Show notes:

2:30

– The advancement of technology made it possible for everyone to easily access online and mobile games.

– The rise of online games gave way to eSports being part of the recent SEA Games.

– This instant entertainment makes it convenient for everyone across all age levels to play anywhere they want, anytime they want.

-Since online games connect people, gamers can easily meet a diverse group of people from different parts of the world.

6:16

– Because of the convenience to access them anytime and anywhere, these games can fuel potential addiction.

– Without realizing it, this has an effect on our sleeping patterns, which subsequently affect our day-to-day productivity.

– Some people use mobile or online games as a way of escape, especially when they don’t want to think about their problems. 

– Even though people are physically together, it is possible to use online and mobile games to avoid the awkwardness of social interaction.

– On the positive side, mobile games can also be a means to build connection  with other people, but when we forget to moderate, that’s when it gets harmful and destructive.

9:50

– Mobile and online games can magnify our character flaws. If we are not disciplined enough, this can lead to us making unwise decisions.

– As leaders, this is an opportunity for us to observe the character issues that come to the surface.

– From here, we can see and understand the condition of the heart of the students we are discipling whenever they play mobile and online games.

– We can use these moments as discipleship moments to inject biblical principles and perspective to guide them.

13:11 What biblical principles can we give to the students in terms of moderating and self-governance?

– Sometimes, there is an Illusion of control. We think we can control ourselves, but somehow, we fail to do it.

• Question to ask as we play: Is it a tool that you can control or is it controlling you?

– Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. –Psalm 90:12

– We are called to be good stewards of the time and the calling that God has given us.

– When we disciple students, we are helping them to make the most of opportunities.

– We are intentional in why we are doing it. This includes knowing when enough is enough.

17:45

– Sometimes we think that when we play with the students, we are already spending time with them, but we need to ask if that time is of quality.

– We can innovate and be more personal and intentional in thinking of ways to spend quality time with them.

– This is a two-way thing: we impart what life looks like outside of mobile games; on the other hand, we are also getting to know them.

– We can create consistent social interactions to know them more without the screen.

– Mobile games are not bad at all, but we are adding balance to the mix. Instead of resorting to playing mobile games with them because it’s easier and convenient, we can find other ways to connect and build relationships.

20:40 How do we model a life of boundary and control?

– We don’t rely on mobile games to build relationships with the students.

– We connect with students personally; playing mobile games is just one of the many engaging activities we can do to start connecting with them.

– Playing is not bad, as long as we don’t cross the boundary where we dishonor God in the way we use our time and resources and in how we relate with one another.

23:11 How do we model Christ-likeness to the students even as we play?

3 Key Points:

1. Model self-discipline

– Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23)

– For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

2. Model a life of Christ-likeness even as we play.

– Our lives are not compartmentalized, our whole Christian life must be under the Lordship of Christ.

3. Model intentionality when we use this tool to eventually point them to Christ.

• Our mission in life is to go and make disciples. Instead of being punitive, we can use mobile games as a tool to advance the kingdom of God online or offline.
• If playing with students in moderation will allow us to model Christ-likeness to them, then it’s time well spent; it’s not time wasted.

Today on Campus is hosted by Jello de los Reyes and Dave Estrera. They are joined in this episode by Sheen Silvestre.