July 24

Glorifying God In Our Recreations

“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience— the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. — 1 Cor 10:23-31 BSB

The word recreation is much better than pastime, for as we become more aware of the value of time and its fleeting nature, we recoil at the idea of “killing time.” But recreation is a wonderful concept, for it speaks of re-creating the exhausted energies of the mind and body that are worn out from work or study.

Christians should not be “dull” people, as the old saying goes. Our faces should shine with joy like the morning sun; we should be quick, bright, intelligent, and far from being out of touch with life, as if we belonged among the forgotten, dusty relics of the past.

“All things do not edify” is one of the guiding principles for healthy recreation. There are many activities in which Christians can freely engage—manly sports, rowing, skating, swimming, driving, sailing, or mountain climbing. The more, the better, so long as they build us up physically, mentally, and spiritually, preparing us for the greater tasks of life. These activities should not become ends in themselves but means to develop healthy minds and bodies. Nothing is more harmful than when people neglect their real duties for the sake of sports and games. When recreation takes precedence over responsibility, it becomes destructive rather than edifying.

The phrase “all things do not edify” also calls us to consider the impact of our actions on others. We must avoid things that, while harmless in themselves, could be detrimental to those who watch our example.

“Do all to the glory of God.” Many people seem afraid of joy, fearing that if they are too happy, God will send trouble to balance things out. But God’s Word commands us to rejoice (Deuteronomy 26:11; Philippians 4:4). Even when circumstances seem difficult, we are called to give thanks in all things, knowing that all of our Father’s gifts are good, no matter how they are wrapped.

Prayer

May the Holy Spirit so fill us with Christ our Lord that there will be no room in our lives for anything inconsistent with His perfect purity and love. Amen.