It's been a while since my last post. I get around on a few forums online and the a topic was brought up to me about choices regarding the content found in some games. I offered my opinion but I figured I would elaborate here.
Christianity is a relationship, not a religion. If the opinion of the Lord is something less in your life in comparison to your opinion or the opinions of others, your relationship may have a few problems. The Lord is just that, Lord, Ruler, King. If he truly rules your life, then His opinion is most relevant above all else. In making decisions regarding your hobby, it is important to understand that the Lord understand's what is best and His desires take precedence. His wisdom is deep and He sees from every angle. To ignore His council is to take the best possible outcome for your life and piss it away.
I've heard it said many times, "It's not what you say but how you say it." In life, it's not what you do but how you do it. I find many decisions regarding my faith come with the various roles I take on. Husband, father, son, believer, and of course, gamer. As a gamer, I often have to choose where to stand with regards to my faith and my hobby.
Take magic for example. The question has been brought up many times, "You play D&D, but isn't magic something evil?" In our world, yes. In Dungeons & Dragons, no. Magic in D&D is power that exists in a separate realm that people have the power to tap into. I consider it on the same plane with science. Wizards in D&D channel the power like I would flip a switch on a hairdryer. Magic in our world comes from bargains and pacts made with creatures and powers who stand against the Living God. Quite different in my opinion.
It wasn't always such. At one time, I burned my D&D books believing that they were evil. The truth is I was consumed with my zeal and did not have the experience or wisdom learned over time by the grace of God. D&D for me has become a hobby that I view on the same level as one would view a loaded gun. You can take that gun (the game) and use it for evil purposes (running games filled with truly evil content), or you can use it for good or even neutral purposes that have not baring on your faith and eternity. Just as a hunter uses a gun to kill a deer.
I remember I was reading a book. I will leave the title of the book and the name of the author out of it. This is where I stand with my convictions and you as the reader should develop your opinion independently of my mine. Yes, council is important. If you do not, however, own your decisions, then they mean nothing. With that said, I was reading a book. After the first part, the content became increasingly disturbing. Quite a contradiction from the beginning that I quite enjoyed. I felt the gentle hand of the Lord tugging on me. Regardless of how anyone else would have chosen, I decided that it was necessary to get rid of the book.
The truth is, even if I was wrong with the book or my choices when I was younger, my motivation was simple; I felt what I would consider the Lord's direction so I went with it. It's important that the still, small voice that calls to you inside of your soul is never ignored. Remember, faith is tangible, real, empowering. To go against that voice and ignore what the Lord is saying to you personally will cost you more in the long run than the comfort you cling to now. This is worse than sin, you will never know the blessing that come from obedience.
I speak from experience when I state that to obey the Lord is to reap fruit in this life you never thought possible. I am not wealthy but my life is cared for by the grace of God. Far more than I deserve. A part of his blessing and favor in my life comes from obedience to His voice.
If you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit, follow through. You won't regret it and you'll find life (even your hobbies) are overflowing with the blessing and favor of the Lord.
I hope this helps.
