How do you like to spend your free time?
If you are one of the billions who enjoy gaming, you’re not alone.
The Bible doesn’t directly mention anything about video games, as they didn’t exist then. But it does say a lot in relation to influence, conviction, heart posture, idols, and fasting.
So, is playing video games a sin? Playing the games themselves is not a sin but could lead to sinful behavior. We have to look at what the Bible says about how to use our time and how we are responding to that.
We all have moments in the day when we get to choose how we rest, recharge, or simply enjoy ourselves. As followers of Christ, even our downtime is an opportunity to reflect His presence in our lives. The question isn’t just how we spend our free time, but who we’re becoming as we spend it.
Intentions Behind Playing
Video games are a popular hobby enjoyed by people of all ages- often starting with good intentions! But over time, what begins as harmless fun can begin to shape our priorities in unexpected ways.
The issue isn’t the games themselves, but the posture of our hearts as we engage with them. Are you choosing gaming over time in God’s Word? Are you skipping opportunities for fellowship, service, or rest to spend more time in front of a screen?
So, let me ask you: Why do you play video games?
Is it just for fun-or have they started to take over areas in your life that belong to something greater?
Idolizing the Game
Colossians 3:5 says, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
If anything- not just video games- is controlling our lives, thoughts, and time, it may be something we need to step back from. Ask yourself: are the games you’re playing a reflection of your own self- will, or are they aligned with God’s will? This is a powerful question we can apply to many areas of life.
In a world where social media consumes us, technology never escapes us, and our days are busier than ever- it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. If we’re using the little free time we have to invest in worldly distractions rather than dedicating it to the Lord, how are we truly nurturing our relationship with Him?
We need to cultivate a healthy balance between the things of this world and the truth of God’s Word. We cannot allow the world to take control of our hearts.
The issue isn’t always the video game itself – but the hold it has on your time, thoughts, and heart. And it’s not just gaming. It could be sports, TV shows, music, relationships- anything that starts to claim more of your devotion than the Lord.
Idols usually go unnoticed. Often, they’re hidden in the places we least expect- until we take the time to realize what’s truly ruling our hearts.
Violence in Video Games: A Matter of Conviction
One of the most common concerns about video games is their level of violence and how it might influence our behavior. But, as believers the deeper question we should be asking is: What is this doing to my heart?
Romans 14:21-23 says, “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
If what you’re consuming causes conviction- if it challenges your morals, dulls your sensitivity to sin, or unsettles your spirit- it may be time to reassess. Are your thoughts being shaped by what you’re watching and interacting with? Do you notice a shift in your mood, mindset, or words after turning off the game? If so, it may be affecting you more than you realize.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
The idea of ‘we are who we surround ourselves with’ is a common phrase to throw around, but this plays into what we are watching as well. What we let into our hearts and minds will start to flow out of us. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
All Glory to the Lord
In everything we do, our goal should be to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
That includes how we spend our free time- even in something as common as playing video games. If what you’re playing isn’t bringing honor to the Lord, it’s worth asking: What is the purpose behind it?
We need to reshape our mindset to see every action as an opportunity for worship. How can you invite the Lord into your hobbies? Maybe it’s by encouraging others online, sharing the gospel with someone in the game, or choosing content that uplifts and reminds you of God’s goodness.
As yourself: Will this contribute to my eternal purpose?
We’re not living for the temporary things of this world- we’re living for an eternal Kingdom. If something begins to pull your heart away from that purpose, even slightly, it may be drawing you more toward the world than toward Christ.
Challenge For You:
As you step back into your daily routine, take time to evaluate the balance between your activities and your spiritual life. Are you devoting your heart and time to the Lord first- or are hobbies and interests taking priority?
Consider this: Maybe it’s time to fast from video games for a season. Not because games are inherently wrong, but to better understand how much influence they have over your thoughts, time, and desires. Fasting isn’t about restriction- it’s about realignment.
Self-control is a key part of this conversation. If you find it difficult to stop playing when your time is up, or you can’t go a few days (or weeks) without gaming, that’s worth paying attention to. It could be a sign that boundaries need to be reestablished.
Additionally, if the issue isn’t about time but content- if the games you’re playing are testing your heart- consider switching it up. Find something new that aligns better with your faith and values. There’s real joy to be found in connecting with others through video games, but that joy should never replace the deeper joy found in your relationship with Christ.
Let everything you do- even your downtime- reflect what matters most: your devotion to the Lord.
Ephesians 5: 15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
