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PRACTICES THAT HURT THE LORD’S CHURCH: Members Who Set a Bad Example by Arriving Late to Church Services by Willie A. Alvarenga

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One of the practices that we should consider among those things that can hurt the Lord’s church is that of members who consistently arrive late to the services and activities of the church, thereby setting a bad example before others.

This problem may seem small to some, but when it becomes a habitual practice, it reveals something that may be much deeper: an improper attitude toward God, His church, His Word, and spiritual things. We are not simply talking about arriving five or ten minutes late on an exceptional occasion because of an emergency or circumstance beyond our control. We are talking about those who consistently arrive late, even though they have the ability and means to arrive on time.

Punctuality, by itself, is not the center of our relationship with God. However, the way we manage our time and our willingness to be present when the church assembles can reveal much about our spiritual priorities.

GOD DESERVES THE BEST FROM US

The Bible clearly teaches that God deserves the best from each one of us. The Lord Jesus said:

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).

Notice the words “all” and “all your.” God does not desire only a portion of our heart, our time, our strength, or our attention. He deserves our complete devotion.

Paul also wrote:

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

If everything we do should be done for the glory of God, then we need to ask ourselves: Am I giving God the best of my time, my energy, and my willingness?

It is interesting to observe that many people can be extremely punctual for those things they consider important. They arrive early to work, to a medical appointment, for a trip, to a sporting event, or to any activity they consider a priority. However, when it is time to assemble with the church to worship God, some consistently arrive late.

This should cause us to seriously reflect.

If I can arrive at work on time because I consider my work important, why can I not make the same effort to arrive on time to worship my God?

We must not forget that our secular work is temporary, but our service to God has eternal consequences.

Jesus said:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

The kingdom must occupy first place.

WE MUST NOT GIVE GOD OUR LEFTOVERS

In the Old Testament, we find a principle that helps us understand the importance of offering God our best. God rebuked His people because they were offering Him defective and inferior animals.

Malachi 1:6-8 clearly demonstrates the wrong attitude of the people. They were offering God sick, lame, and defective animals.

The principle is very important: God does not deserve our leftovers; God deserves our best.

Although we do not offer animal sacrifices as the Israelites did under the Old Law, we do offer God our lives, our time, our strength, and our service.

Paul exhorted:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Our entire life should be presented as a sacrifice to God.

Therefore, we should ask ourselves:

Am I offering God the best of my time?

Am I offering God the best of my strength?

Am I offering God the best of my willingness?

Am I doing everything possible to be present and participate faithfully when the church assembles?

CONSTANTLY ARRIVING LATE MAY REVEAL A PRIORITY PROBLEM

We must be very careful not to judge a person’s heart simply because he or she occasionally arrives late. There are legitimate circumstances that may prevent someone from arriving on time. An emergency, an accident, an unexpected family situation, a vehicle problem, or some other circumstance beyond our control may cause someone to arrive late. In such cases, we should show understanding.

The problem we are addressing here is habitual and voluntary tardiness—that which occurs because a person does not properly organize his or her time, does not prepare in advance, or simply does not consider arriving on time important.

Jesus taught:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Our habits frequently reveal our priorities.

If we consistently find time for everything else but never seem to have enough time for the things of God, we need to carefully examine ourselves.

Paul wrote:

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

The word “diligence” implies care, attention, and seriousness. The Christian must learn to wisely manage the time God has given him.

OUR EXAMPLE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WE THINK

Another very important aspect is the power of our example.

Jesus said:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Paul told Timothy:

“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Our example matters.

The member who constantly arrives late may think:

“I am not doing anything wrong; I was only a few minutes late.”

But we must consider how that behavior may affect others.

The new convert is watching.

The young people are watching.

The children are watching.

The visitors are watching.

The members who are trying to develop good habits are watching.

And, whether we want to admit it or not, our behavior can teach others that being late for the things of God is not important.

This is especially dangerous when parents constantly arrive late with their children. Children may learn that punctuality is important for school and work, but not necessarily for the church.

What are we teaching by our example?

