Hobbies

I heard some advice recently about choosing a vocation. Three questions I was encouraged to ask were: (1) "Is it in line with God's plan?" (2) "Do I like it?" and (3) "Am I good at it?" I've noticed that these three questions are helpful in discerning decisions with temporary ramifications as well. It can be difficult to figure out God's plan sometimes and I'm not at all an expert. A few ways I've been able to figure out if something is part of God's plan for my own life are through prayer and listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance, inspiration in scripture, and something as simple (yet powerful) as looking to see if the door remains open throughout my time of prayer and processing. Obviously whatever way we end up spending our lives should be moreover enjoyable and fulfilling (aside from the everyday difficulties and annoyances of course.) We also should be skilled or talented enough in that area to where we can do a good job and make an impact in the field. 

The latter two are sometimes neglected when I see blogs about choosing a path to pursue. Really, liking something and being good at something tend to go hand in hand. The more we like something, the more we tend to practice it, and the more skilled we become. This is why I think hobbies can be important in our spiritual lives. The things we are good at, no matter how insignificant they might seem, can be used for God's purposes. 

Writing, making music and taking pictures are a few of my hobbies, and they are definitely tools that can be used by God. This blog is an obvious example. Group hobbies like sports can also be a medium through which the gospel can be shared. My church from home hosts sports and art camps where people come to refine their skills but end up getting a solid dose of Jesus as well. We can also work for God's purpose in the ways we represent ourselves. Gracious losers and humble winners in competitions are sometimes hard to come by, and we can make a statement as Christians in that way.

Below are a few ways that we can use our hobbies to impact the world for Christ. 

If you like...

• Cooking - Volunteer at a soup kitchen, host a dinner for men or women from your church, or lead prayer before a delicious home-cooked meal with your potentially non-believing friends.
• Writing - Host a blog, write about important social issues, or share your worldview through writing.
• Music - Serve as a worship leader, perform praise music in public, or write encouraging music.
• Sewing - Donate clothing for the homeless, or make pillows/quilts with encouraging messages.
• Team sports - Volunteer with at-risk kids, or work as a coach for young people, encouraging them in righteousness. You could also host a mini tournament at your church, drawing people to engage with other believers and build relationships.
• Art - Communicate sacred concepts through art work, help teach others while sharing the gospel, donate your work to your church or a christian organization to help make the area beautiful, or volunteer at a youth program, helping teach kids how to make art.
• Gardening - Donate a portion of your crop to a food pantry or soup kitchen, volunteer at a community garden, or offer to help your neighbors with theirs.
• Shopping - Donate old items to a fundraiser, host a clothing swap at your church, or sell items to raise money for an important cause.
• Running - Host a race to raise awareness or money for an important cause, or invite someone for a jog, starting a good conversation along the route.

No matter what your hobby is, it can be a great way to engage with other people in a meaningful way, sharing life with our brothers and sisters. Most hobbies can be used to directly impact the kingdom, and it's only a matter of using your brain (or sometimes combining a few brains) to come up with a way to make a difference. Our hobbies are gifts, and if we steward them well, they can be used for good in the world. Even if you're not an expert, you can make a difference!