Too Much Work and Too Much Play

Confession: I used to be an addicted gamer. I really can say, "used to," because the Lord has delivered me from that. I grew up in the atari generation. Video games have been a normal diversion for as long as I can remember. I've always loved board (not "bored") games too. Early in my adolescence I was inroduced to pen-and-paper role-playing games. The rest is history. Throughout adolescence and well into my adult life I was often obsessed with games. Thankfully, I had only begun to dabble in the world of the "Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game" (MMORPG) when I sought God's assistance in deciding to leave the addiction for more meaningful ways to spend my time. Don't misunderstand me, I still love games. I thoroughly enjoy board games with friends and family (I'm a member of a very competitive "club" that
gets together to play RISK as often as possible). I also enjoy some video games, but I've learned to avoid involved, immersive gaming, because it has a tendency to become one's life rather than enrich it. I understand we're all different, and that you may well have a different experience with games of that type than I've had.

I suppose I was a "functioning" game addict. I managed to get my work done, and meet my obligations in life, but at the bare minimum level. I'm familiar with grown men who've seen worse results of gaming addictions. I know of a fellow whose marriage crumbled, and a considerable contributing factor was an unhealthy amount of video gaming. Recently I read of a teenager who collapsed after playing a MMORPG for 20 straight hours! There's nothing more wrong with gaming than there is with anything else--as long as it's done reasonably. "'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be enslaved by anything" (1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV). So, some people are tempted to play too much.

On the other hand, some people are addicted to work. Of all the addictions people nurture, this one is one of the most difficult to break, because it is actually viewed with respect. I'll admit that since leaving behind my former gaming addiction, from time to time I'm tempted to go through periods of work obsession. It's easy to do. My desire is to lead a meaningful, productive life; to provide for my family, and affect the world for Christ, so it's understandable how work can become a mind-consuming focus. Work is very important. God has put us all in the world endowed with various gifts for the purpose of working for him. Earning a living for one's family is a godly thing to do--no doubting that. But, God created the concept of Sabbaths, holy convocations and feast days, and modelled the need for rest from work through Jesus' attempts to "get away from it all" on occasions. Work needs to have its proper time and play needs to have its proper time. every good thing belongs in its proper time.

Addictions and obsessions are means of escaping from a reality we've not learned to handle with peace, patience and wisdom. The world is what it is. It's not that bad, but then again sometimes it is. It has it's fun things, but isn't always as exciting as a summer blockbuster wants us to think it ought to be. Better things are to come for those who love Jesus! Yet, we're here on purpose, and need to learn to see the time we've been given as a precious gift and use it wisely. By prayerfully considering the abilities and opportunities we've been given, we must set clear goals, set aside proper amounts of time for every good purpose in life, and strive to maintain healthy balance. Happiness cannot be found in an imaginary world, nor is it generated by becoming an Ebenezer Scrooge. Happiness comes to us as the result of living a balanced, spiritual life.
---JLP