The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or command Christians to have hobbies. However, there are some principles and examples in Scripture that can guide Christians in thinking about whether they should have hobbies and how to engage in them in a God-honoring way.
Our Time Belongs to God
As Christians, we acknowledge that our time on earth belongs to God and we are called to be good stewards of the time He has given us (Psalm 90:12, Ephesians 5:15-17). While hobbies can be a fun and relaxing way to spend free time, we should be careful not to let them become idols that consume too much of our energy and resources. Our top priority should be pursuing God and living on mission for Him.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Asking how a hobby can glorify God and serve others is a helpful litmus test of whether it has a right place in our lives. If a hobby becomes compulsive or keeps us from fulfilling important responsibilities, it may be better to cut back or eliminate it.
Examples of Godly Men and Women with Hobbies
There are several examples in the Bible of godly men and women who likely had interests and skills besides their main vocations. These give us a model for how to engage in hobbies and diversions in a wise way:
- The Proverbs 31 woman had many skills and interests in addition to her roles as a wife and mother, including sewing, gardening, managing servants, buying and selling land, and more (Proverbs 31:10-31).
- David was gifted musically and wrote many Psalms in addition to his primary roles as a shepherd and king (1 Samuel 16:23).
- Paul continued plying his trade as a tentmaker even as he traveled on missionary journeys (Acts 18:3).
- Jesus and his disciples fished, walked through fields, attended weddings, and participated in other everyday activities beyond formal ministry.
The key distinction is that these men and women did not allow their additional interests to distract from their devotion to God or their service to others.
Can Provide Balance and Rest
God designed the Sabbath day of rest because we need to regularly disengage from work (Exodus 20:8-11). Hobbies can be one way of finding rest and restoration when done in moderation. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us there is a season for everything under heaven – including “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 ESV). Hobbies like gardening, playing an instrument, or doing a favorite sport can refresh our spirits when we’ve been working hard.
However, beware of using hobbies to escape pressing duties. Some pastimes may also directly contradict Christian values by glorifying immoral or violent content.
Opportunities to Connect with Others
Shared hobbies and interests provide great opportunities for fellowship and building relationships with other Christians. Playing on a church softball team, singing in the choir, attending a book club, or volunteering together on a craft project are all ways to encourage and build up others in the Body of Christ.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4 ESV)
While there’s a time for solitude, Christians shouldn’t live isolated lives. Hobbies can provide natural contexts for community.
Using Talents and Interests for God
God gifts each of us with natural talents, passions, and interests. When directed with the right motives, hobbies can tap into the way God has uniquely created us for His glory.
A hobby like photography can praise God for His beautiful creation. Playing piano can lead worship at church. A love of writing can be used to create gospel-centered blogs, books, or greeting cards. Almost any hobby can honor the Lord when done with joyful and excellence as unto Him (Colossians 3:23-24).
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
Dangers of Hobbies Running Amok
While hobbies can absolutely have a place in the Christian walk, we also have to be mindful of potential dangers:
- Idolatry: If a hobby becomes more important than God in our hearts and minds, it has become an idol (Exodus 20:3). Ask yourself: Am I willing to miss church or small group to indulge in this activity? Does it distract me from prayer and time in God’s Word?
- Obsession: Some hobbies like video games, fantasy sports, or collectors items can easily turn into compulsive obsessions that consume our thoughts and resources. We should avoid anything that gains control over us (1 Corinthians 6:12).
- Isolation: Solo hobbies like coin collecting or book restoration can cause us to withdraw too much from personal interaction. Make sure to balance personal hobbies with fellowship opportunities.
- Laziness: Hobbies like watching TV or surfing online can easily feed escapism and laziness. Make sure leisure activities don’t prevent diligent work (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13).
- Anger: Competitive hobbies like sports or gambling open the door to anger, bitterness, or greed when done in excess. Know your spiritual weak points.
- Time Wasters: Hobbies should add meaning and refreshment to our lives, not just kill empty hours. Evaluate if a regular pastime is truly enriching or just filling space.
Questions to Ask About a Hobby
So how can you discern if a particular hobby has a place in your Christian walk? Here are some questions to prayerfully consider:
- Does this activity help me grow closer to God or distract me from Him?
- Does it refresh and restore my spirit or just waste time I could serve God or help others?
- Does this hobby feed any fleshly desires or behaviors the Bible condemns?
- Does it tap into my God-given talents and interests or merely entertain me?
- Am I using this hobby to connect with and edify others?
- Is this a healthy outlet for stress and balance in my life?
- Can I engage in this hobby to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)? Why or why not?
Asking these questions can help reveal if a hobby is a profitable use of your time and energy or something better to avoid. The answers may be different for each person and season of life.
Biblical Principles for Managing Hobbies
If you do choose to pursue a hobby as a Christian, here are some biblical principles to keep in mind:
- Keep God first. Don’t let hobbies crowd out time for the Lord.
- Be a good steward. Avoid wasting excess money or time on a hobby.
- Watch your heart. Don’t let it become a source of sinful passions.
- Use in moderation. Don’t become addicted or obsessive.
- Make sure it aligns with Christian values.
- Invite accountability. Have others speak into your hobby habits.
- Use to serve others. Find ways to benefit others through your hobbies.
- Balance with other priorities. Don’t neglect what matters most.
- Remember Sabbath rest. Take a break from hobbies regularly.
- Give thanks. Remember all good gifts come from God (James 1:17).
Hobbies Can Be a Healthy Part of a Christian Life
In summary, the Bible does not forbid Christians from having hobbies. Many biblical figures practiced trades and skills outside their main vocations. When pursued in moderation, with the right motives and safeguards, hobbies can be a healthy way to recharge, enjoy God’s gifts, and connect with others. The key is keeping our relationship with Christ first and asking if a hobby enhances our walk with God or distracts from it. With wisdom and discernment, hobbies can positively enrich a Christian’s life on earth.