A BAD EXAMPLE CAN DISCOURAGE OTHERS

Paul said:

“Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).

He also wrote:

“Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32).

The Christian must think not only about himself but also about how his actions affect others.

A person may arrive late and think that his tardiness does not affect anyone. But when this happens repeatedly, it can become a negative influence.

Furthermore, when someone enters late during the prayer, preaching, Lord’s Supper, or another act of worship, that person may unnecessarily distract those who are already participating.

This does not mean that the person who arrives late should remain outside or should not participate. It is better to arrive late than not to come at all. But precisely because of this, we should do everything possible to prevent tardiness from becoming a habit.

WHAT ARE WE COMMUNICATING BY OUR TARDINESS?

We must be careful with our actions because they communicate messages, even when we do not say a single word.

Constant tardiness may communicate:

  • “The church is not a priority.”
  • “I do not need to prepare in advance.”
  • “Others can wait for me.”
  • “I do not consider it important to participate from the beginning.”
  • “I can give God whatever time I have left.”

Perhaps that is not our intention, but our actions can communicate that message.

James 2:18 reminds us that our faith is demonstrated by our works:

“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Our attitude toward the church’s assemblies can also demonstrate how much we value spiritual things.

THE CHURCH IS PRECIOUS TO GOD

We must remember that the church is not simply a human organization that we attend whenever it is convenient for us.

Christ died for it.

Paul said:

“Which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Paul also taught:

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

If Christ loved the church so much that He was willing to die for it, should we not also demonstrate a deep love and respect for it?

The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), and Christ is its Savior (Ephesians 5:23).

For this reason, when the church assembles to worship God, we should consider that moment extremely important.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.”

The church’s assembly is not only about our vertical relationship with God; it also concerns our horizontal responsibility toward our brethren.

My presence may encourage someone. My absence may discourage someone. My punctuality may be a good example. My constant tardiness may be a bad influence.

“BUT GOD KNOWS MY HEART”

Someone might say, “God knows my heart; He knows that I love Him even though I arrive late.”

It is true that God knows our hearts.

1 Samuel 16:7 says:

“For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

But precisely because God knows our hearts, we should be concerned about what our conduct reveals.

We cannot use the fact that God knows our hearts as an excuse to live carelessly.

Jesus said:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

True love for God is manifested through obedience, sacrifice, diligence, and faithfulness.

HOW CAN WE CORRECT THIS PROBLEM?

If we recognize that we are constantly arriving late, what can we do?

1. Honestly Examine Your Priorities

Ask yourself:

Am I really putting God first?

Matthew 6:33 reminds us:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

We cannot correct a problem that we are unwilling to acknowledge.

2. Cultivate a Deeper Love for God

True love produces sacrifice.

Mark 12:30 commands us to love God with our entire being.

When we truly love God, we do not view worship as a burden but as a privilege.

The psalmist said:

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD’” (Psalm 122:1).

Is that our attitude?

3. Plan Ahead

Punctuality does not happen by accident. It generally requires preparation.

Prepare your clothes in advance.

Organize the things you will need.

Prepare the children ahead of time.

Consider traffic.

Leave home with sufficient time.

Do not plan to arrive exactly at the starting time. Make every effort to arrive a few minutes early.

Proverbs 21:5 says:

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

Diligence includes good planning.

4. Do Not Allow Secondary Activities to Control Your Spiritual Life

We must learn to say “no” to certain things.

We cannot do everything.

If an activity regularly prevents us from faithfully participating in the work of the Lord, we should reconsider our priorities.

Colossians 3:1-2 says:

“Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

5. Remember That You Are an Example

Parents, especially, must remember this.

Their children are constantly learning from them.

If parents arrive early, children learn diligence.

If parents constantly arrive late, children may learn that the church and its activities are not a priority.

Paul said:

“Be an example to the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Ask yourself:

What kind of example am I leaving for the next generation?

6. Consider Others

Philippians 2:3-4 says:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself; let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Arriving on time can also be a way of demonstrating consideration for our brethren.

7. Remember the Sacrifice of Christ

When we consider what Christ did for us, our attitude changes.

