Lesson 53
Choose Entertainment That Pleases Jehovah
Jehovah is “the happy God.”
He wants us to be happy and to enjoy our life. He is pleased when we set aside time from work to relax. In this lesson, we will see how we can use our leisure time in ways that are enjoyable and satisfying—and that also please Jehovah.
1. What should we remember when choosing entertainment?
What do you like to do when you relax? Some prefer to spend their leisure time quietly at home—reading a book, listening to music, watching a movie, or browsing the Internet. Others enjoy being more active with friends—hiking, swimming, or playing a game. Whatever our preference is, we need to make sure that our choice of entertainment is “acceptable to the Lord.”
It is important that we understand this because a lot of popular entertainment features things that Jehovah hates, such as violence, sexual immorality, or spiritism.
Read Psalm 11.5: Jehovah examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one; He hates anyone who loves violence.
What will help us to make wise choices in our entertainment?
If we choose friends who love Jehovah, they can have a good influence on us and on our choice of entertainment. As we learned in a previous lesson, “the one walking with the wise will become wise.” On the other hand, if we regularly associate with people who have no love for God’s standards, we “will fare badly.”
2. Why is it important to control how much time we spend on entertainment?
Even if the entertainment we choose is wholesome, we need to be careful not to spend too much time on it. Otherwise, we may not have enough time to spend on more important activities. The Bible encourages us to make “the best use of [our] time.”
Read Ephesians 5.15, 16: So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked.
DIG DEEPER
Learn how to make good decisions about your entertainment.
3. Avoid unwholesome entertainment
Why should we choose our entertainment carefully? Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.
Video Title: What Entertainment Should I Choose? (with Transcript) (Duration: (4:39).
How were the ancient gladiatorial games similar to some modern entertainment?
In the video, what did Danny learn about entertainment?
Read Romans 12.9: Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good.
Discuss this question:
How should this verse affect your choice of entertainment?
What are some things that Jehovah hates?
Read Proverbs 6.16, 17: There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Read Galatians 5.19-21: Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
After reading each scripture, discuss this question:
Which of the things mentioned in these verses are common in today’s entertainment?
How to choose your entertainment wisely
Ask yourself:
What? Does it include anything that Jehovah hates?
When? Does it interfere with more important activities?
Who? Does it bring me in close or regular contact with people who do not love Jehovah?
4. Use your time wisely
Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.
Video Title: What Controls Your Time? (with Transcript) (Duration: (2:45).
Although the brother in the video was not viewing anything unwholesome, how was his use of leisure time affecting him?
Read Philippians 1.10: that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ;
Discuss this question:
How could this verse help us decide how much time we spend on recreation?
5. Choose wholesome entertainment
Even though some entertainment displeases Jehovah, there are many enjoyable things that do not.
Read Ecclesiastes 8.15: So I recommended rejoicing, because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat and drink and rejoice; this should accompany him as he works hard during the days of his life, which the true God gives him under the sun.
Read Philippians 4.8: Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things.
Discuss this question:
What wholesome entertainment do you enjoy?
SOME PEOPLE SAY: “There’s nothing wrong with entertainment that features violence, immorality, or spiritism, as long as I’m not doing those things.”
What would you say?
SUMMARY
Jehovah wants us to choose and enjoy wholesome entertainment.
Review
What entertainment should Christians avoid?
Why should we be careful about how much time we spend on entertainment?
Why do you want to choose entertainment that pleases Jehovah?
Lesson completed on:
Goal
Using the box “How to Choose Your Entertainment Wisely,” analyze the entertainment that you enjoy.
Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.
From lesson 53, memorize Romans 12:9: Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good.
EXPLORE
1. Consider who is responsible for choosing our entertainment.
“Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Ban Certain Movies, Books, or Songs?” (Web article) Open explore 1 in new page
2. See how you can make good decisions regarding recreation and leisure activities.
“Is Your Recreation Beneficial?” (The Watchtower, October 15, 2011) Open explore 2 in new page
3. In the story “I Even Overcame My Prejudice,” see why a man changed his choice of entertainment.
“The Bible Changes Lives” (The Watchtower, February 1, 2010) Open explore 3 in new page
4. See how a mother makes a wise decision regarding entertainment that features stories about the spirit world.
Avoid Entertainment That Features Spiritism (2:02) Open explore 4 in new page
[End of lesson 53.]