NWR question

MyWedding13

Do any of you ever wonder why we are here if our lives on earth are just temporary? I have been feeling guilty lately about having hobbies and interests that are not related to God and serving Him? Please help, I am in a funk

iamjoesgurl

Yes, I sometimes struggle with that.  I'm not always the best steward of my time and talents.  That makes me feel guilty.  We are here for a reason, that's for sure.  This is such a dark and evil world we live in and our light is needed.  Be encouraged.

 

Proverbs 2:7

7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless

 

Psalm 5:12

12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 9:9

9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 42:5-6

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God.

 

Proverbs 16:3

 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

 

Isaiah 30:18

18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

 

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Lamentations 3:25 

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

 

Habakkuk 3:19

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

 

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

Philippians 4:8

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

 

JoyMatt424

Joesgirl - those are great verses. And it's funny but I have been feeling this way with wedding planning - like am I wasting my time when I go to pick out something as small as "shoes"? I would encourage you to spend more time with God in the moments where you would be doing something for yourself instead, sounds like you need some good quality time with Him.

rachelea

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_christian-weddings_nwr-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:464687ae-7bc1-4360-9aea-999e11f1e1adDiscussion:fa601b4e-7f6c-4a58-92a8-3d112710a5e9Post:c6e7fbbe-89f2-4887-adb5-09b3d3315a66">NWR question</a>:
[QUOTE]I have been feeling guilty lately about having hobbies and interests that are not related to God and serving Him?
Posted by MyWedding13[/QUOTE]

There is nothing wrong with doing things that aren't related to God as long as they do not interfere with our work for God and our time with him and of course, do not go against God. He created this world for us to enjoy it. He created us with talents and desires for things that aren't directly God-related, but by exercising our enjoyment in these activities, we actually are praising God for making us unique. Think of the Sabbath, for example. This was a day created for rest; however I remember someone once in a lesson saying rest is necessarily going to make people happy...it is a day to spend enjoying life, doing the things you like and enjoy!

azdancer8

We're here to evangelize, to "make disciples", because that is the ONE thing that we can do here to glorify God that we can't do in Heaven someday. But evangelism doesn't just mean going door to door or handing out tracts, etc. It's also in our interactions with other people. That INCLUDES our hobbies and interests. The people we meet while living our lives get glimpses of who we are and what makes us special. If we form relationships with them, then we can share our light with them more readily. And a wedding is a GREAT time to share about God and His purpose for marriage. It's like our lives here are our "engagement" to Christ, and when we get to Heaven (or Jesus returns), it is our "marriage" to him - making the church truly the "Bride of Christ". (I know, I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but it was neat to type it out.)

megan.short

I definitely agree with those that have posted in response already. I think that God truly desires for us to use our gifts, talents, interests and abilities to serve Him no matter what they are. He's given us interests and desires for a purpose and although it may not always seem like we are using them directly for Him, He wants us to conduct ourselves in a way that brings glory to His name. I play soccer in college and our coach is continually reminding us that each time we step onto the field it is transformed into an altar where we are able to offer our gifts to God. Make each opportunity and platform in your life as an altar to offer your gifts to God. Nothing is too small. Sometimes it's hard to see that, but God has given these things that we might impact others and return glory to Him. So keep enjoying your hobbies and interests and seek to find small and simple ways to honor Him through it all.