I decided to try something that is pretty hard for me over the next few weeks: not playing video games, watching tv shows, or any of the other ten things that I could do to entertain myself. Instead, I am going to spend time with other people to relax. This will also help reduce spending many hours wasting the time that is God's.
I think God has recently been showing me how 'little' things can have a hold on me and keep me from seeking Him. How can I want anything but to know Jesus better after what He did for all of us? I remember last year when me and Matt made the choice to go on an "entertainment fast" for a week, which we both blogged about. I was expecting a change, but not a big one. This time, I expect a BIG change.
I have noticed one area of my life where I once was very undisciplined change drastically when I let God be first... when I choose what I think Jesus wants instead of what I want. It required stepping out of that situation and listening to God. The situation was a romantic relationship. Once I was no longer in the relationship I was able to seek God and grow. After a while, I was thinking about relationships again, but this time free from what had a hold of me... my desires. I still make mistakes, but they are easier to see and correct now.
I expect the same outcome with this challenge: not entertaining myself for at least until the end of May. By entertaining myself I mean playing video games, watching movies, reading, or other things that have no spiritual benefit by myself. As one of my goals in this is to spend more time with people, doing these things with people is fine. Obviously so is reading the Bible, etc.
While I understand why you want to do this, I'll remind you that our Lord was called drunkard and had a reputation has a partyer. Video games and watching movies do have there benefits. While some might argue with that, reading definitely does.
ReplyDeleteNow, saying that, I do think that spending time with people and with God is the better choice.
i'll spend time with you, MG. i made a similar decision about movies. i don't watch movies unless it is with other people. that decision frustrates me at times because it means that i don't get to some movies that i want to watch because other people don't like them or they are not interested :( i have also, tried to take the same approach to tv shows with some success.
ReplyDeletei too feel a need or calling to stop doing things that separate me from others(entertainment wise). i'll challenge you on this if you challenge me in return.
heh. I've kinda done the same thing, too, I guess, although it wasn't quite as purposeful. I've basically stopped playing video games for the past 2 weeks now, and it's had a pretty interesting impact so far...
ReplyDeleteHonestly though, I don't think there's anything wrong with entertaining yourself. Sometimes, everyone else is busy, too :( but spending time with people is infinitely more fulfilling than by yourself.
I think this will be an opportunity for you to see how blessed Americans are! We have the luxury to sit around and play games to entertain ourselves! Sometimes it is good to push ourselves out of our comfort zones...
ReplyDeleteI hope that you do grow through your sacrifice and God teaches you some neat principles =). Call if you need someone to spend time with!
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