Examining Scripture:
“Let love be without dissimulation.
Abhor that which is evil;
cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another
with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;”
Romans 12:9-10
Evaluating Soil:
Have you ever wondered if hobbies are bad or good? Have you stopped to question whether they contribute enough enjoyment or bring more burdens than they’re worth? Depending on what type of hobby we choose, they can take up a lot of space, get pretty pricey, and drain a lot of energy from our lives. Are they worth the cost?
The word “hobbies” is not found in Scripture. We’re not instructed or commanded to have a hobby. The Bible doesn’t say we deserve them or can’t have or enjoy them.
However, hobbies should never go against our call to be holy, nor should they involve things God tells us to avoid. Enjoyment should never take us away from God’s will for our lives.
Experiencing Seasons:
I learned from an early age to enjoy various hobbies like time in nature, sewing, crocheting, and coloring, etc. I still have many of the same interests and enjoy using them for fun, maintaining my home, or giving gifts to others.
In the last few years though, I’ve realized that my hobbies were starting to consume my money, time, and focus. I was mindlessly consuming too many projects and materials, and it was becoming too indulgent and wasteful.
While some may say that isn’t evil, I have to admit it hasn’t been good for me. I felt convicted that it was poor stewardship, on my part, to continue to purchase things that I didn’t need, couldn’t really use, and wasn’t managing well, just because they caught my eye. So, I’ve stopped adding to my stash and started using what I have, with fresh contentment.
Embracing Solace:
Something I’ve found comforting is that when we “…abhor evil and cleave to good…” we get to avoid the struggles that come with evil and enjoy the blessings that come with good. Righteous endeavors promote the beautiful gift of solace.
Enjoying Simplicity:
Hobbies should bring a peaceful simplicity and pleasure that helps us relax, reflect, rejoice, and rejuvenate. If it does the opposite, it may not be good to do.
Employing Solutions:
God doesn’t want our lives to be lived without physical and spiritual good. His word says, there is “nothing better” than for us to enjoy good in our labor.
“There is nothing better for a man,
than that he should eat and drink,
and that he should make his soul
enjoy good in his labour.
This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”
Ecclesiastes 2:24
“And also that every man should eat and drink,
and enjoy the good of all his labour,
it is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“Behold that which I have seen:
it is good and comely
for one to eat and to drink,
and to enjoy the good of all his labour
that he taketh under the sun
all the days of his life, which God giveth him
for it is his portion.”
Ecclesiastes 5:18
Think about that. God gave us good things to enjoy in, from, and through our laboring. But, we must be careful about what we choose; anything can be used for evil or good.
Bring It Home
Do you enjoy any hobbies? Or, are you swamped with too many “hope to one day” projects you aren’t enjoying?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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