What is a Christian view of hobbies?

what does the bible say?

A hobby is something we pursue or engage in apart from our regular occupation that is meant for enjoyment and/or relaxation. Certainly God promotes rest and there is nothing wrong with engaging in non-work related things for enjoyment. Along with considering hobbies that are not sinful, we also need to consider our attitude regarding the hobby. Hobbies can easily become an idol or something we feel like we deserve or are owed. Instead, hobbies must have their rightful place in our lives. We should glorify God with our hobbies and see them as gifts from Him.

from the old testament

Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 12–13 speak about enjoying what God has given us while remembering that there is a time and season for everything: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man." Hobbies, when kept in their rightful place, can be a God-given pleasure that enhances life, provided they do not distract us from God’s purposes.Using God-given talents and interests to create, work, or enjoy something like artistic things is meaningful, can bring God glory, and can impact others (Exodus 35:30–35).

from the new testament

Two primary Scriptures to guide our choices when pursuing a hobby are Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." First Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."The danger in pursuing hobbies with vigor is that we may create idols of them (1 John 5:21). We must check our motivations and also be cognizant of the end results of the things we pursue. Do our hobbies glorify God or ourselves? Are they a gift from God that we receive with thanksgiving? Or are we using them as an escape to avoid life and God?"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13). We are free in Christ, including being free to enjoy the good things in this world—but we must not allow our freedom to lead us into sin.Our main pursuit, in all things, should be our relationship with God. Our hobbies should not ensnare us and detract us from living out our faith (Hebrews 12:1–2).

implications for today

Hobbies can be a source of rest. In our hobbies we may sense God's delight, see His glory, or form meaningful connections with others. Alternately, hobbies may be something that cause us to elevate ourselves above Him or to look for in worldly things what only God can provide. With any hobby, we should ask whether it hinders or promotes our pursuit of Jesus. Do our hobbies set Him aside or obscure Him in our sight or in the sight of others? Or do they help us draw closer to Him and give Him praise? We must measure the fondness and the energies we apply to our hobbies against these weighty questions.

When we pursue hobbies, whether they be sports, crafts, video-gaming, photography, recreation, or another hobby, we can receive God's gift of rest and joy and connect with others. However, we can also elevate those pursuits and relationships above our relationship with God. Our aim must be to glorify God in all we do, show others His goodness, and build God-honoring relationships with those who also pursue such hobbies.