can still devour precious hours of family time and distract us from the things of God. It can be a powerful tool for good or an effective weapon of the evil one. Again we find a vital need for discipline and discernment (Phil.1:9-10).
Obsession with Organized Sports
And wouldn’t we have to admit that we are a culture addicted to sports? And not only televised sporting events, but school athletics and organized leagues. Today, most kids aren’t content playing pick-up games in an empty neighborhood lot—and neither are their parents. Instead, we want to participate in associations where sports can be played year round and where practices can absorb several days on the calendar. How much stronger would local churches be if there was the same zeal demonstrated inside their buildings that is displayed in our nations stadiums and arenas? Winning the Lombardi trophy or an Olympic gold medal is a remarkable achievement, but they are still only “perishable wreaths” (1 Cor.9:25).
Music, Hobbies, and Fun Focus
What about our fascination with music? We loathe silence—and music has become an effective way of breaking it. Wouldn’t we be well served to periodically turn off our radios and ipods, and devote that time to prayer?
Hobbies and recreation also require expenditures of time and money. Things like golf, hunting, woodworking, gardening, etc., can all be profitable things that help make life enjoyable. But they also possess the ability to become idols that rob God of the time and honor He is due.
Even religion has been influenced by the “fun focus” of our time as churches have seemingly adopted the philosophy, if you can’t beat the “god of entertainment,” then you might as well join him! The result? Dramas and bands, gymnasiums and laser light shows, Super Bowl parties and self-help seminars. And each conducted under the guise of “worship.”
We must dwell in a world where, for many, entertainment has become the idol of choice. Today, people would rather than “have fun” than think. They would rather be amused than be spiritually challenged. They would rather witness a performance than personally participate in genuine worship. And should that describe us, wouldn’t it make any claim to being a true disciple of Jesus an illegitimate one?