via TJC
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV
So far our week has looked at our consistency of our faith when on our own, at home and at work. But what about in our “play time”? I have two issues when I consider the time I spend at play. First is the fact that I simply don’t take the time for play and second, when I do play I tend to make it all about me.
Today's verse from Ecclesiastes is one of my favorites to remind me that God is okay with me having fun. I’m especially glad that He values the enjoyment of food and drink - I can certainly handle that assignment. But I don’t tend to think of time at play to be an opportunity to show consistency in my relationship with Christ to others.
I’m doing better though. Over the last couple of years I picked up the hobby of cigar smoking (much to the unhappiness of my mother). It may not be what some people would consider play but for me it is a lot of fun. The cigars are interesting but the real fun comes from the interesting groups of men I have met at shops all around the country as I travel. The men in my local cigar shop know I’m a Christian and I have had great talks with both fellow followers and non-Christians alike.
Where are you making new relationships? My cousin picked up golf and has met a whole new group of friends and spends great time having fun with his wife. My neighbor started a hobby around remote control cars. Consistently demonstrating your faith can happen while you go out and have fun.
Daily Battle Order:
Are you making time to play? If you are, have you considered how to use that time to show your faith to others? If not, pick something today to try out where you can be around other people. Have some fun, just don’t miss the opportunity it gives to show people the joy you have because of Jesus.
It can be hard as a provider to have time for “guilt free” fun. I have never heard that verse before. It is a life changer! What a great DBO! From now on I will enjoy hunting and fishing without feeling guilty for not working 12 hours a day 6 days a week.