Central Abbotsford

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that my family and I took a summer vacation. I know that many of you who call Central Abbotsford home have done so as well – whether to a destination close to home or a more far-off location, summer often allows us at least a small break from the rhythms and routines of school, work, and everyday life.

I know that not all of us have the luxury of vacations, but I hope that every one of us, in ways that we are able, builds in patterns of recreation and leisure into our lives. Moreover, I think that there is ample reason to understand that there is Biblical warrant, even wisdom, to do so.

Here are some considerations about how we can think well about recreation and leisure.

Recreation and leisure are good gifts. The pattern of work and rest is built into the story of Creation with the call to Sabbath. Quite simply, when God designed us, He designed us to need rest! 

This rest need not only be sleep (and probably shouldn’t always just be passive consumption of entertainment!) As God’s creatures, we are called to be creative as He is. Therefore, it stands to reason that we would seek to do the same in the realm of leisure. Whether that is enjoying nature (either close to home or in a far-flung destination), engaging in an artistic endeavour, or playing sports, we are called to steward our rest well.

John Piper observes: “God wills that there be recreation. It’s like sleep. The Bible doesn’t command it. But the Bible is clearly in favour of health (Jesus made people well, not sick), and it assumes we will have the sense to know what food and sleep and recreation we need to stay mentally and physically fit.” Ideally, our recreation time allows us the opportunity to be refreshed in ways that allow us to serve God and others.

Recreation and leisure should be done to the glory of God. In Colossians 3:17, Paul writes: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 10:31, he writes: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Both of these verses are all-encompassing. Of course, they do not simply give divine imprimatur for any activity provided that it is decreed to be in the Lord’s name. Rather, they show that we should have our relationship with God at the forefront of all of our activities. During vacation, or other leisure activities, make sure that you are taking the time to give thanks to the God who has made your rest and leisure time possible.

Recreation and leisure are best done in community. If our relationship with God is to be at the centre of our leisure activities, then we do well to model this relationship in community. This does not mean that solo hobbies and pursuits are not good, but that they should not be the only form of recreation and leisure. 

Keep in mind that recreation and leisure can become idols. This can happen in a number of ways, because, as John Calvin noted, the human heart is an idol factory. 

Whether this manifests as sloth (using leisure to procrastinate from good work that has been given to us), pride (devoting disproportionate time and effort to leisure pursuits in order to excel at them solely for the purpose of excellence and self-glory), or envy (grumbling at the amount of leisure time that others have the opportunity or ability to enjoy), we must always guard ourselves against making leisure an idol. 

Let us resist the ever-present temptation to exchange the truth about God (and the rest He gives and calls us to) for a lie and worship and serve the creature rather than the ever-blessed Creator.

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I hope that, with the above in mind, you can delight in God as you delight in your summer vacation! And if you’re not around this weekend, I totally understand. Your church family looks forward to welcoming you back well-rested and refreshed very soon!