Using Leisure Time Well - Part 1

This is a series from the Reformation Heritage Study Bible. I used one of these in the past concerning "Coping with Criticism." This series is on how we approach our free time. I often think that I'm wasting time when I'm not working or doing chores, or watching TV, or reading...or doing nothing. I feel guilty. Maybe I am wasting time, but there may be other times when it's ok to rest and "waste time." This series will shine some light on the subject and offer a biblical perspective.

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Most people never have enough leisure time. They view work as a necessary evil to earn enough money to do what they want to do in their free time. They live for the evenings, weekends, and vacation. The recreation and entertainment industries love these people. Then there are others who feel guilty when they are not working. After all, God's Word says we are to "labour" six days and redeem every moment (Ex. 20:9; Eph. 5:16). Where are you in the spectrum between these poles? Neither of these extremes is biblical. Work is not a necessary evil but a God-given calling (Gen 2:15); leisure time is not from the evil one, but a God-given gift (Eccl. 3:13; 5:18-19; 9:9).

We'll look at some purposes for leisure in the next posts.