Recreation is defined this way. To recreate, create anew. The Christian's definition is not the world's definition. The world is unable to distinguish between recreation and dissipation. To the world recreation is synonomous with amusement. That is, whatever appeals to the eye, satitates the desires of the flesh, and contributes to popularity.
The Christian distinguishes between recreation and dissipation. Recreation is not always amusing. Amusement is not always recreational. Study is recreational, but not amusing. Lascivious literature is amusing, but not recreational. To the Christian,' recreation is not synonomous with amusement. A Christian is interested in that which builds spiritually, morally and physically.
The home is a recreational unit. It molds the immature personalities. It commands mature affection and loyalty. Many modern homes are not recreational units but many of the older homes were. The father organized farm activities. The mother supervised the household tasks. The children were definitely interested in the success of the home as an economic, educational and recreational unit. The older homes believed in hard work and frugal habits. It believed in practical education. The homes of years gone by were recreational in that they studied the Bible daily, prayed daily, enjoyed mealtime association, fireside discussions and group entertainments. The home should and must be a recreational unit.
It is not the duty of the church to furnish recreation but Christian fellowship, prayer, Bible study, singing, church meetings, etc. are recreational.
Christians also have other sources of recreation such as nature. Yes, we can go walking, travelling, and camping, Nature provides much recreation. Mental travel, good books such as geography, history, poetry, fiction etc., also with uplifting conversations is recreational. Bodily exercise such as swimming (not mixed bathing with both men and women), tennis, volleyball, softball, soccer, badminton, basketball, golf, horseshoes, table tennis, etc. provide good recreation under the right circumstances.
Choosing recreation for Christians is a great problem for some and should always employ our deepest consideration. There are not many iron clad rules that can be laid down, so therefore, we must consider certain principles honest answers and actions to these questions will keep our recreation right. [Doyle Banta, Decatur, Alabama]
Recreation is not a license to be lazy, but diligence is not a command to work until you drop. In fact, the biblical mandate is to rest and enjoy life as you work. It is about doing an honest day's work and appreciating play. It is about living within our means - not hoarding our wealth or pining for more, being driven by greed, but really focusing on a biblical quality of life.
[Extracted from LIVING Life Jan 2013]
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