"And rose up to play"

Paul wrote, “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Corinthians 10:7). The occasion of this observation was the Israelite’s sin with the golden calf (Numbers 32:1-10). The statement made by Paul gives us a good principle on which to meditate.

Before we continue, I understand that the context is speaking of idolatry and the licentious practices that occur with idolatry. I do not mean to imply immorality with the comments that are going to be made. But the phrase, “and rose up to play” is unfortunately fitting for too many churches now.

For many years, churches have been using recreation to appeal to the “unchurched,” or those who do not regularly attend any kind of worship service. The intended point is that they can get them to “eat, drink and play” and then teach them the Bible. These efforts occur in every part of the year. The spring and summer includes basketball and baseball teams. The fall and winter includes Halloween, Thanksgiving festivals, and Christmas festivals.

The Lord’s church is a glorious institution. It was purchased by the blood of Christ and its purpose is to preach the gospel to save men’s souls (Acts 20:28; Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16-17). When people taint the church with these inane activities, they profane something with the highest, noblest objective on earth. Jesus did not die on the cross for children to play basketball or adults to have Super Bowl parties!

Kyle Campbell