He left the glory of heaven.

He took the form of a servant.

He lived a perfect life.

He suffered rejection.

He was scourged.

He was crucified.

He shed His blood for us.

Paul said:

“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Christ gave everything for us.

Should we not, therefore, be willing to give Him the best of our time?

A FINAL EXHORTATION

Brethren, we must not allow a seemingly small practice to become a habit that harms our spiritual lives and our example before others.

I am not saying that a person who occasionally arrives late is unfaithful. Neither am I saying that punctuality is the criterion by which God determines our salvation. Salvation depends upon our faithful obedience to the gospel of Christ and our perseverance in Him.

But we must recognize that constant negligence, lack of preparation, and indifference toward the church’s assemblies can reveal spiritual problems that we need to correct.

Paul wrote:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The word “always” reminds us of the importance of consistency.

He also wrote:

“Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

The church needs diligent members.

It needs responsible members.

It needs members who love the Lord.

It needs members who love His church.

It needs members who are good examples.

It needs members who can be counted on.

And it needs members who understand that serving God is not something we do when we have time left over; it is a priority of our lives.

Let us remember the words of Jesus:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

May God help us examine our priorities, wisely manage our time, deeply love His church, and always give Him our very best.

Let us not be late for the things of God, because He has never been late for us.

His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

He has been faithful.

He has been good.

He has given us His best.

Now we must ask ourselves: Are we giving Him our best?

May our answer, through our lives and our actions, always be:

“Yes, Lord.”

PRACTICES THAT HARM THE LORD’S CHURCH: Preachers Who Do Not Use Their Time Wisely in the Work of the Lord by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that of preachers who do not use their time wisely in the work of the Lord.

Several years ago, I heard a preacher say the following: “It is a matter of conscience for a preacher not to get up early to work in the Lord’s work.” I have tried to find the original source of this statement, but up to this point I have not been able to identify with certainty who originally said it. For this reason, I do not wish to attribute it to any preacher without sufficient evidence. Nevertheless, the principle that this statement attempts to communicate deserves our serious consideration.

I am not saying that the Bible establishes a specific time at which every preacher must get up each morning. Nor am I saying that resting is sinful. Rest is necessary, and there are legitimate times to rest. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself took time to rest (Mark 6:31). Therefore, the problem is not simply getting up late; the problem is negligence, laziness, lack of discipline, and the wasting of the time that God has given us to serve Him.

A preacher who receives financial support from the church to devote his time to the ministry must remember that this privilege comes with a great responsibility. If the congregation trusts him to devote his time to the study of the Word, the preaching of the Gospel, teaching, evangelism, visitation, counseling, and the edification of the saints, then he must strive to fulfill these responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and excellence.

The Danger of a Lack of Supervision

In some congregations, preachers work without close supervision from the elders. This does not mean that elders should become supervisors of every minute of the preacher’s day. Rather, it means that there should be a healthy relationship of trust, accountability, and communication between the elders and the preacher.

When there is no good supervision, sadly, some may take advantage of that freedom to reduce their level of work. There are preachers who get up very late, not because they have been working diligently until late at night, but simply because they have not developed proper discipline in managing their time.

Others allow a large portion of their day to be consumed by activities that have nothing to do with the responsibilities they accepted when they began working with a congregation as full-time preachers.

Some spend too much time on social media. Others devote excessive hours to entertainment, sports, video games, or other personal activities. Some spend more time at the gym than studying the Word of God. Others spend a large portion of the day taking care of personal matters that could be handled at another time. And, sadly, there are those who come to the pulpit constantly using sermons prepared by other people because they themselves have not devoted the necessary time to study and preparation.

This is especially concerning because a preacher was not called simply to occupy a pulpit, but to be a diligent student of the Word and a devoted servant of Christ.

Paul told Timothy:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

The word “worker” reminds us that ministry requires work. And the command to “be diligent” demands effort, discipline, and dedication.

When Time Is Not Managed Properly

When a preacher does not use his time wisely, eventually there will not be enough time to fulfill important ministry responsibilities.

