Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/90

Contributor - John DeGroot

Title - Leisure And The Christian

Topic - Leisure

Leisure time is perhaps a special "problem" for Western culture. Certainly in other areas of the world, where survival is more of a basic issue, leisure time is not a problem.

How then do we define leisure, and having done so, how is it creatively used in the Christian sense? If we take the Biblical viewpoint that idle hands are the devil's workshop then this is a matter of great importance.

The Oxford dictionary defines leisure as "spare time, freedom from pressing business." Since everyone has different occupations and work is essential to supplying personal and family needs, the excess time varies greatly between individuals. Many may argue, perhaps justifiably, that when they have attended to their families' or employers' wishes, there is simply no time left. Others may have such spare time, but no physical energy to do anything they would think of as being constructive.

In the Western world, machines be they computers, vehicles or tools tend to do the work. Even entertainment comes to us created by others, so we need only sit back and enjoy what someone has done for us. In a certain sense, as efficient as it is, it creates a generation of humans who do not get enough exercise and who have had their individual creativity stifled. This may be an overly severe criticism, however, if it is correct then we can start structuring our leisure time accordingly.

With regard to physical exercise, I have found that even being in a non-competitive sport some of the benefits were toning of the body and an increased energy level, plus meeting new friends and acquaintances interested in the same sport. Of course meeting new people gives us the opportunity of spreading our 'salt' in a new area. If physical exercise and sports are not your particular interest, then evening classes in an interesting subject might be enjoyable.

While on the mission field, without the constant distraction of television, we had to find other ways of occupying time. Yes, I have actually been able to rediscover books. Television and the corner video store have left us little time to explore the wealth of information available on the printed page.

There are certainly numerous ways to fill leisure time. Another possibility is that of a volunteer worker, perhaps on a mission project locally or even overseas. In the latter instance, tradespeople, accountants, computer operators, etc., can all find niches. To the individual who has no leisure time, we could question the use of his/her time. Perhaps you could find yourself challenged by making time for another area of interest. After all, God does not want us to just develop financially or in any other single area.

Leisure and how we enjoy it can be very constructive to our personal, physical and spiritual development. Let each of us be good stewards of our time, abilities and resources in this respect.

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