“Make thy recreation servant to thy business, lest thou become a slave to thy recreation.” – Francis Quarles
The primary “business of every professed child of God should be so to live in this life as to spend eternity with God in that life which is to come. Yet, this all important business often takes second place to modern man’s recreation. This is particularly noticeable in the summertime. Attendance, interest, contributions have an embarrassing way of taking a proverbial nose-dive in the summer months.
Recreation is a necessity. It is extremely doubtful that any individual can have a completely healthy body or mind without seasons of recreation. Recreation is precisely what the word indicates – a means of recreating the used up forces of mind and body. Recreate means to create again, to renew. As a servant to minister to the well being of the mind and body, recreation is a great blessing. As a master to control our lives and actions, it is a great curse.
The amount of time, thought and money that professed Christians are devoting to recreation indicates unquestionably that it has ceased to be the servant in many lives and has become the master. Jesus warns in the parable of the sower against our allowing “the pleasures of this life” to choke out the “good seed.” Have you ever sat down with pencil and paper and compared with figures the amount of time, thought and money you dedicate to the Lord’s work as compared to the amount of time, thought and money that you dedicate to recreation? You should do this. We feel that to many this would bring an enlightenment and challenging experience.
As a side-line, recreation is a worthwhile activity. But, infringing upon the main-line, godliness, recreation becomes a snare and a curse.
– by James W. Adams,
via The Gospel Visitor, 8/8/1963
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Are You?
Are you one of those who has drifted out of attending Bible class? We are all creatures of habit, good or bad. Form good habits and good things can happen – and of course, vice versa (Gal. 6:7-9). Has it become a habit for YOU to ‘skip’ Bible study but come to worship? Which of the following fits you?
· I come to Bible study every once in a while. .
· I used to come but have quit.
· I don’t need to come. I know enough already.
· I don’t think it’s important.
· I really ought to come but I’m out of the habit.
· I really want to come, but just haven’t done it yet.
While you are pondering the categories let’s see if you disagree with or dismiss the following Biblical principles:
· Every Christian needs to grow. (2 Pet. 3:18)
· God’s word causes us to grow. (1 Pet. 2:2)
· In time we should be able to teach others. (Heb. 5:12-14)
· We should grow and help others grow by being together. (Heb. 10:24-25)
· We have personal responsibility to share with others of our time, influence, talents, and knowledge. (Eph. 4:16)
It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions – never completed. The road to heaven is paved with good intentions; immediate action. and consistent effort. Why not get on the right road now? Start attending Bible classes regularly! The soul you save may be your own.
– by John Clark