Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/90

Contributor - Bob Wing

Title - Faithful Stewards

Topic - Leisure

Summer is here! Free time! Holidays! What a pleasant surge of excitement to imagine all the possible things we can do to enjoy our summer ... playing catch with one of the nephews, visiting some relatives far away, bicycling around the park with a friend, or simply spending a quiet afternoon in the garden. Our technological society certainly has given us a lot of free time, as well as an awesome, gourmet menu of recreational opportunities to choose from. Unfortunately, most of us are not very well-equipped to respond wisely to those tempting and attractive invitations. Besides, is it good stewardship to spend our time, talents, and treasures on activities that are fun, but not at all productive? Doesn't too much free time make a person lazy? What does the Bible say about leisure?

Leisure is basically the free time (from work) to do what you want to do, or the actual doing of an enjoyable activity (if it's not enjoyable, it's not leisure!) Although the word "leisure" is not used in the Bible, the concept of the sabbath rest is very close to it. Its function is for refreshment, restoration, and enjoyment, as a counter-balance to work. The Book of Genesis speaks of work and rest together, as if they were flip sides of a coin:

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Genesis 2:2-3.

As creation ordinances, work and rest (leisure) are good. In fact, God requires us to pursue them diligently; not one or the other, but both. God wants us to work heartily and to "play" heartily ". . . as unto the Lord!" We must strive to find and keep a healthy balance between our work and our leisure, or we will find ourselves in trouble. Both work and leisure (rest) can be, and are, at times abused. An over-zealous Protestant work ethic has sometimes fuelled workaholism and burnout, yet neither are laziness and hedonism honouring to God. And neither are any of these where real satisfaction can be found.

So then, how do we decide which movies to go to?.. cartoons or T.V. shows to watch? Is it really a good idea to have a television in our home? Do our leisure activities tend to promote (or discourage) family unity and togetherness? How much money should we budget for our summer vacation? How can we keep a good balance?

There are many factors involved when considering how to be a faithful steward in the choices we make. With many issues of Christian life and conduct, God has not given us a three-point set of rules to follow. He has given us something far superior than that. He has given us the mind of Christ. He has given us His Word. He has given us the Spirit of power and love. Rather than charting out our every step for us, He has given us both the freedom and the ability to exercise His gifts in us by Christ's authority, ultimately to tear down strongholds, win victories and advance His Kingdom. In the meantime, consider the lilies ....

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