By: Michel Herman

Michel Herman — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:49:40 +0000

We do not talk half enough about the infinite sacrifice of Christ. He who has given Himself for us is saying, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Matthew 16:24.] He does not say, “Let him indulge himself in worldly pleasures, let him go to the theater and to horse races, let him engage in the worldly games and pleasures.” Those who make a covenant with Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. 16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 35

The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness. Ed 210.2
Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling. Ed 210.3
Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, are scarcely less objectionable because of the excess to which they are carried. They stimulate the love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a distaste for useful labor, a disposition to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy a relish for life’s sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to dissipation and lawlessness, with their terrible results. Ed 210.4

Plays, amusements, and horse-races occupy the mind. Rewards are offered to those who excel in these sports, thus keeping the mind in a constant strain of excitement, such as was before the flood, before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of Nineveh. 12LtMs, Lt 19a, 1897, par. 18

Once in Sydney I saw a great multitude on one of the streets. Hundreds and hundreds, and I might say thousands, were gathered together. “What is the matter?” I asked. “It is because of the cricket match,” was the answer. And while men were playing the game of cricket, and others were watching the game, Satan was playing the game of life for their souls. 14LtMs, Ms 99, 1899, par. 20

Amusements for self gratification, horse races, cricket and baseball matches, theater entertainments and gambling, are all in full force, testifying that we are living in the time when the end of all things is at hand. Of the people in Noah’s day the statement is made that they “knew not until the flood came and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:39.] And “as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] 13LtMs, Lt 109, 1898, par. 2

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By: Michel Herman