That is why it is to your disadvantage to engage in risky behavior or fear-based activities simply for the sake of amusement. Choosing activities that foster fear grants Satan access to your life, just as faith-based activities grant God access to it.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, the first definition of the word amuse is "to divert the attention of, so as to deceive."
Although this definition is now considered archaic and has been widely supplanted by the more modern definition of "to entertain or occupy in a light, playful or pleasant manner," the original meaning of the word does raise the question of intent.
More specifically, what is the intent of the amusement, and what is the intent of your participation?
Identifying the means by which you allow yourself to be amused and understanding intent are crucial to breaking the bondage of fear in your life. Sadly, the world is making millions of dollars each year off of fear.
From "slasher" films and video games to specific rides at amusement parks (i.e., haunted houses, etc.), fear has become big business. As a Christian, you should avoid becoming an accomplice to fear or assisting it in keeping you bound.
You must not tolerate fear on any level, not even for the sake of entertainment. It is not cute or funny.
Often family members will do things to scare one another just for "fun." I remember how I used to sneak up behind my wife, Taffi, and try to frighten her. She would do things to me as well. We would laugh until we were almost in tears!
We thought it was the funniest thing to see one another's reaction to fear. It wasn't until later that we understood that we couldn't continue to play around like that and expect to be free from the spirit of fear.
People who are prone to being "sensation seekers" should examine their motives as to why they love the adrenaline rush they derive from dangerous or fear-linked activities. Is it just for the thrill? Is it because you are naturally reckless?
On the other hand, people who are struggling with fear may choose to participate in certain "scary" activities as a means of overcoming and eradicating fear. For instance, riding a roller coaster may be used to overcome a fear of heights or speed.
A walk through a haunted house may help to release you from a fear of the dark and of horrific images. Ultimately, we need to know and understand the motives behind our actions and the seeds that those choices can plant in our spirits.
Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Freedom from fear and apprehension is included in the salvation package (2 Tim. 1:7).
Furthermore, as a Christian, you cannot function as the world functions (Rom. 12:2). You have a higher standard by which to live.
Begin raising the standard in your life by ensuring that those entertaining activities you choose will keep you rooted and grounded in faith and in the love of God.
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