Does God care how we spend our free time (as long as we aren't doing anything wrong)? I enjoy relaxing and getting away after a hard day at work, but sometimes I wonder if God doesn't approve. — C.N.
It's wrong to think God doesn't want us to enjoy ourselves or that His goal is to make us miserable! Some people imagine God must be like that, but it simply isn't true. The Bible says, "no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).
Jesus' first miracle was performed at a wedding—a joyous and happy occasion (see John 2:1-11). From time to time, He also attended banquets or other social events, often as the guest of honor. After pondering the human condition, the writer of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament stated, "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God" (Ecclesiastes 2:24).
God knows that we need times of rest and recreation. In fact, God said one day out of seven should be a day of rest (as well as worship). One of the Ten Commandments says, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work" (Exodus 20:9-10). As long as we aren't neglecting our responsibilities or doing something wrong, then recreation and rest have a place.
Don't misunderstand me, however. God didn't put us here just to have a good time—not at all. He put us here for a purpose, and that purpose is to live for Christ and share His love with others. Are you seeking God's will for your life every day?
PRIVACY
