Hobbies

This discussion will create controversy. My point is to get discussion going on.

So hobbies. I have plenty of them and most create now controversy like drawing, playing instruments, woodworking. All of those are pretty simple when related to following Jesus. Nothing special there.

But then I have one hobby that raises questions at times. Martial arts. I have been doing Karate for 6 years. I began it after I came to know Christ. In my journey this has contributed to growth of my character.

This is something that people wonder how it goes in line with being a Christian. First of all there is a lot of misunderstanding considering this subject.

In my opinion practicing martial arts is perfectly in line with my faith. It all really depends on how I use my skills. There is a lot of teachings in martial arts that are also found in the Bible. Practicing martial arts is a way to taking care of myself physically and learning self-defense skills. Point of my practice is never to use violence.

Why some Christians are actually thieves

Go and have discussion. Waiting forward what kind of reaction this will cause.

 

[Wendy]

Yoga is a sin against the Lord. It brings lots of devils into your house and then you cannot get rid of them unless you fast and pray daily for seven days and ask Jesus to cleanse your house. I know lots of Christians think this is not so, this hobby is so nice... they said. It will not hurt anyone. Wrong. Yoga comes from satan. It started in India with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It will never calm your spirit nor will give you rest to your soul. Martial arts? Do you want to fight against anyone using their ancient Chinese practice? Is this biblical? Did Jesus ever kick someone so they will repent and come to God?

 

[Namelesservant]

What comes to yoga I know its origins. And I don't practice it. And there are things that have spiritual things involved and they should not be practiced by Christians.

Martial arts. Well derive their origins from China but there are similar arts all over the world. Even Israelites have their own martial art.

As I said I don't practice for violence or to persuade someone using my skills. I practice for self-defense. As far as I know, the Bible never denied defending oneself.

As a form of philosophy, martial arts has surprisingly much in common with the Bible. Humility, striving for peace, and common respect even to the enemies.

Ever heard of Victor Marx. Google him.

 

[Steven Bobb]

It depends if you get into their spiritual beliefs. Like, in the Orient where it started they were into Buddhism, etc. So I would say, at least watch if the sensei tries to advise you to do certain positions and meditations before the physical part that come from ancient Oriental beliefs, or if upon research you find that it is a form of glorifying one of their false gods. The physical activity I don't find it threatening to Christian beliefs, but I myself would be on the lookout for any chants or positions that, upon researching it, would glorify false gods. That would be my viewpoint.

 

[Namelesservant]

Agree with you ###. There is a lot of spiritual beliefs and one must be aware when being in these circles.

But don't you see this also as an opportunity to reach people for Christ. In these circles I get chances to preach gospel to people who might not be reached otherwise. And I pray I get wisdom and courage to bring the message of gospel to the people I meet in those circles.

 

[Elmore]

Your hobbie and my hobbie above all things should be to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and to love others just as Jesus loved us. Sometimes our hobbie is reading our horoscope every morning. That is a sin. Being on live all day long without witnessing to your lost friends on line who are lost and need Jesus. Be aware of Jesus holy presence in whatever you do. He loves you and cares for you.

 

[Namelesservant]

Indeed in all our actions we need to seek and glorify the Lord. As for horoscopes we should keep away from them as they are a form of divination.

As my hobby of martial arts. There have been occasions where I have used my skill to protect people and to deal with aggressive behavior in calm and non-violent manner. In my line of work this calmness and skill to defense is needed. I am working on mental health care and substance abuse currently.

And this kind of people I also deal with in my civilian life. God has called me to be in places where there is seemingly no hope. But since he called me it has been clear he is with me and is going to do great things for his glory. And he is training me to have skills and character suited for the places where he will guide me.

Practicing martial arts has brought me better self-control. Better anger management and more calmness to deal with people.

As for my other hobbies. They will be used for the glory of the Lord as well.

 

[Coreen]

Find the hobbies you love like reading God's word, the entire Bible in one year. Hobbies that lift up Jesus above all things. Write what Jesus is doing in your life, your answered prayers and how God touches lost souls who come into your church. This will help you clear up your mind and will open up your soul to glorify the Lord. Run a mile.. say the doctor so your heart will be fit for a marathon. Swim as much as you can. Bike all the mountains you can find.

 

[BrotherStephen]

My hobbie today and forever shall be to love the Lord with all of my heart and to serve Him wherever He sends me. Amen

 

[Namelesservant]

I love my hobbies. And I believe that our personality and interests are given to us by God. Each one having our own distinct personality and hobbies.

As part of creation God gave each one of us our character, traits, and ability to learn certain skills easier than others aka; talent. But I prefer to use the word skill because everything can be practiced.

These traits and personalities are given to us for a reason. They are to glorify God. And through our distinct personality and interests, I can reach people some others can't. Same goes for all of you, you have some skills, characteristics, or interests that give you an advantage to reach certain groups or people I can never reach. This all is part of God's plan I believe.

So we should not be lazy in our hobbies.

From here I would expand this discussion into music and its various genres. Sometimes Christian people seem to be very judgmental towards certain genres or music and are really eager to say that certain kinds of music can't be used to glorify God. I find this odd when God in the end is the author of all music and art. He is the master artist and creator of everything. So why then do we people try to suppress him by saying that only some specific genres or styles of music can be used to glorify him?

Not everyone likes hymns, Hillsong, or traditional songs. I myself like metal/rock music and I listen to a lot of bands like For Today, Memphis May Fire, The Saving, etc. Some, well most of them, are theologically correct in their lyrics. And I always try to find lyrics in songs and research if they are theologically sound and in line with the Bible. Some of the lyrics can be really complex and require thought to understand.

I would even go so far as to say that some of the traditional hymns and songs are not theologically correct. But there can be people disagreeing with this.

Again: Why some Christians are thieves listen to this with thought.