Topical Encyclopedia
Recreation, in the context of the Bible, refers to activities that provide relaxation, enjoyment, and refreshment to the body and spirit. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "recreation" as a term, it provides principles and examples that guide believers in understanding the role of leisure and enjoyment in a godly life.
Biblical Principles of Recreation1.
Sabbath Rest: The concept of rest is foundational in Scripture, beginning with the creation account.
Genesis 2:2-3 states, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath was instituted as a day of rest and worship, emphasizing the importance of taking time to cease from labor and rejuvenate.
2.
Joy and Celebration: The Bible encourages joy and celebration as part of a balanced life.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 notes, "I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God." Celebrations such as feasts and festivals were integral to Israelite culture, providing opportunities for communal joy and remembrance of God's blessings.
3.
Physical Exercise: While the Bible does not focus extensively on physical exercise, it acknowledges the value of bodily discipline.
1 Timothy 4:8 states, "For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." This suggests that while physical activity is beneficial, spiritual growth holds greater eternal significance.
4.
Balance and Moderation: The Bible advocates for moderation in all things, including recreation.
Proverbs 25:16 advises, "If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up." This principle can be applied to leisure activities, encouraging believers to enjoy recreation without excess or neglect of responsibilities.
Examples of Recreation in Scripture·
David's Music: King David, known for his musical talents, often played the harp to soothe King Saul (
1 Samuel 16:23). Music served as a form of recreation and emotional relief, illustrating the therapeutic power of artistic expression.
·
Feasts and Festivals: The Israelites celebrated various feasts, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, which included elements of rest, worship, and communal enjoyment (Leviticus 23). These events provided structured times for recreation and spiritual reflection.
·
Jesus and Social Gatherings: Jesus participated in social gatherings, such as the wedding at Cana (
John 2:1-11), where He performed His first miracle. His presence at such events underscores the value of fellowship and joy in community settings.
Guidelines for Christian Recreation·
Glorifying God:
1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." Recreation should be pursued in a manner that honors God and aligns with Christian values.
·
Edification and Encouragement: Recreation should build up and encourage both the individual and the community.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds," which can be facilitated through wholesome recreational activities.
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Avoiding Idolatry: Believers are cautioned against allowing recreation to become an idol or a distraction from their relationship with God.
Exodus 20:3 commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me," reminding Christians to prioritize their devotion to God above all else.
In summary, while the Bible does not provide a detailed doctrine on recreation, it offers principles that guide believers in enjoying leisure activities in a way that honors God, promotes balance, and fosters community.
Topical Bible Verses
Genesis 1:22And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
5171. truphao -- to live luxuriously... made of marble, etc. They eventually became huge
recreation centers with an
adjoining gymnasium and library.]. Word Origin from truphe
...372. anapausis -- cessation, rest
... rest. From anapano; intermission; by implication,recreation -- rest. see GREEK
anapano. (anapausin) -- 5 Occurrences. 371, 372. anapausis. 373 ....
Library
SocialRecreation.
... VII. SOCIALRECREATION. DEFINED. The... Arecreation at a social gathering
literally makes a new being out of him. He is recreated. It...
Building for Community Service
... sufficient. Therecreation room should have stage, lantern slide, and moving
picture equipment, and a very simple provision for games....
The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
... Neither can there be to a man that delighteth in the Lord (Psal. xxxvii.4), any
greater delight orrecreation than the sanctifying of the Lord's day....
Meditation on God
... long, for business when you are busy, or for gossip when business is dull, and at
night you go home too tired and jaded for the wholesomerecreation of your...
The Older Boys' Conference or Congress
... 5:45Recreation, Seymour Collings, Physical Director, Toronto Central Young Men's
Christian Association.... 4:00 PMRecreation period in YMCA Building....
The Secondary Division or Teen Age Boys' Crusade
... of the Conference and Crusade, then appoint the following sub-committees: Program,
Printing and Advertising, Banquet, Registration,Recreation and Promotion....
The Noviceship
... later. After dinner there was an hour forrecreation, when the novices
walked and chatted in the garden or about the house. The...
The Costliness of Prayer
... We usually divide our day of twenty-four hours in this way,"eight hours for work;
eight hours for meals, and rest, andrecreation; and eight hours for sleep....
The Use of Philosophy to the Gnostic.
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book VI. Chapter XVIII."The Use of Philosophy
to the Gnostic. Greek philosophy therecreation of the Gnostic....
A Peal of Bells
... The day is to come when, not only war and the states shall be consecrated to Christ,
but even pleasure andrecreation shall become Holiness to the Lord....
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