How to Live a Fun-Filled Life Without Offending God

Many young people today face a dilemma: how to enjoy life without compromising their faith or displeasing God. They live in a world that offers many temptations and distractions, a world that glorifies sin and selfishness, a world that mocks and marginalizes those who follow Christ. How can they have fun and be faithful at the same time?

The answer is not to withdraw from the world or to adopt a legalistic attitude that forbids anything that might be remotely fun. The answer is to find joy and satisfaction in God and His will, to cultivate a relationship with Him that fills our hearts with love and peace, and to seek His guidance and wisdom in everything we do.

Here are some tips and ideas on how to live a fun-filled life without offending God:

• Remember that God is the source of true joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Nothing in this world can compare to the joy of knowing God and experiencing His presence. He created us for His glory and pleasure, and He delights in us when we delight in Him. Seek Him first in your life, and He will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33).
• Enjoy the good gifts that God has given you. God is not a killjoy who wants to deprive us of happiness. He is a generous and loving Father who gives us good things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” God has given us many blessings, such as family, friends, talents, hobbies, nature, music, art, sports, etc. We can enjoy these things as long as we do not make them idols or use them for evil purposes. We should also thank God for them and use them for His glory.
• Be discerning about what you watch, listen to, read, and do. Not everything that is fun is good for us. Some things may seem harmless or entertaining, but they may have a negative influence on our minds, hearts, and souls. They may expose us to violence, immorality, profanity, falsehood, or idolatry. They may tempt us to sin or distract us from God. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.” We should be careful about what we feed our minds and hearts with, and choose things that are edifying and uplifting.
• Find godly friends who share your values and interests. One of the best ways to have fun without offending God is to have friends who love God and love you. Friends who encourage you, support you, pray for you, and challenge you to grow in your faith. Friends who share your hobbies and passions, and who enjoy doing things with you. Friends who are not afraid to speak the truth in love, and who hold you accountable for your actions. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron,
  so one person sharpens another.” We need godly friends who sharpen us and help us become more like Christ.
• Explore new opportunities and experiences that God has prepared for you. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and He wants you to discover it and fulfill it. He has given you gifts and abilities that He wants you to use for His kingdom. He has placed you in a specific time and place for a purpose. He has opened doors of opportunity for you that no one can shut. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork,
  created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
  which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Don’t be afraid to try new things or step out of your comfort zone. Don’t settle for mediocrity or complacency. Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from pursuing your dreams. Follow God’s leading and guidance, and He will show you great and mighty things that you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).

Living a fun-filled life without offending God is not impossible or boring. It is possible and exciting when we follow God’s principles and priorities. It is a life of joy and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). It is a life of adventure and purpose that glorifies God and blesses others (Matthew 5:16). It is a life of abundance and grace that prepares us for eternity (John 10:10). It is a life worth living and enjoying.