There will not be enough time to:

  • deeply study the Word of God;
  • prepare good sermons;
  • prepare Biblical classes;
  • evangelize;
  • visit members;
  • study the Bible with non-Christians;
  • encourage the weak;
  • counsel families;
  • train other brethren to serve;
  • plan spiritual activities;
  • develop special classes for the spiritual growth of the congregation;
  • write Biblical material;
  • prepare studies for young people;
  • visit the sick;
  • work with new converts;
  • strengthen weak members;
  • and fulfill the many other responsibilities that are part of the work of an evangelist.

The problem is that lost time cannot be recovered.

Therefore, Paul exhorted the Christians in Ephesus:

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15–16).

Although this text was not addressed exclusively to preachers, it certainly contains a principle that every servant of God should take seriously. The Christian must learn to use wisely the time that God has given him.

Paul: An Excellent Example of Diligence

The New Testament gives us example after example of men who took their service to the Lord very seriously. One of the greatest examples is the apostle Paul.

In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul wrote:

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

Paul did not use the grace of God as an excuse to work less. The grace of God produced in him a greater desire to work for the Lord.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, he exhorted:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Notice some important words:

“Steadfast.”
“Immovable.”
“Abounding.”
“Always.”
“Labor.”

These words hardly describe a person who is lazy or negligent in the service of the Lord.

Paul also told the elders of Ephesus:

“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).

What an example of diligence!

Paul did not merely preach from a pulpit. He taught publicly and from house to house (Acts 20:20). He preached, taught, visited, exhorted, evangelized, and strengthened the brethren.

In Acts 20:24, we find one of the most powerful statements concerning his priorities:

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul had a goal: to faithfully finish the ministry that Christ had entrusted to him.

At the end of his life, he was able to say:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Paul did not merely begin well; he finished well.

Paul Took Advantage of Opportunities

Colossians 4:5 contains another important principle:

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

Paul understood that opportunities to teach and evangelize were precious. Therefore, he exhorted Christians to take advantage of them.

In 2 Timothy 4:2, he gave Timothy a solemn responsibility:

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

The faithful preacher does not work only when he feels like working. His commitment is to Christ, not simply to his mood or feelings.

Of course, this does not mean that a preacher can never rest, spend time with his family, exercise, or take care of personal matters. All of these things can have a proper place. The point is that none of these activities should become an excuse for neglecting the spiritual responsibilities that God has placed before us.

Jesus: Our Supreme Example of Diligence

Above Paul, we find our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Supreme example of diligent service.

Jesus said:

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

What a powerful perspective concerning time!

Jesus understood that there was a work He needed to accomplish and that opportunities would not last forever.

On another occasion, His disciples encouraged Him to eat, but Jesus responded:

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).

Jesus had a deep conviction concerning the mission He had received from the Father.

Mark 3:20 shows us just how demanding His ministry could become:

“Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.”

Nevertheless, Jesus also understood the need for rest and to withdraw at times to rest (Mark 6:31). This teaches us something important: diligence does not mean irresponsibility toward our bodies or our families; it means wisely managing our time in order to fulfill the work God has entrusted to us.

The Preacher Must Be a Diligent Student

One of the greatest tragedies occurs when a preacher stops studying because he thinks he already knows enough.

Experience is valuable, but experience never replaces study.

Paul told Timothy:

“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them…” (1 Tim. 4:15–16).

The preacher must continue to grow.

He must study the Biblical text.
He must study its context.
He must carefully examine the words.
He must understand the historical and cultural context.
He must compare Scripture with Scripture.
He must carefully prepare his lessons.
He must make sure that what he preaches is truly the Word of God.

It is not right for a preacher to spend hours in entertainment and then, at the last minute, hurriedly prepare the sermon he will present before the church.

The pulpit deserves our preparation. Souls deserve our preparation. The Word of God deserves our preparation. And God deserves our best effort.

It Is Not Simply About Working More, but About Working Wisely

We must also maintain balance. A preacher can be busy all day and yet not be doing the things he truly needs to do.

Therefore, it is not simply a matter of saying:

“I need to work more hours.”

