SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Psalm 96
Psalm 96:9

"O worship the LORD
in the beauty of holiness…"

SANCTIFIED SKILLS AND HOBBIES (2)

Human skills ought to be separated and dedicated to the Lord to belong to Him and to be used according to His will and for His glory. If you have a good voice to sing or a talent to play musical instruments, you must dedicate them to the Lord and use them for God and His glory. Your musical talents and skills will be defiled if you use them for your self-will, self-glory or worldly entertainment. Sadly, many professing and immature Christians also use their musical talents and skills to play and sing secular songs! It is worse when they use worldly music with electric guitars and drums in their worship and invite popular singers (who usually sing secular songs for worldly entertainment and performance on weekdays) to sing in their church on the Lord’s Day so as to attract young
people! They do not know or understand God’s holiness at all. "O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth" (Ps 96:9)!

We must also thank God for giving us hobbies to enhance the joy and variety of our life. There are various hobbies like reading, writing, poetry, cooking, scrapbooking, knitting, gardening, painting, photography, videography, collecting things, playing musical instruments, renovating, archery, flying, horse-riding, travelling, camping, fishing, hiking, walking, jogging, cycling, surfing, swimming, diving, sailing, skiing, playing tennis, table-tennis, badminton, soccer, cricket, baseball, volleyball, golf, etc. These hobbies must be sanctified and used for God’s glory as well (1 Cor 10:31). Surely, we must avoid ungodly hobbies like playing video games, computer games, cards, surfing ungodly websites, watching worldly movies, dramas, etc.

We must put God first and above all these hobbies; otherwise, they may turn into idols unawares! Satan may make use of your hobbies to draw you away from God and His Word when you spend so much time on your hobbies leaving no time for God, for your personal devotion, family worship, for Bible study, prayer meetings, worship services or for your loved ones.

THOUGHT: Are my hobbies dedicated and sanctified to the Lord?
PRAYER: Lord, please keep my hobbies in Thy will and control.