Are hobbies worldly?

[Sarahhh]

The Bible tells us not to love the world or the things of the world. But how far does this go? Sometimes things can easily turn idols. Is it bad to have hobbies outside of God?

 

[Sarahhh]

.

 

[Petros2015]

'hobbies' is a pretty big category. If your hobby is painting, you are improving a skill. If your hobby is bird watching, you might find an increasing appreciation for the nature God created. If your hobby is drinking, you might be a drunk. I think in general, we are children of a Creator, so if you are creating things, you probably aren't going too far wrong.

 

[*LILAC]

Depends on the hobby but generally, I don't think so or I'm in big trouble.

 

[Moonrise Lu]

Depends on what the hobby is, definitely. And we shouldn't put other things before God. So as long as you keep God before those hobbies, you should be fine. Remember, God put us on this earth and gave us the ability to create and enjoy, so hobbies in and of themselves aren't "wrong."

If you're ever in doubt about a particular hobby, or feel you are focused too much on it, pray about it. Let's say the hobby is video games taking up your whole evening, or you skip church/personal devotions to work on a big house project, perhaps you should consider "fasting" from that activity for a certain amount of time to refocus on God.

 

[RaymondG]

Dedicating this time to the discussion of what we do in the flesh, is the thing that is worldly. Those who walk after the spirit, no longer mind the things of the flesh....and therefore have more time to dwell on things of the spirit. Stand therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free, and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage.....

 

[timewerx]

You'll have to read the rest of the books of St. John in the Bible why we should not love the things of this world.

Basically, St. John is saying, if you love the things of this world, you won't have the resources nor the time to help our brothers and sisters in need.

Concerning this topic, it probably means you should only spend little time and money with hobbies and devote your time and money to more useful things. Especially things concerning others, not just self and close family members.

 

[Hearingheart]

You'll have to read the rest of the books of St. John in the Bible why we should not love the things of this world.

Basically, St. John is saying, if you love the things of this world, you won't have the resources nor the time to help our brothers and sisters in need.

Concerning this topic, it probably means you should only spend little time and money with hobbies and devote your time and money to more useful things. Especially things concerning others, not just self and close family members.

Hobbies can also be a way to minister to others. It's when that love overshadows our love of God that is gets to be problem.
What would you call useful things?

 

[timewerx]

Hobbies can also be a way to minister to others. It's when that love overshadows our love of God that is gets to be problem.
What would you call useful things?

That is a very popular interpretion of not loving worldly things.

I think most Christians believe it means we can still love the the things of this world as long as we love God more.

Useful things mean can be potentially used to help our brothers and sisters in need.

Ministering is useful but we also cannot ignore the plight of our brothers and sisters in need.

 

[Hearingheart]

"I think most Christians believe it means we can still love the the things of this world as long as we love God more."

That's not what I'm saying. One cannot love hobbies/talents/abilities more than God. If God asks us to lay aside those things, we should be able to do it without question.

"Useful things mean can be potentially used to help our brothers and sisters in need."

I use my art and music to minister to those in need. That's not useful?

Ministering is useful but we also cannot ignore the plight of our brothers and sisters in need.

I guess I'm not getting your definition of need...., physical needs, spiritual needs? Any ministry can be useful for those in need.

 

[Hearingheart]

The Bible tells us not to love the world or the things of the world. But how far does this go? Sometimes things can easily turn idols. Is it bad to have hobbies outside of God?

In everything you do, honor God. If you are a follower of Christ, everything you are and do belongs to Him. That includes talents, abilities, hobbies.
If your hobbies are taking so much time and money that you are unable to serve or minister to others, you may want to rethink and pray. Ask God to show you how to use your hobbies to glorify Him.

 

[Not me]

The Bible tells us not to love the world or the things of the world. But how far does this go? Sometimes things can easily turn idols. Is it bad to have hobbies outside of God?

My thoughts are, as long as whatever your into/doing doesn’t upset the “peace of Christ” in your heart you are “ok”. When God has a issue with what your doing He has a way of bringing it to your attention. At least in my walk with Him this is how He has/is dealing with me.

Much love in Christ, Not me

 

[Sketcher]

It's not bad to have hobbies. It is bad to have hobbies that are sinful or unhealthy.

 

[timewerx]

One cannot love hobbies/talents/abilities more than God.

Ermmm... That's about the same thing I said, you simply rephrased it.

Yes, that is the popular belief - Love God more than hobbies. Emphasis on the word "more". It means we can love our hobbies as long as we love God more.

I use my art and music to minister to those in need. That's not useful?

I think that is useful since many people respond well to art and music and it's not an expensive hobby.

I guess I'm not getting your definition of need...., physical needs, spiritual needs? Any ministry can be useful for those in need.

I meant our brothers and sisters in Christ - people who are already saved.

More in the context of physical needs. We could have done more to help our brothers and sisters in need.... It's a problem I often see among Christians, they always look for the easy (or simple) life. Wasting a lot of time for themselves they could have used to help our brothers and sisters in need.

The books of St. John (1-3 John) are an important reading. It brings clarity on what we should do with material things and wealth and time. It also brings the right context to Luke 16:13.

 

[LoricaLady]

The Bible tells us not to love the world or the things of the world. But how far does this go? Sometimes things can easily turn idols. Is it bad to have hobbies outside of God?

Well, yes, hobbies could become idols. Anything can become an idol.

Hobbies can actually be glorifying to the Lord. For example you can do paintings with Biblical themes (I do) and maybe even cards that you send to others. You can make things for others through crocheting, cooking, whatever.

Cooking is a great hobby if it is done in a way that helps you to be healthy and therefore more productive for service in the world, and helps you to have a family that is also very healthy.

Exercise can be a great hobby ditto.

If you feel a hobby is becoming an idol, turn that over to the Lord in prayer and ask Him what HE wants you to do.

 

[lastofall]

We are subject to all things in this world, but let us not be brought under the power of any.
We may watch some TV, or look at our hand held device, or play a sport, or other things: but we must not allow ourselves to be brought under the power of any of them; that is, we should never reach the point of supposing a hobby is important or as if it is somehow a priority; Nay rather any thing in this world should be to us which believe as something we can easily turn away from at any time.