A few weeks ago, I found myself talking to someone who was describing to me a conversation that she had with a relative. The part that stood out to me was on the concept of “fun” and the lack thereof in leading a Christian lifestyle. I’m of the thought that “fun” is a subjective term. In other words, what’s fun to me might be torture to you, and vice versa. I know people who find working out to be fun. I may do it five mornings a week, but fun never seems to come to mind. According to Webster’s Dictionary, fun is “what provides amusement or enjoyment; specifically: playful often boisterous action or speech.” While I was heartbroken at the idea that the Christian life isn’t a fun life, I understood it too.
A good deal of people (Christians included) have a lot of preconceived notions about exactly what the Christian lifestyle looks like. In fact, the word legalistic comes to mind. Right now, I’m envisioning a long to-do checklist (follow the Ten Commandments to a T, don’t drink, don’t go to parties, don’t watch TV, pray, read the bible, go to church, always have a positive outlook, say grace, etc.).
Over the last couple of years, it has come to my attention that God has been doing some pruning in my life. I’d be lying if I said I always found it enjoyable. I will never forget the New Year’s Eve sermon my pastor did where he preached about God beginning to make us so uncomfortable in some places in our lives, that we wouldn’t be able to remain there. I began to see that happening in my life. Perhaps you’re thinking it was simply because I was getting older, and our likes and dislikes naturally change over time. That’s true, but I could feel within me that this was more than just simple aging. Things that use to be fun and amusing to me simply weren’t anymore. These were things that use to bring me great pleasure. I was confused. My idea of fun was changing.
Let’s explore some biblical truths…
- Nowhere in the bible does God call us to a fun-filled life. Jesus calls us to follow him, and God’s Word tells us that just as Jesus was persecuted, we as his followers will be too (John 15:18). I’ve had people make smart comments because of choices that I have made to do or not to do things. It wasn’t fun, but it was worth it. Having our friends’ approval feels good, but having God’s approval IS good. There’s a huge difference, and we can be sure that what we do for God is not in vain (1Corinthians 15:58).
- When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus gave a two-pronged answer (Matthew 22:37-40):
- You shall love the LORD your God will all your heart, with all your soul, and with all our mind
- You shall love your neighbor as yourself
- As previously mentioned, a life honoring of God is a life that loves others. As such, we must remember that what we do isn’t just about us; it’s about those around us too (1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33). As soon as you proclaim to be a Christian, people begin watching you to see if your actions line up with what they think they know about the Word of God. So, while things may be permissible for us, they may not be helpful if it leads the other person to begin looking at Christ in a negative manner or it causes them to slip in their own walk.
- As Christians, ALL that we do is to be done in God’s name (Colossians 3:17). All our activities should be pleasing to God, even in our relaxation and fun. Does this mean that we read the bible 24/7? No. But we do need to keep in mind that God knows and sees all. In other words, He’s with us everywhere we go and in everything we do.
- Our bodies aren’t our own. We were actually bought with a price- the ultimate price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we give ourselves over to this fact, God’s Holy Spirit is able to take residence in us. At that point, something amazing happens: We are controlled by this Spirit (Romans 8:9). The key is for us to die to ourselves and allow the Spirit to live.
While being a Christian does carry great responsibility, it doesn’t mean that we necessarily have to give up the things we enjoy. Take a cooking class, meet up with friends for coffee, go to a concert, read a book, join a fellowship group at church, take a trip…. Enjoy the life that God has given you, and let your light shine so that the people beside you can see Jesus. Your words have power, and your actions do too!
