In this day and age of video games, pay-per-view movies, and satellite dishes—families are hard pressed to find time together. Sometimes after a busy week, parents may feel guilty about their children keeping themselves occupied with all the technological gadgetry.
However making this a lifestyle for your family will only heap mounds of regret as they pass through puberty. One family night set aside for an hour or two of good board games can be fun, memorable, and used as a teaching moment. Check out how God can use the popular board games below to bless your family:
Monopoly®
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it” (Proverbs 10:22).
Each game of Monopoly® has $15,140 in each box. That’s a lot of play money for the average family. This game offers the opportunity for families to understand together the value of purchasing, investing, and saving money. An added lesson for children would be the insertion of giving a tithe and offering (set aside for your church) every time someone passes “Go”.
The Game of Life®
“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is” (Psalm 39:4).
The game of Life® is a colorful and fun board that attempts to cover most of what people experience in a lifetime. Families choose between starting with a career or college education leading to education about marriage, children, insurance, stocks, bonds, or retirement. Parents can lead discusions about life goals and/or how they might honor God with their living now and in the future.
Trouble®
“Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).
One of the misleading feelings about the game of Trouble® is that once you begin to feel confident about winning the game—you can be pushed back to start. This fun game keeps everyone on their toes anticipating their opponent’s next move. Parents can start an interesting conversation about how life can be full of troubles at any age; yet God is always there and available to give hope and strength. It’s better to understand that difficulty is a part of this earthly life and learn ways to cope with it through the influence of Christ.
Sorry®
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
This game of Sorry® offers the opportunity to apologize for “bumping” one of your opponents. There may be many times when you may have to “break for air” and remind everyone how it’s only a game. It’s still a fun game with reminds us of how we are not only to apologize, but also to be a gracious receiver of an apology.
Candyland®
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant…And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them” (Matthew 10:13-14, 16).
Just as Candyland® was my first game as a toddler, it was for each of my children. Because it doesn’t require counting, just a recognition of colors—young children can play it with their families.This game offers the opportunity to make it to Candy Castle; although there are licorice spaces that they have to look out for. Parents can use this game as a opportunity to talk about how Jesus loved children and blessed them.
Scrabble®
“Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 31:12).
The game of Scrabble® is most challenging to those who struggle with spelling, but for those who can imagine the big words—it’s a breeze. The object of this game is to win the most points based on their words created. Parents can challenge their families to spell words from the Bible or start a discussion on the importance of what we communicate to others.
Pictionary®
“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people” (Colossians 1:25-6).
This game has brought more laughter than any of the others to our family and friends. Pictionary® tests not only your drawing skills, but also a team’s guessing abilities. It gives the opportunity for families to laugh at themselves. Parents can encourage their children to use their imaginations as God has given to them.
Break out the Boards!
Many times we fall into the habit of only bringing out the game boards during the holiday season. However anytime you are blessed in the moment to have all or most of your family gathered together—take out your favorite game as a great time for family bonding.
Article by Crystal McDowell
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.
