Entertainment is an integral part of modern life, but as Christians, it’s important to align our choices with God’s Word. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance to help us enjoy entertainment in ways that honor God and enrich our spiritual lives. Below are themes related to entertainment and corresponding Bible verses to reflect on as we seek to glorify God in all we do.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Having Fun
Entertainment That Honors God
As Christians, we are called to glorify God in all areas of our lives, including our entertainment choices. Whether it’s movies, music, or hobbies, we should aim to choose activities that bring us closer to God and reflect His values. The following verses remind us to set our hearts on things that are pure and pleasing to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Guarding Your Heart
The Bible teaches us to be mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds. Entertainment can have a powerful influence, and it’s crucial to ensure that what we consume builds us up spiritually rather than leading us astray. These verses remind us to guard our hearts and focus on godly values.
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Psalm 101:3
“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.”
Matthew 6:22-23
“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”
Philippians 4:7
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.”
Encouraging Fellowship
Entertainment can be a way to build relationships and foster community, but it’s important to ensure that our activities encourage godly fellowship. These verses remind us to gather with others in a way that promotes love, kindness, and spiritual growth.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
Romans 12:10
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Entertainment and Rest
God created rest as an essential part of life, and entertainment can be a way to relax and refresh ourselves. However, we must ensure that our rest is aligned with God’s purpose and doesn’t become a distraction. These verses remind us of the importance of rest and keeping our focus on God.
Exodus 20:8-10
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.”
Matthew 11:28
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'”
Psalm 62:1
“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.”
Mark 6:31
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”
Isaiah 30:15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.'”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Joy and Laughter
Entertainment and Moderation
Entertainment can be enjoyable, but it’s important to practice self-control and moderation. Excessive indulgence in entertainment can lead to neglect of our responsibilities and spiritual life. These verses encourage us to maintain balance and discipline in our choices.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.”
Proverbs 25:16
“Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
1 Peter 5:8
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Being a Light in the World
Entertainment can be a way to engage with the world, but we are called to be a light and an example of Christ’s love. These verses encourage us to shine for God in all that we do, including our entertainment choices, by reflecting His goodness and truth.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
1 Peter 2:12
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”
Romans 13:12
“The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”
John 8:12
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'”
Ephesians 5:8
“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”
Choosing Eternal Joy
While entertainment can provide temporary happiness, true and lasting joy is found in God. These verses remind us to seek joy in Him above all else, as His presence brings eternal satisfaction that surpasses anything the world can offer.
Psalm 16:11
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“And Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!'”
John 15:11
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”
Romans 15:13
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Isaiah 61:10
“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.”