Rather, we should ask ourselves:

Am I using wisely the hours God has given me?

Am I studying?
Am I evangelizing?
Am I visiting?
Am I preparing sermons?
Am I strengthening the members?
Am I training others?
Am I looking for opportunities to teach?
Am I helping the congregation grow spiritually?
Am I responsibly fulfilling that for which I was hired?

These are questions every preacher should ask himself periodically.

The Danger of Becoming a Lazy Preacher

Laziness is repeatedly condemned in Scripture (Prov. 6:6–11; 13:4; 24:30–34). Although these passages do not specifically address preachers, the principles concerning diligence and work certainly apply.

The preacher must be careful not to develop a mentality of comfort.

When the church financially supports a man so that he can devote his time to the ministry, it is not simply paying him to preach two or three sermons each week. The ministry involves much more.

The preacher must be a worker of the Lord.

He must remember Paul’s words:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23).

If we preach, we should preach as unto the Lord.
If we study, we should study as unto the Lord.
If we evangelize, we should evangelize as unto the Lord.
If we visit, we should visit as unto the Lord.
If we teach, we should teach as unto the Lord.

Brethren preachers, our time is a gift from God, and our opportunity to serve Him will not last forever.

We do not know how many years we will have to preach. We do not know how many more opportunities we will have to teach someone the Gospel. We do not know how many more souls we will be able to reach. Therefore, we must take advantage of every opportunity God places before us.

Paul said:

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16).

That should be the spirit of every faithful preacher.

Let us not waste our time.

Let us not waste our opportunities.

Let us not waste the privilege of preaching the Gospel.

Let us not allow entertainment, comfort, laziness, or personal interests to occupy the place that belongs to the work of the Lord.

Let us imitate Paul, who labored abundantly (1 Cor. 15:10), redeemed the time (Eph. 5:16), taught night and day (Acts 20:31), and considered it a privilege to finish the ministry he had received from the Lord (Acts 20:24).

Above all, let us imitate our Lord Jesus Christ, who said:

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day” (John 9:4).

May we never reach the end of our ministry regretting the time we wasted, the opportunities we allowed to pass, or the souls we could have reached.

Rather, may we one day be able to say with Paul:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

God and His church deserve our best and greatest effort.

CHALLENGES YOUNG PEOPLE FACE: “NOT ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO BE OVERCOME BY VIDEO GAMES” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another important challenge that young people face today is not allowing themselves to be overcome by video games. This is a matter that deserves serious consideration because we live in an age where digital entertainment occupies a significant portion of people’s time, attention, and energy. While video games are not inherently sinful, they can become a serious problem when they consume excessive amounts of time, interfere with daily responsibilities, weaken spiritual growth, or become more important than one’s relationship with God.

Video games are designed to be engaging and entertaining. Many games reward players with achievements, rankings, and virtual accomplishments that can create a strong desire to continue playing. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying recreation in moderation, Christians must always exercise wisdom and self-control. Anything that begins to control our thoughts, schedules, priorities, and emotions can become a spiritual danger.

Excessive time spent playing video games can be harmful because it often replaces activities that are truly important, such as prayer, Bible study, worship, church attendance, academic responsibilities, work, family relationships, and service to others. When a person loses control over the use of video games, he or she risks allowing them to become a dominant influence in life.

On one occasion, a young Christian lost the opportunity to continue his studies at a preaching school because of his dependence on video games, which negatively affected his academic performance. He devoted more time to gaming than to studying. Sadly, this situation is not unique. Many young people have seen their grades decline, their family relationships suffer, and their spiritual lives weaken because of uncontrolled gaming habits.

In some cases, excessive gaming can negatively affect a person’s physical health. Spending long hours in front of a screen may lead to sleep deprivation, fatigue, eye strain, poor posture, and a lack of physical activity. The gaming industry has even developed specialized chairs and equipment designed to make extended gaming sessions more comfortable, which can encourage individuals to remain seated for prolonged periods of time. While there is nothing inherently wrong with using such equipment, Christians should be careful not to allow comfort and entertainment to promote unhealthy habits or an unbalanced lifestyle. The apostle Paul reminded believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that they have a responsibility to glorify God through the proper care and use of their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Wise stewardship includes maintaining physical health in a way that enables us to serve God effectively and honor Him in all aspects of life. The Bible exhorts us to be wise stewards of the time God has given us. The apostle Paul wrote:

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Every day is a gift from God, and every Christian will one day give an account of how that time was used (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Time is one of the most valuable resources God has entrusted to us because once it is gone, it can never be recovered.

