Christians Can Have Fun

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 NLT

Over the weekend, WBBM NEWSRADIO published a story about a runner with a passion for running for people who have disabilities. At 71 years old, Peter Kline of Washington state has run more than 100 marathons. But his biggest accomplishment, he says, are the races he's completed with rider athletes. "Many times, they don't get to do things, they aren't included, they're looked on differently,” Kline told WBBM Newsradio. “So, for them to get out there and get the adulation of running with a crowd, it's just a tremendous experience.” This year, Kline will be running the Chicago Marathon with friend and rider athlete Peter Ruiz, 40, a Chicagoan who has spina bifida. It will be their third Chicago Marathon together, Kline said. "It's never a matter of, ‘Are Peter and I gonna be able to finish the race?’” he said. “But it's always the challenge of doing it and having fun doing it.“

And you know, when it comes to having fun, many people think that being a Christian means that you can’t or don’t ever have any fun. But let me tell you, nothing could be further from the truth! Since accepting Jesus as my Savior, I’ve never had more fun in my life. You see, contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn’t say, “Thou shalt have no fun.” But it does say, “whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” That means the fun that believers have should always honor the Lord. Coarse talk should be replaced by edifying words and our activities should always cause us to say “thank You God” because they are good things that bring us pleasure but avoid sin and the ways of the world. 

So by all means look for ways to have fun my friend— remembering that the boundaries God established for us to do so will always be for our good and for His glory. Christians should be known for their service and hard work but also for their love and laughter—something that causes the lost to seek out the One who inspires it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to have fun as we serve You on our journey from this life to the next. Help us to remember that the way we spend our leisure time should always show that we are Your representatives Lord so that we would spend it wisely. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!