Americans play games. We are known the world over for our competitiveness, as well as our commitment to sports and recreation.
In many parts of Europe, they take their vacation time very seriously. Whole countries practically shut down for a month or more to allow workers to relax or “go on holiday” as they call it.
To relax and play are sometimes viewed as sin. Does it have to be that way? Do our cultures cause us to sin by devoting so much time to play and relaxation? Should Christians steer away from succumbing to the prevalent state of mind around them?
Life is serious
Early Christians and great philosophers decided many years ago that we were meant to ponder life and faith at the expense of all else. Men did not waste time playing and to relax was to be lazy. The Bible is very clear that lazy men get nothing; hard workers will inherit the Kingdom (2 The 3:10).
They took Bible verses like Philippians 4:8 and decided play did not meet Paul’s parameters for what we should spend our time doing. For those of you who haven’t yet memorized Philippians 4:8, it says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”. Religious men decided that sports and games met none of those criteria.
Other directions from the Bible were used in the same way. Church leaders could not see how playing games could edify (build up) someone’s faith, be God’s will (1 Peter 14:22), glorify God (1 Cor 10:31) or result in good works (Eph 2:10). Furthermore, games did not help develop self-control (1 Cor 9:25-27), did not exhibit a Christian life purpose (Phil 2:15) or give men an eternal focus (Col 3:1-2).
This is why relaxation and play are sometimes viewed as sin; but does it have to be that way?
Life is a gift
As time went on, relaxation and play were regarded a little more respectfully. Caring for our bodies became a focus. The importance of relaxation was recognized, lest we destroy what we should be building up (our bodies).
Play also became a way to relax; although early conformers cautioned about playing in a way that makes men look foolish. Types of play that were tolerated were those that could build a man’s intelligence, stamina or muscle. Sports found its opening.
In certain cultures and conservative religions, relaxation and play are still viewed as sin. Does it have to be that way for them? If that is their belief, that is the view they should follow. As for mainstream Christians, whether or not play or relaxation is a sin can be determined on other merits.
Everything in moderation
When anything becomes the main focus of life, and pushes God from the forefront, it becomes a sin. 1 John 2:15-17 clearly explains that if we fall in love with the things of this world, we make them idols. Colossians 2:8 warns us not to be captivated by human traditions, but to stay true to God. Matthew 22:37 extolls us to love God more than anything else.
In fact, we are constantly reminded that loving God is the most important thing, followed by loving each other. Loving anything from this life is cast as an evil act. So many think becoming a football fan or devoting your life to a baseball career is a sin in and of itself.
That is not true, as long as you put God first. God gave us all talents. If your talent is to run, catch and throw, use it to push God’s glory. Christian athletes are always invoking God’s name and giving praise to Him when they do something good in their sport. They use their fame to do good acts for others. Their God-given fortune has funded many foundations and charities around the world.
So relax and play. Thank God that you are in a position to be able to do either. Give glory to God when you succeed in sports, games or taking a nap.
Please get in touch now and let’s get better at these things together.
