We need a theology of play

Posted byoakhillcrossvillePosted inUncategorized
Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Selfcare”

Our Bible verse for today: “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1;4 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “We need a theology of play”

The word theology refers to the study of God and His relation to the world – what is true about Him, how we interact with Him, and how we practice our faith.

The term theology can be used in a broad sense to describe our complete understanding of our faith and practice, but it also applies in a more narrow and focused manner to individual beliefs and practices. Therefore, we have a theology of worship, and a theology of prayer, study, stewardship, service, etc. We also have a theology of work, in that we are to approach our labor as ordained by God and ultimately as an act of service to Him.

In that vein, we should also have a theology of play. As Solomon teaches in Ecclesiastes chapter three there is a God-ordained time for everything under heaven. That would include our times of recreation and play. But do we think of our times of recreation and play as being ordained by God and as a gift from Him? Usually not. In fact, I submit that we are more likely to feel a little guilty about such times, as if we’re stealing time from other more important things and neglecting higher priorities to goof-off on the golf course or lake.

In his wonderful little book “The Christian at Play” Dr. Robert Johnson urges Christians to develop a theology to govern our times of playing and recreation. He maintains that it was God’s idea for us to carve out time for play and recreation and that doing so is a necessary element in maintaining a healthy life overall. The human person is a complex composite of the physical, mental/emotional, and the spiritual and we must be healthy in all those ways if we are to be living our best life – balanced and thriving. Times of play and recreation are an important part of that mix and therefore in the Bible, God gives us permission to play and we see examples of His people doing exactly that.

In the days to come we will consider what a personal theology of play would look like in actual practice. In the meantime, I encourage you to allow yourself some time today to do something fun.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville
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