by Jared Hardin

June 16, 2023

Most of us are familiar with the Bible’s discussion of spiritual gifts. If you’re not, let me introduce you to what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. ⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good … ¹² Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-14 NIV)

The Apostle’s point is this: every Christian has been gifted in different ways by the Holy Spirit and should use their gifts for the sake of the body of Christ, the church.

Most Christians read passages like this and think, “Well, there isn’t anything I’m very good at, so I’m not sure what my spiritual gifts are.” So they end up being spectators—country club members who enjoy their sense of belonging, pay their dues, and show up when they have time. This is not the Bible’s view of church membership.

While this article isn't about spiritual gifts specifically, the principle of commitment and service in the church remains the same.

“Let Us Consider”

Hebrews 10:24-25 is the famous “go to church” passage. Don’t neglect to meet together—that’s a biblical command, and we shouldn’t forget that. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the previous clause:

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…

My former pastor, Greg Gilbert, drew my attention to the significance of this verse in his recent article for 9Marks.org. Our contribution to the church needs to be considered. Christians ought to think intentionally and deliberately about how to stir up our brothers and sisters at church toward love and good deeds.

And one way we can make this can happen is by thinking more intentionally about our hobbies.

Hobbies for God’s Glory

I’ve never liked get-to-know-you questions. “What’s your favorite food?” “What kind of music do you listen to?” And of course, “What are your favorite hobbies?”

But it’s actually a very good question because we all have hobbies. We all spend our free time doing something that we enjoy, even if that “something” is just watching TV or reading a book. But what if we, in keeping with Hebrews 10:24, considered how to use our hobbies for the good of the church?

Here’s where things get really practical. Let’s say you enjoy graphic design or website development. I’ll venture to guess that your pastor would love to help steer your hobby toward serving the church with that interest of yours. Music? Of course. Writing? You bet. Basketball? Sure! Just get a group of guys together, get up and down the court for a while, and then do a short Bible study.

Consider how you can steer your hobbies in a more intentional way for the church’s good and God’s glory.

Listen Up, Parents

This is especially relevant for parents. Are you helping your child to cultivate useful hobbies and interests—talents that they can use to have fun, serve others, and get involved at church?

Let’s take things a step further and assume your child has shown some interest in music. Maybe they have a natural gift for picking up beats and melodies. Our church could always use more musicians. So get that child some guitar lessons! It may seem frustrating and useless at first, but music is one of the best hobbies, both for the individual and for the church.

Cultivate the mindset at a very early age that the things we enjoy can also be used for the benefit of others. Avoid the temptation to think of every hobby and interest as something to put on a college resume. If that’s your view of childhood and adolescence, you’re missing the big picture. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against his church (Matt. 16:18). He didn’t say that about any schools, teams, or clubs.

Conclusion

I often remind our congregation that we are all different from one another. And that’s a good thing. God designed the church that way. But we shouldn’t let our differences be merely passive variations of personality that only come out in conversation. Our differences should show up in how we spur one another on in a variety of ways. And one way to do that is to get a hobby and use it for the church.