Hobbies

<<leisure pursuits>>

In your spare time, rather than aimless talk or excessive TV watching develop skills, explore your interests and abilities by having wholesome hobbies that keep your mind active, give an outlet for creativity, increase personal self-esteem and pleasure.

While minding the sheep David had numerous hours on his hands; he did not fritter the time away but not only did he meditate on God, he also practiced with his slingshot and played the harp. The meditation on God’s Word was paramount to his continuing, firm

What are my pastime activities?

faith while the other two practical pastimes benefited others and advanced him in his calling (1 Sam 16:17,18,23, 17:48-50).

We are stewards of the time and talents entrusted to us, and answerable for the use we make of them (Rom 14:12). Any activity we are involved in should glorify God and not draw us away from Him (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17). Provided our participation in a sport or hobby does not hamper our relationship with Him, such activities are a positive influence in our lives. A good test to consider if a hobby has a hold on your life is, if it was stripped away, would you still be content in Christ? Paul said, "Everything is permissible for me...but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Cor 6:12). Whatever we do (except loving God) must be done in moderation so it does not get out of perspective and become an idol (Ex 20:3).