Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 5/26/2006

Question
Recently I was listening to Bible study, and a caller asked if it was  wrong  to watch movies, listen to secular music, and watch sports on television.     The response was that these activities were of the world, and that true Christians should really not want any part of them.    

I understand that music and movies are generally sinful, and I usually avoid them. But it frustrated me when the guy made it sound like enjoying sports on television was something that made God angry. I try to leave Sunday for God, but I m really puzzled why watching sports during the week is sinful. He quoted Psalm 119 where it says we ll meditate on the Word of God, and so on, but is it really wrong to watch sports? I think it s a ridiculous idea that other than work the only activities that God is ok with is when we re reading the Bible or praying.    

(Sorry for the long question. I m very frustrated because I enjoy following a certain baseball team. I guess I ll give up every single hobby I have.)

Answer
Dear John,


The purpose of obeying God is doing it from a willing heart. Out of love. God doesn’t want blind obedience or actions based upon fear.

1Timothy1:3-5

3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.


The problem with religion is this very thing. Jesus came to open our minds and hearts to wanting to do God's will out of love. And love needs a willing heart. Not blind obedience to what some man thinks might honour God. Jesus is a real person, treat Him as such. He is alive. So we can communicate with Him.

He requires obedience not sacrifice.

This obedience should be based upon know why you are doing something and doing it from a very willing heart. Not "having to do something" because you heard from someone somewhere that it was necessary in order to please God.

But being in contact with God and doing what He says. He a living person and able to communicate with people because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

He tells us what pleases Him and if He doesn’t tell us then we should do it. Cos this is controlling and enforcement and is not based on pure love.

Hope this helps? God bless