
“As one who likes to play video games, I was reminded in the seminar that my time should not be spent only in gaming. Instead, we have to allot more time to our priorities, not only in our studies, but most importantly, our worship services and other Church obligations,” said Phil Jade Bacena from the Local Congregation of Bel-Air, Ecclesiastical District of Makati.
Such keen awareness was indeed what the seminar convened on August 5, 2022 by their congregation, under the auspices of the district leadership, aimed to raise in the KADIWA and Binhi members.
Brother Lorenzo Sagucio II, the district counselor, served as the resource speaker in the awareness seminar on the dangers of video game addiction, which was held at the congregation’s house of worship at the corner of Polaris and Orion St., Bangkal, Makati City.
“The advancement in technology has helped people in many ways, such as in the field of business, communication, transportation, and others. However, it brought with it as well what is now a societal problem—gaming addiction—of which the Church Administration wants all Church Of Christ members to be aware and careful,” said Brother Sagucio.
He reminded the attendees that although playing video games is not wrong in itself, engaging in it excessively will bring harm to one’s self. He cited studies that showed that “one who is already addicted to video games would tend to have aggressive behavior, become socially isolated, neglect daily obligations, become more prone to anxiety and depression, and have physical problems from too much gaming such as carpal tunnel, migraines and eye strain.”
Before closing his discussion, Brother Sagucio taught the participants a Bible-based lecture, emphasizing the dangers of being fully occupied with the things of this world which are only temporary. He reminded them to be prayerful so as not to be tempted by worldly desire and in order to remain in their Church membership and active services to God until the end.
“Through this we hope that the young members of the Church here in Bel-Air are reminded how to manage their time wisely, with focus on not spending too much time on playing video games. Gaming addiction negatively affects one’s mental health and can also hinder one from being full devoted in his services to God,” said Brother Gloverick Parungao, Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer of the newly established Ecclesiastical District of Makati. — With reports from INC News Section