p. 2 | 3722 - Is It Wrong? by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 16, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 16.

3722 — Is It Wrong?

By Editor

Is it wrong to play games such as flinch, authors, checkers, dominoes, and the like? A Subscriber.

We do not think the question is put right. Really the question which the Christian ought to ask is not generally a question that pertains to the negative side. The divine admonition is, "Whether . . . ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." And the question which the Christian asks ought to pertain to the positive side of the thing he does: Is it to the glory of God that I do this or do that? "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" Some of these games would be quite harmless if properly played, and with the right spirit; such as authors, for there is something to be learned — that is, as to who said this, or who said that, or who is the author of this or that book. Of course the knowledge is merely superficial, but the time is not wholly lost. But in such games as flinch, what earthly good is there in playing it? Exciting? — O, yes, so much so that it ministers to late hours frequently, and uses much precious time which could be employed in other things. It is the pleasure which is "but for a season;" it is not that which endures; whereas the Christian ought to seek not that which is temporal, but that which is eternal. Is it worth while to spend precious time — the little that is given us by our weak, human nature at the most in playing games that profit absolutely nothing, sometimes which bring envy, strife, and unpleasant quarrels and hard feelings? It needs wisdom, however, in dealing with these things. Children or young people can not be driven away from them without great danger. They should be taught to feel that there is something better, something higher, something more profitable, and the higher and more profitable things should be supplied. If not, the time may be spent in foolish things which are worse than the games. These are questions that should be carefully considered by godly fathers and mothers, as well as church officers.