Introduction:   Entertainment is simply defined as, "Something affording diversion or amusement…." (RHCD, pg. 441).  As we shall see, entertainment is not necessarily wrong.

I. Man needs diversion from the daily tasks.

  A. While "all work and no play will make Johnny a dull boy" is not scripture, the expression does have some merit.

  B. The wise man wrote, "And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh" (Eccl. 12: 12).

  C. Man needs relaxation and entertainment. In a book that stressed seriousness and service to God, you would perhaps not expect to read thus: "There is nothing better for man, than he should eat and drink, and he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor…" (Eccl. 2: 24, cp. 3: 12, 13).

II. Americans have become obsessed with entertainment.

  A. We have embraced the philosophy "if it is not fun, I can not do it." We just about have to make everything appear to be fun and entertainment for anyone to be interested.

  B. What ever happened to duty and responsibility serving as motivation to do what needs to be done? (I Tim. 5: 8, Eccl. 12: 13.)

  C. Alas, religion in order to attract people has, in many cases, become entertainment. Clown ministries, comedians in the pulpits, and bands and quartets have replaced the simple preaching of the word. We do not want to hear about sin and salvation, we must be made to laugh and feel good! (See public worship: Acts 2: 42, Eph. 5: 19, I Cor. 16: 1, 2, cp. Acts 2: 37).

III. Rules to help us judge entertainment.

  A. As seen, there is a place and time for entertainment, but even then, entertainment should meet certain criteria. Here are some questions to help us determine the right type of entertain in which to engage:

    a. In what kind of climate am I placed by the entertainment I have chosen? (Phil. 4: 8, filthy movies would not qualify.

    b. Am I adversely affected (am I made weaker spiritually by the entertainment, cp. Col. 1: 10, 11, 2 Pet. 1: 5-11).

    c.What kind of dress is required to participate or observe, if it is a spectator type entertainment, how about the dress of the participants (I Tim. 2: 9)?

    d. How much time do I spend in the entertainment (Eph. 5: 16)?

    e. How expensive is it (I Cor. 16: 1, 2)?

    f. What kind of impression am I making on others by participating in it (Rom. 14: 16, cp. I Cor. 10: 23-33)?