Expert: Phillip Senn - 12/18/2010

Question
Hi Phillip,
If you have time this weekend, could you let me know whether or not you think that the game 'Mind Flex' is OK for my children?  It seems harmless in that the kids use their concentration to move a ball, but I'd be interested to know if you believe, based on scripture, there is something wrong with the concept of the game.  I was actually thinking it could be a good tool to help my kids connect with how prayer works in the spirit realm--the harder we pray #or concentrate# the stronger our prayer becomes #if prayed in God's will# to affect change.  I would greatly appreciate any of God's wisdom you could pass along.  Thank you and Merry Christmas!!  Robin Flaherty, Rochester, New York

Answer
Robin,

Unfortunately, I know nothing of the game itself, so my answer will be with limited information.

However, the information you asked about, outside of the game, is somewhat intriguing. It is my opinion that the only way that people connect to the "spirit world" is through the Mediator, Jesus Christ. The world offers many mediums to reach into "our minds" and into "our self". The Scripture indicates that anything that we place in front of ourselves as a means to "connecting" is an idol. We should, therefore, be very careful not to associate the things of the Spirit to things of this world.

Concentration of the mind does nothing to change things. Remember what Jesus said, "Can any of you change your size by taking thought?" (paraphrased). When we rely upon our "prayers" or our "thoughts" to effect change, we are trusting in the wrong thing. I tell people constantly, "I have no confidence in my prayers... I only have confidence in the One I pray to." Our priority should always be focused on the Lord, and not on the need. Our trust for effecting change should not be on the needed change that we want the Lord to make, nor on our prayer, but all of our trust should be in the Lord.

If we utilize a tool for teaching, we should, as you have done, seek whether it is a good tool. As a Baptist, I sometimes utilize the "Roman's Road to Salvation". In doing so, I try to always make sure that the person knows that it is not in "praying that prayer" that brings them to salvation. I try to always focus on the Holy Spirit that draws them to sense a need for forgiveness, and a Saviour that provided the sacrifice that paid for their sin. Many use the tool, and focus on the tool instead of the Saviour. I hear ministers use the tool and call it the gospel. We should always be careful not to do that.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn