I received an email yesterday containing a really good question. It shows this individual is wrestling with some really important stuff. I might make some assumptions from the rest of the email, but they would still only be assumptions, so it will be my challenge to respond in a way that provides guidance and help wherever this person is in their life’s journey.
Before I get to the question, there is an important principle that is taught very early on in success training. The principle is “Feel Good Now!” The purpose of this article is not to teach this principle. This is something, if you do not know, you need to learn so you do know. I would add this principle is in complete alignment with God’s Word. Nehemiah 8:10 states, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Now to the question. “Hello, is playing video games part of feeling good?” The implications of such a question are incredibly important and cover every area of our lives, because in fact it connects to the entire length of our life span. How we answer this question calls for discernment regarding our thoughts, beliefs, words intentions and actions. It speaks to the outcomes we really desire for our life.
How we choose to respond is a matter of character and maturity. The real answer has nothing to do with whether the topic of video games are good or bad, because without knowing the specific content of the games being addressed there is no answer. The immediate thought that came to my mind as I read this question for the first time came from a principle which first resonated with me from the lips of one of my mentor’s, Ed Foreman. We have a choice, “garbage in garbage out, or wholesome in wholesome out.” Again, this is in alignment with God’s Word. Philippians 4:8 reads, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
It would be a good thing to ask the question, does this thing I am about do fall into alignment with all the other universal principles which will enhance the quality of my life, or does it simply feed my momentary ego rush? Seek to feel good now, but do it in a way that empowers your life into a better future. Practice the art of, “Feel Good Now” with wisdom and integrity!