The Christian and Recreation
In each week, we are allotted a total of 168 hours. After subtracting the time used each week for work, sleep, and assembling with the local church, there are approximately 70 hours remaining. What types of things shall we engage in with this time?
It is appropriate that we use a portion of this time in evangelistic efforts. The Lord has taught us that we have been saved, so that we might go forth and bear the message of salvation to others (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2). But it is acceptable, even Biblical that we use a portion of our time for recreation. Jesus encouraged His apostles,
Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. (Mark 6:31)He encouraged them to take time for rest and relaxation; time to refresh themselves. The aim of recreation (literally re-creation) is to refresh and rebuild both body and mind, which understandably will become fatigued and wearied at times. There is a huge difference between recreation and what the Bible refers to as dissipation (Ephesians 5:17; Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 4:4). Such is riotous and unruly conduct, and not only wears on the body and mind, but damns the soul.
As we consider what recreational activities to participate in, a few things need to be kept in mind.
First, it should be realized that there is no 'set in stone' Christian approved activities. Anything sinful is obviously not acceptable; but aside from that, what may be of interest to me may not be of interest to you, and vice versa. Also, there may be things that are not sinful, which violate one's conscience, but not another's (Romans 14:23). Each one must, according to his own conscience "hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
“He encouraged them to take time for rest and relaxation; time to refresh themselves.”
Another obvious concern should be the type of company which we keep in a given activity. That is not to say that we should in no way associate ourselves with those who are of the world, for to do so, we would have to be out of the world (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). Also, we see that the Lord spent time with those who were not His disciples at times (John 2:1-2; Luke 5:28-32; 7:36-39). And yet we need to be aware of the warning which the apostle Paul gave the Lord's people at Corinth, "Do not be deceived, 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Realize that constant interaction and association with those who are worldly in their perspective will perhaps cloud our own spiritual sight.
Related to our last thought, we need to always be focussed on our influence. Will participation in this or that affect our influence adversely? Will it be a detriment to a weaker brother (1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:32; Romans 14:21)? Are we putting our "good name" (Proverbs 22:1) in jeopardy by where we are going, who we are with, or what we are doing?
Again, with a focus upon spiritual consideration, we must be certain that whatever recreation we choose to participate in does no harm to our relationship to the Lord. Must we set the Lord aside in any way to participate (Matthew 6:33; Luke 8:14? Will it require us to miss the assembly of the Lord's people? If so, then it is not an activity we should be involved in.
A good question to ask of any event of activity is this: if the Lord Jesus were here, would I invite Him to join me in this? If the answer is "No," then you can easily conclude that it is not something which is appropriate recreation.
Finally, it is proper for us to consider whether a recreational activity is within our financial means. There are two extremes which we must stay away from. Some are exuberant in their recreational spending, while others almost refuse to spend anything at all on recreation. There is a happy medium. Solomon tells us multiple times that it is appropriate that we "enjoy the good of our labor" (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:13; 5:18; 9:5; 11:9). It is right for us to use a portion of what God blesses us with to tend to our body and mind by way of recreation.
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)
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Answering The Atheist
Complaint:
When was the city Dan named? Genesis 14:14 reveals that it was known as Dan in the time of Abraham, but Judges 18:29 clearly states that it was not named Dan until the time of the Judges. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
Indeed, Judges 18:29 tells us,
And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel. However, the name of the city formerly was Laish.
Since Abraham died before his great-grandson Dan was born, and the context of Judges 18 (v 7, 14, 27) indicate that the name of the city was Laish until the time of the events recorded in that chapter, we can safely assume that the city formerly known as Laish, which had been conquered by the Danites was not called Dan in the days of Abraham.
However, let us not be so quick to conclude that a contradiction has been found here. Some have assumed that a scribe changed the text of Genesis 14:14 to read "Dan," and that Moses had originally recorded "Laish." Though this is a possibility, it does present the troubling thought that what was recorded by an inspired writer was "updated" by an uninspired writer. But, there is another possible explanation.
In Deuteronomy 34:1, we read:
...Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan...
The Dan mentioned here is either in or bordering Gilead. Neither the region of Dan (in an opposite direction) nor the city of Dan (Laish, 100 miles north of Nebo, and beyond Moses' sight) fit the description. It is very likely that there was a city in or near Gilead by the name of Dan in the days of Abraham (and Moses). It would be this Dan (not Laish) that both Deuteronomy 34:1 and Genesis 14:14 speak of.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible