Colossians 3:1–17 teaches that, as followers of Christ, we are to put off the old self and its sinful practices and put on the qualities that reflect our new life in Him. Romans 12:1–2 also tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This kind of growth does not happen overnight. It comes through prayer, reading and studying Scripture, and responding to the conviction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we should continually be learning, growing, and becoming more like Christ.
What does that have to do with gaming?
As gamers, we interact with people from many different backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life. Whether we are gathered around a table, playing at a convention, or joining a game online, our actions say a great deal about who we are.
There is an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. In much the same way, our actions often speak louder than anything we say.
When you are playing a game, are you an example of Christ, or do you simply blend in with everyone else?
Do not misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that we preach at everyone we meet. We do not need to beat people over the head with Scripture, interrupt every game with a sermon, or point out every sin we see. Instead, we should strive to be godly examples through both our words and our actions.
Paul wrote:
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
“How do I do that?” you might ask.
Begin with the qualities mentioned in the verse: in word, in conduct, and in love.
Treat the people at the table with kindness, patience, love, and respect. Be careful about the language you use. Do not allow a bad roll, a poor decision, or a disagreement over the rules to cause you to lose your temper. Be honest. Be fair. Be a good sport when you lose, and remain humble when you win.
Remember that the other players are more important than the game.
This also means thinking about how we treat the game master. Do we argue over every ruling? Do we become angry when the story does not go our way? Do we make the game more difficult for everyone else because we always have to be right?
A Christian gamer should strive to be someone others enjoy having at the table—not because we compromise our beliefs or try to fit in, but because we demonstrate patience, humility, self-control, and genuine concern for others.
Of course, none of us will do this perfectly. We will sometimes lose our patience. We may say something we should not have said or treat someone in a way that does not reflect Christ.
When that happens, we should acknowledge it, apologize sincerely, learn from it, and move forward.
We are all works in progress. God is continually shaping us and teaching us. The important thing is that we remain willing to listen, repent, grow, and make a genuine effort to represent Christ well—even at the gaming table.