Christian Attitudes to Leisure

• Visiting family and friends
• Beer drinking
• Watching sports and TV

Biblical Principle of Rest

• Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, setting an example for humans to follow.
• Exodus 20:8-11 and Exodus 23:12 – God commands rest on the Sabbath day as part of the creation plan.
• Mark 6:31 – Jesus advised His disciples to rest after a period of work.

Leisure in the Bible Was Used For:

• Rest, recreation, and refreshment (Exodus 20:11, Exodus 23:12, Mark 6:31)
• Praising and worshiping God (Luke 4:16, Isaiah 58:14, Psalm 92)
• Meeting friends and relaxing with the family (Mark 6:30-32)
• Rest and renewal – (John 4:6-34)

Christian Leisure Time

• 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – Christians should avoid activities that harm the body or lead to sin.
• Avoiding Indecent Activities: (1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:15-20)
• Controlled by God’s Will: Christians must use leisure time in ways that honor God. (1 Peter 4:2-5)
• Fruit of the Spirit: Leisure activities should reflect the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-24)

Proposed Plan for Christian Leisure

• Isaiah 58:13-14 – Christians should rest and enjoy leisure, but also be mindful of God's will for them in using their time.
• Leisure Time Accountability: Christians should remember that all time is given by God, and they are accountable to Him for how they use it.
• Helping Others: Leisure time can be used for serving others, helping the needy and the sick.

Difficult Situations in Leisure

• Should a Christian refuse to attend prep on a Saturday or Sunday (Sabbath)? Christians must consider their responsibility to honor the Sabbath and rest, while balancing other commitments.
• Should a Christian who is a footballer play games on Sundays? The decision to play should be considered prayerfully, weighing both the need for rest and the opportunity to serve or rest on the Sabbath.

Zambian Tradition

• In traditional Zambian society, there was no specific day of rest, but everyday tasks were part of daily life.
• Children’s Play: Children’s leisure activities were often informal, like pretending to be fathers or mothers, cooking, or keeping a house. These activities taught important life skills.

Hinduism

• Leisure typically occurs outside of working hours and especially on weekends.
• Sunday does not have religious significance in Hinduism, but it is still a time for rest and leisure.

Islam

• Leisure Time: Leisure occurs outside working hours, and Friday is a day for prayer and worship.
• Health and Fitness: Islam encourages physical fitness and good health. Time is spent in sports and visiting friends.
• Prohibited Activities: In Islam, activities like beer drinking and watching immoral cinema are forbidden.

Zambian Tradition

• In traditional Zambian society, there was no specific day of rest, but everyday tasks were part of daily life.
• Children’s Play: Children’s leisure activities were often informal, like pretending to be fathers or mothers, cooking, or keeping a house. These activities taught important life skills.

Hinduism

• Leisure typically occurs outside of working hours and especially on weekends.
• Sunday does not have religious significance in Hinduism, but it is still a time for rest and leisure.

Islam

• Leisure Time: Leisure occurs outside working hours, and Friday is a day for prayer and worship.
• Health and Fitness: Islam encourages physical fitness and good health. Time is spent in sports and visiting friends.
• Prohibited Activities: In Islam, activities like beer drinking and watching immoral cinema are forbidden.