Young people should also remember that any activity that gains control over their lives can become a form of slavery. Paul declared:

“All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

A Christian should be governed by Christ, not by hobbies, entertainment, or personal desires. Anything that consistently controls our thoughts and behavior may become an idol in practice, even if it is not recognized as one.

The Word of God teaches the importance of maintaining proper priorities. Jesus said:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

When video games occupy first place in the heart, God no longer occupies the position He deserves. The Christian must continually evaluate whether his activities are helping him grow spiritually or distracting him from his ultimate purpose in life.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and spiritual focus. Paul compared the Christian life to that of an athlete who exercises self-control in all things:

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Just as athletes discipline themselves to achieve their goals, Christians must discipline themselves to pursue spiritual growth and eternal rewards.

Young people must also remember that life is short. Solomon encouraged youth to remember their Creator during the days of their youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Many people look back with regret on the years they wasted on temporary pleasures when those years could have been invested in serving God, learning His Word, and helping others.

Furthermore, Christians should be careful regarding the content of the games they choose to play. Some games glorify violence, immorality, profanity, greed, revenge, and other attitudes contrary to Biblical principles. Paul instructed believers:

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Entertainment should never lead Christians to become comfortable with sinful attitudes or behaviors.

Therefore, what can young people do to avoid being overcome by video games?

1. Cultivate Self-Control

2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Peter 1:5-6; Galatians 5:22-23.

Christians must learn to control their desires and habits rather than allowing those desires and habits to control them.

2. Learn to Use Time Wisely

Colossians 4:5; Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Organize your schedule so that responsibilities and spiritual activities receive proper priority.

3. Pray for Wisdom

James 1:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7.

God can help you make wise decisions regarding the use of your time and resources.

4. Spend Your Time Doing God’s Will

Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 12:1-2.

Invest more time in activities that strengthen your relationship with God.

5. Grow in Your Love for God

Mark 12:30; Deuteronomy 6:5.

As your love for God increases, worldly pursuits naturally assume their proper place.

6. Dedicate More Time to Reading the Bible

1 Timothy 4:13; Psalm 119:97, 105.

God’s Word strengthens faith and provides guidance for daily living.

7. Study the Scriptures Diligently

2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18.

Spiritual growth requires effort, commitment, and consistency.

8. Surround Yourself with Good Spiritual Influences

1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20.

The right friends can help you maintain a healthy balance and encourage spiritual growth.

9. Use Your Youth to Glorify God

Ecclesiastes 12:1; 1 Timothy 4:12.

The best years of life should be dedicated to serving the Lord and preparing for eternity.

10. Regularly Examine Your Priorities

1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17.

Ask yourself whether your activities are bringing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him.

11. Set Reasonable Limits on Entertainment

Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Establish healthy boundaries regarding screen time and recreational activities.

12. Become Involved in Service to Others

Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 6:10.

Serving others helps Christians focus on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures.

13. Remember the Eternal Reward

Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:23-24.

The greatest reward is not found in virtual achievements but in faithful service to God.

Video games can be a form of entertainment, but they must never become the center of a Christian’s life. The wise young person understands that time is precious and limited. Therefore, he seeks to use it in ways that honor God and produce fruit for eternity.

Let us remember the words of Jesus:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Temporary activities have their place, but spiritual matters possess eternal value. No level, achievement, trophy, ranking, or virtual success can compare to a faithful relationship with God and the hope of eternal life.

May every young Christian strive to place God first, exercise self-control, use time wisely, and pursue spiritual growth above all else. Time spent with God, in His Word, in prayer, and in His service will always produce far greater blessings than any passing form of entertainment.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

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