{"id":52080,"date":"2019-09-02T14:07:21","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T11:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=52080"},"modified":"2025-07-03T23:32:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T20:32:18","slug":"is-it-right-for-a-christian-to-play-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/09\/02\/is-it-right-for-a-christian-to-play-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"IS IT RIGHT FOR A CHRISTIAN TO PLAY CARDS?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with a simple but important question:
\nWhy do most boarding schools prohibit students from having phones, watching movies, playing video games, or even playing cards?<\/p>\n

The answer is straightforward: these activities tend to distract students from their main purpose\u2014studying.<\/strong> Instead of focusing on schoolwork, a student may spend hours thinking about a movie they watched or the card game they played. Over time, their grades suffer, and they fail to meet their goals. That failure becomes a loss not only for the student, but also for their family, school, and even the nation.<\/p>\n

Now if people\u2014teachers, parents, and leaders\u2014can use such wisdom to guide children away from time-wasting things, how much more does God<\/strong>, who is infinitely wise, know what is good and bad for His children?<\/p>\n

Loving the World Is Spiritual Danger<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bible warns us clearly about loving the world in a way that draws our hearts away from God:<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
\nFor everything in the world\u2014the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life\u2014comes not from the Father but from the world.
\nThe world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u20141 John 2:15\u201317<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This passage doesn’t mean that playing games, enjoying entertainment, or resting are evil in themselves. God created us with emotions, minds, and bodies that need joy and rest. In fact, the Bible celebrates rest (Genesis 2:2\u20133), music (Psalm 150), and joy (Nehemiah 8:10). However, the danger comes when these things take over<\/strong> and replace our spiritual priorities.<\/p>\n

Just as students are in school for a short season, we are here on earth for a brief time compared to eternity. If we allow temporary pleasures to distract us from eternal priorities, we risk missing what matters most\u2014our relationship with God and our eternal future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Our Identity: We Are Pilgrims and Strangers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bible describes believers as foreigners and strangers<\/strong> in this world:<\/p>\n

\u201cDear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u20141 Peter 2:11<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We are not here to live for worldly entertainment. We are here to grow spiritually, serve God, and prepare for eternity. There will be plenty of joy and fulfillment in the life to come<\/strong>\u2014in the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1\u20134).<\/p>\n

There, we will no longer need to fast, fight temptation, or preach the gospel. It will be a place of perfect rest, eternal joy, and glorious worship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u2014Psalm 16:11<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Practical Discernment: Not All Things Are Beneficial<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some might argue, \u201cBut isn\u2019t it too extreme to avoid fun games like cards?\u201d<\/em>
\nBut the apostle Paul helps us here:<\/p>\n

\u201cI have the right to do anything,\u201d you say\u2014but not everything is beneficial. \u201cI have the right to do anything\u201d\u2014but I will not be mastered by anything.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u20141 Corinthians 6:12<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The point is this: not every activity is sinful, but if something masters your attention<\/strong>, wastes your time<\/strong>, or hinders your spiritual life<\/strong>, then it becomes spiritually dangerous. Card games and similar entertainment can easily become addictive or lead to further forms of gambling, competition, or laziness. Worse still, they can slowly drain your hunger for God.<\/p>\n

Ask yourself: Can I spend two hours playing cards, but struggle to read my Bible for 10 minutes?<\/em>
\nCan I binge-watch a series for eight hours, but feel too tired to pray or attend fellowship?<\/em><\/p>\n

That\u2019s a sign that your spiritual priorities are being undermined.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u2014Hebrews 12:1<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Conclusion: Be Wise With Your Time and Purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Life is short. Eternity is long. We must learn to prioritize what truly matters. It\u2019s not foolish to avoid worldly distractions\u2014it\u2019s wisdom. Just like a serious student avoids unnecessary entertainment to focus on their studies, so must a serious Christian avoid anything that weakens their faith.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe very careful, then, how you live\u2014not as unwise but as wise,
\nmaking the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u2014Ephesians 5:15\u201316<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, is it right for a Christian to play cards?<\/p>\n

Theologically and practically, it is unwise.<\/strong> While not sinful in itself, it often leads to distraction, time-wasting, and even spiritual coldness. The devil doesn\u2019t always use sin to destroy us\u2014sometimes, he simply uses distractions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Let us stay alert, focused, and rooted in the things of God. There is a crown of life awaiting those who endure and overcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cSet your minds on things above, not on earthly things.\u201d<\/strong>
\n\u2014Colossians 3:2<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

Be wise. Be watchful. Be blessed.<\/strong><\/p>\n