IS IT UN-CHRISTIAN TO HAVE FUN?

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 8:15.

If you asked a group of random non-believers to describe church, the word “boring” would probably be used at least a few times. You can understand the response because many people believe the urban myth that Christians are supposed to be pious and solemn; in other words, lackluster, uninteresting, unexciting, and unfun.

It’s easy to find reinforcement for that way of thinking when reading the Bible. 1 Peter 4, for example, portrays the Christian life as one of suffering and seriousness, seemingly leaving no room for laughter and fun.

If you visit a church’s website and navigate to the core values section, you will find things like faith, service, love, worship, discipleship, community, evangelism, and stewardship, among others. You probably will not find a church that lists fun. So what about fun? Is there anything wrong with having fun at church? The short answer is no.

God doesn’t intend for His followers to be somber all the time. Joy is one of the distinguishing marks of a Christian. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). While joy is more profound and greater than simple fun, it certainly includes fun.

Some Christians view fun with a wary gaze, unsure of where it might lead. Others view it as an opportunity to honor God and show the world that following Jesus is thrilling and exciting. We should value fun as a tool God has given us for our enjoyment and as a way to draw people into the community of believers.

Since we want our lives to reflect Jesus, the logical question is, did Jesus have fun? Max Lucado had this to say about the subject: “Jesus was no stranger to joy. He went to weddings. He shared lively meals with His friends. He drank with them. He had so much fun and acted so freely around the dinner table that the uptight religious leaders called Him a glutton and a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). He didn’t worry about what would happen to His reputation when He hung out with people whom others thought were shady. He was always uninhibited in His pursuit of compassion and joy for others.

If you spend a few moments in the Students’ ministry, you will quickly conclude that they get it. They have fun. Yes, they engage in worship, prayer, scripture reading, and reverence. Our students participate in them with smiles on their faces, loud clapping, laughter, and a genuine sense of community. God is honored by their fun.

Having fun that honors God involves engaging in activities that align with Christian values, such as showing kindness, practicing gratitude, and building positive relationships. It’s about finding joy in God.

Discussion Questions:

What does “fun” mean to you personally, and what activities typically bring you joy?
How does the Bible portray joy and fun? Can you think of specific examples?
In what ways does your faith influence how you experience and engage in fun activities?