There is a lot of discussion in Christian circles (and non-Christian ones, for that matter) about what content is OK for us as Christian gamers. I've heard the question (mostly from non-Christians) "Why won't you cuss, but you play games with killing?". Some Christian gamers seem to have no issue with nudity in games. Where do we draw the line? Because these areas are each unique, I will address them each individually.

Language

Here's the deal. You tend to become like what you are around. When you hear a lot of filthy language in your daily life (including games) you are prone to start thinking that way (and what you think about will eventually come out your mouth). I have experienced this in my life (at work). When everyone around you has completely filthy language and that's the norm, it will eventually invade you if you do not guard your heart from such things. The bible clearly says we are not to use filthy language.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Filthy is a subjective term. To me, filthy language is language that brings to mind immoral thoughts. The F bomb is a prime example. Because of it's meaning, it is difficult (though not impossible) to not think immoral thoughts when hearing or saying it. If you play a game that has a lot of filthy language in it, the danger is that you can normalize thoughts that you would otherwise consider sin. If one has guarded their heart against such things then it may not be an issue for you.

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

As for the question of whether it is ok for a Christian to purposefully subject themselves to filthy language, I'll quote 1 Corinthians 10:23:

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

So if there is a danger that games with filthy language will cause you to think impure thoughts, then don't play them! While you think about that, though, keep this in mind.

1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

If your language is causing your brother to stumble, IT IS SIN. The bible could not be more clear about that. This is why there is a language policy on 3 Day Respawn. We are to edify one another and keep each other accountable. Other Christian gaming communities have atmospheres that justify each others behavior rather than keeping each other focused on the narrow path.

Many games have a content filter that allows you to turn off the M rated content. Make use of it guys!

Killing

It's no secret that we at 3DR love First Person Shooters. But even non-Christians know that killing is wrong (and are generally quick to point it out when they see us playing).

Deuteronomy 5:17
"You shall not murder.

Not only that, but the bible also says:

1 John 3:15
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

I think we can all agree that although we may have racked up 50,000 kills on Modern Warfare, we've never actually killed anyone.

But does this make-believe killing fall into the second category? I don't think so. For two reasons: First, it's a game and we all know it (not only that, but most FPS's are based on War, not murder, there is a difference). Would any Christian think twice about playing Chess? I mean, if you think about it, the players "kill" each other there, too. Video games are no different (that point does not address violence in games, which is a whole new topic, but think about how much violence is in the Bible). Second, when we play games together over XBox live, we are generally fellowshipping and developing relationships and friendships with other believers which is a definite good thing.

So, as long as we are following the commands of God, I see no reason we can't "frag thy neighbor".

However, with that said, we are commanded to love our neighbor and some of us can tend to take gaming to a personal level (I know first hand) to the point where we can hate the players we are gaming with (how many of you haven't complained about noob tubers or campers or the dreaded glitchers?). Hatred toward our neighbors is a dangerous thing.

Matthew 5:43-44
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

We are to pray for our enemies (that includes the guy who just team killed you 3 times). This is one of the most difficult things to do. But I promise you, your entire attitude will begin to change when you do. Not only will you enjoy the game more but others will see something different in you that only Christ can make.

Sexuality

Now we get to the most difficult segment, but also possibly the area with the clearest (and most difficult) direction from the Bible.

I've heard from other "Christian" Gamers that it's OK to play games with sexuality/nudity as long as you don't "feel convicted about it". The problem with this argument is that what they really mean is "if you don't feel guilty" about it. This kind of thinking is very dangerous because it is possible for us to "turn off" our consciences and justify our actions by false means.

1 Timothy 4:2
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

(This subject goes far beyond our topic, but it's worth noting that this kind of behavior has destroyed many Christians, churches and entire denominations)

So, if we can't trust our conscience to tell us what is OK, how can we tell? Let's look at what the Bible says:

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Proverbs 6:25
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,

The Bible goes on and on not just about lust and sexual immorality, but about the danger and destruction they can cause.

We all know full well that game developers put nudity and sexuality in games because it sells. They know that the images and scenarios that they are putting in front of you are there to make you lust.

But how many times have I heard "oh, I don't look at that part", or "it doesn't really bother me", or "I have self control". How many times have YOU said these things to yourself?

Guys, if you compromise in this area just a little bit, it will lead to just a little bit more and a little bit more and it WILL destroy your marriage, your family and your life! Don't lie to yourself, don't gather others to tell you it's OK, just to appease your conscience. It's a lie and it will have a huge impact on your life and your walk with God. Rather than trying not to fall off the cliff, how about avoiding the cliff altogether?

Mark 9:47
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,

Instead, make a covenant with your eyes!

Job 31:1
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.

In case you missed my point: I will NEVER justify or condone playing a game that attempts to draw you in to lust. Ever.

So there you have it. Of course I am not the final authority on what is right and wrong for you as a Christian. I will always yield to the Bible as the absolute truth and if this is a good starting point, I consider the Bible the rest of the journey to understanding why we do the things we do.