Links to this entire series:
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Entertainment Addiction: Part 1
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Entertainment Addiction: Part 2
Which of you, having a servant will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do (Luke 17:7-10).
Third, it promotes a hunger for something new. When someone looks for entertainment he generally wants things that are new, fresh, and exciting. While there are a few classic movies, books, and songs that people enjoy over and over, the majority of things we do for entertainment depend upon being new. This is why so many people become so enamored with new theories about biblical events. For them, the same old story of the Bible just isn't as exciting and entertaining as a conspiracy theory about deep, dark secrets held by the church. But the child of God needs to see the Bible as the living and powerful Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). If we seek wisdom and guidance instead of entertainment, and excitement we will search God's Word with joy. We will be able to say with David, O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalm 119:97).
Entertainment addiction is a deadly malady for the soul who seeks to please God and to receive His promises. Breaking that addiction requires a complete change of mindset. Paul described the change: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). - Kevin D. Beard