Entertainment

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written,
"The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play" (1 Corinthians 10:7).

Sitting down to eat and drink, and rising up to play; how that defines the goals of so many in this world! Over the past few decades we have seen our society become drenched in entertainment. Billions of dollars are spent annually on television, movies, live theatres, the Internet, and many other venues. Even the religious world has come on board, providing services that are designed to entertain. The impulse to entertain and be entertained, therefore, is extremely strong. What shall we say regarding these matters?

It is not as if all forms of entertainment are inherently sinful. In fact, some forms of entertainment can have value. God never expected man to work without any form of rest; the Sabbath rest for the Jews was given to them to provide them a break from the toils of life (Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:27). Therefore, there is no condemnation for people if they desire to rest. Entertainment can even be used to other ends; brethren can "entertain" their fellow brethren in their homes, fulfilling 1 Peter 4:9, and also develop closer bonds by participating in wholesome forms of entertainment with each other. This is also true of the family, between the husband and wife and between the parents and their children. In moderation, therefore, entertainment can provide many benefits.