A Biblical Understanding of Leisure, pt 2

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Point Two: The sinful temptation of leisure

• To idolize leisure - leisure and pleasure become ends in themselves
• Ecclesiastes 2:1-2
• Leisure becomes idolatry when it absorbs the time, affections, and resources that belong to God and his purposes.
• To neglect leisure - for the pursuit of work and acquisition
• A root is self-sufficiency; "my success depends solely on myself." God is completely left out of the equation. To leave nothing to chance is actually to leave nothing to God.
• Rest reflects a trust in God. This can be a particular temptation to mothers who incessantly serve their families but can neglect rest and refreshment. It's a particular temptation when what you are doing is commanded by God. Nothing is more noble, but you must be alert to the dangers of self-sufficiency. When everything is on your shoulders so you neglect rest, you are sinning - depending on yourself and not receiving the grace of God.
• To waste it.
• Laziness is a sin. Leisure is not a sin.
• Empty, sinful pursuits can disguise themselves as leisure.
• Leisure is not "vegging out."

photo: Conestoga House and Gardens, 2010