Hey God…I Have a Question Series: Can I Be a Christian and Still Have Fun?

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. John 2:1-2 NLT

For some, Christianity and enjoyment are mutually exclusive.

My dad was almost legalistic during my growing up years. His idea of having fun was a trip to the mountains or working in his woodshop. Things like going out with friends, shopping with mom, playing a game with his sons, seeing a movie, going bowling, or taking a fishing trip weren’t often on his list of pleasurable things. Still he wasn’t a sad man and didn’t think Christians should be either. His famous saying for those who equated holiness with frowning was, “They looked like they have been baptized in pickle juice.”

Jesus, too, was often found at places where fun, laughter, and celebration occurred. One excuse given by many who aren’t Christians for not becoming one is that they would have to renounce all their fun. Depending on how they define pleasure, it may be a true statement. Christianity, however, doesn’t have to be boring or unenjoyable. I can follow Christ and take pleasure in life. Jesus classified it as “abundant life.”

Yet, even innocent fun can affect my spiritual life if I’m not careful. Hobbies can become time consuming, expensive, jumble my priorities, and even lead me to sin. While most hobbies are innocent enough, if it steals time from my family or God, causes my family financial hardship, or makes it impossible for me to give to God, it has progressed beyond the fun stage. Entertainment is also harmless enough. If not guarded carefully, however, it, too, can lead me down the same path as an out-of-kilter hobby.

Jesus wants me to enjoy life, but the fun I have must be gauged by thoughtful questions:
Is it sinful?
Is it unwise?
Is it harmful to my body?
Is it financially draining? and
Does it steal time from God, my family, and my church?

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Martin Wiles

Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].

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