New Reminders: Entertainment

Entertainment can be the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment as in sitting in front of the TV to be entertained. It can also be an event, performance, or activity designed to entertain others such as a theatrical performance. Sometimes it is the action of receiving a guest or guests and providing them with food and drink. In all cases, entertainment provides a diversion from our everyday lives and helps us get away from our usual problems and pursuits.  It can be a way to refresh our minds and bodies.  Whether we are a provider of entertainment or a consumer of it, we all need it to refresh our mental and physical wellbeing. 

God Himself rested after creation, showing that rest and relaxation are integral to life, and He desires us to find satisfaction and joy in His provisions.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 states: ^“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”  All activities, including entertainment, should ultimately be used to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 puts it this way: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Rest is necessary for well-being, allowing for recuperation from work and life's busyness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30. Elsewhere, scripture mentions feasts, festivals, and friendship as essential parts of life. 

Like many other things, entertainment can be either good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, and however we choose to participate in it, we need to be sure it is wholesome and beneficial. The bible describes leisure as a God-given gift for enjoyment, rest, and spiritual renewal, not inherently sinful, but it must be balanced with responsibility and done to God's glory, avoiding neglecting our duties. Christians are to use free time for worship, fellowship, serving others, and enjoying creation, while ensuring activities like sports or hobbies don't replace God as our central focus. 

Entertainment becomes sinful when pleasures become more important than God, replacing worship or divine calling. Allowing leisure activities to cause neglect of work, family, or spiritual responsibilities is a misuse of time. Entertainment shouldn't become a temptation or cause others to stumble in their faith. In essence, Christians should view our leisure as another facet of stewardship, using our time intentionally to honor God, build up ourselves and others, and enjoy the blessings of life, rather than just escaping work or pursuing worldly distractions.