The Apostle Paul foretold of an hour much like ours, if not ours, “traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4). In light of these warnings we need to seriously rethink our music, television, movies, literature and other forms of recreation. As a new believer, you should avoid not only the wrong and unbiblical forms of these things, but also avoid an excess of these things. Too much of any form of entertainment hinders spiritual growth for the simple reason maturity takes time to practice and cultivate.

These are just a few areas that prayerful consideration must be given. Our entire life is to be lived to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This is not about trying to be better, or religious. Nor is it an attempt to use the law to further our spiritual aspirations. The attempt to do right in order to gain anything from God but His pleasure is legalism. Legalism is defined as doing anything to gain God’s favor or the favor of men. We have been saved by grace “through faith, and that not of [ourselves]; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet the very next verse says that we gave been saved to live in such a way that brings honor to God, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).