Chapter 29—Recreation
Christians have many sources of happiness at their command, and
they may tell with unerring accuracy what pleasures are lawful and
right. They may enjoy such recreations as will not dissipate the mind
or debase the soul, such as will not disappoint and leave a sad after-
influence to destroy self-respect or bar the way to usefulness. If they
can take Jesus with them and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are
perfectly safe.
Any amusement in which you can engage asking the blessing of
God upon it in faith will not be dangerous. But any amusement which
disqualifies you for secret prayer, for devotion at the altar of prayer, or
for taking part in the prayer meeting is not safe, but dangerous.
We are of that class who believe that it is our privilege every day
of our lives to glorify God upon the earth, that we are not to live in
this world merely for our own amusement, merely to please ourselves.
We are here to benefit humanity and to be a blessing to society; and if
we let our minds run in that low channel that many who are seeking
only vanity and folly permit their minds to run in, how can we be
a benefit to our race and generation? How can we be a blessing to
society around us? We cannot innocently indulge in any amusement
which will unfit us for the more faithful discharge of ordinary duties.
There are many things which are right in themselves, but which,
perverted by Satan, prove a snare to the unwary.
There is great need of temperance in amusements, as in every other
pursuit. And the character of these amusements should be carefully
and thoroughly considered. Every youth should ask himself, What
influence will these amusements have on physical, mental, and moral
health? Will my mind become so infatuated as to forget God? Shall I
cease to have His glory before me
It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek to refresh their
spirits and invigorate their bodies by innocent recreation, with the
purpose of using their physical and mental powers to the glory of God.
214
The Adventist Home, 512-514
206