Chapter 3: What is Recreation?

Recreation is often misunderstood in our culture. At its core, recreation means the refreshment of strength and spirits after work. This definition is important because it contains a key qualifier: after work. Recreation is not the same as restlessness or laziness—it is a reward that follows the labor of purpose, not a substitute for it.

The word refreshment is also central. It implies that our recreational activities should restore us—mentally, emotionally, and physically. True recreation doesn’t drain us or demand suffering. It isn’t arduous or sacrificial in nature. Instead, it should prepare us for further purpose, especially in our spiritual and vocational lives.

God Himself instituted rest in the creation story. “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest” (Exodus 23:12). Rest and recreation are gifts, woven into the rhythm of creation—not to replace the journey of sanctification, but to sustain it. Recreation is not part of the cross we are called to carry; rather, it’s a pause from the cross, a moment to breathe before continuing onward.

However, in affluent cultures, we often distort this balance. Recreation, meant to be refreshing, begins to dominate our daily lives. Overconsumption dulls our appetite for what is difficult and worthy. We start to avoid challenge, and slowly, this avoidance erodes our relationships, work ethic, and willingness to pursue Christian holiness.

Many tie recreation to fun, and that’s often true. But problems arise when we blur the lines between recreation and the pursuit of excellence. While the two may occasionally overlap, they are not the same. For example, marriage includes recreation and fun, but it is, above all, a pursuit of excellence that demands daily sacrifice. If we mistakenly view marriage as recreation, we’ll be tempted to abandon it when it stops being easy or entertaining.

Since the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:14–24), God has made it clear that work would be hard—and that’s part of His redemptive plan. In sports, we learn this. Through effort, discipline, and difficulty, we are formed. Recreation has its place, but it must stay in its proper column—always serving, never replacing, the deeper calling to excellence and holiness.