Question:
Is it right for a Christian to play computer or mobile games? For example, football games, war, fighting, cards, car racing, pool-table, Zuma, and others—are these sinful?
Answer:
Before answering this question, it is important to first discern whether such games are appropriate for a believer to participate in at all.
First of all, a born-again Christian should not participate in games that involve violence—whether in real life (like boxing) or in simulated combat (even for fun or opportunity)—because the Bible says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:10–13).
Spiritual warfare is not for entertainment or personal amusement.
Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Likewise, a Christian should not engage in games like pool-table because it is strongly associated with worldly pleasures and often played in places of indulgence like discos or bars. You will not find pool-tables in churches because they are not of the Spirit.
Furthermore, Christians should not participate in any form of worldly sports or entertainment that aligns itself with secular systems, including football and basketball.
If we are not to participate in or even support these games in real life, the same standard applies to their digital or virtual counterparts. There is no difference between cheering at a stadium and engaging in such games virtually—the excitement you feel comes from the same source, and that joy can stir carnal desires within.
Therefore, it is not appropriate for a Christian to play video games on a computer, phone, or any other device, including consoles like PlayStation.
Now, some video games may not involve physical violence or sports—but these can be even more dangerous spiritually, because they often draw from unseen spiritual realities.
For example, some games involve snakes or dragons that move around swallowing objects. These are not merely imaginative, but they symbolically represent spiritual truths or demonic patterns from the unseen realm. Satan uses even these forms to subtly develop a connection between himself and humans through physical means.
When someone plays a game that involves guiding a snake to devour things, or being chased by a dragon or other mysterious creatures, they are not just playing—they are spiritually affirming those realities. Such games can open spiritual portals, allowing demonic influence to shape one’s dreams, desires, and mindset, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
The spirit of addiction to video games is growing rapidly in these last days, especially through mobile phones. What used to be a demonic agenda aimed primarily at children has now spread to adults too—so vigilance is more necessary than ever.
The Bible warns us not to love the world or the things of the world:
1 John 2:15–17 (NIV)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Moreover, we are instructed to meditate on whatever is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy:
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Maranatha!
(Our Lord is coming!)
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