Are We Addicted to Entertainment?

I can’t help but notice how we’ve become addicted to entertaining ourselves. It seems like the people I am around are often engaged in some form of entertainment: trips, dinners out, shopping, golf outings, bars, sporting events, movies, concerts, and more.

Some of us flit from one fun outing to the next trying to accumulate as many enjoyable experiences in life as possible, without any regard for how we are spending the precious days, hours, and resources that God gave us.

Entertainment serves its purpose in terms of relationship-building with our families, significant others, and fellow brothers and sisters and balancing work/responsibilities with play. We are made for fellowship and to take delight in God’s goodness. I do believe that the Lord wants us to enjoy our lives and find joy in the gifts and relationships He gave us.

But has entertainment become all-consuming? Is entertainment distracting us from a deeper relationship with God and from serving those God calls us to serve with our time and talents? Are we seeking more experiences in the world than we are with the Lord? Are our resources being wasted away on our own glory versus the glory of God?

A few questions to ask yourself:

1. How much of my treasure (resources) am I spending on entertainment versus charity and the needs of others?
2. Do I see my treasure as mine to spend on what I please or as God-given to use according to God’s purposes?
3. How much of my free time am I devoting to entertaining myself and my family versus prayer and service? Do I consult God about how I use my time?
4. What are the nature of my interactions with my fellow brothers and sisters during these forms of entertainment? Are they nourishing my faith and relationships?