How’s your Play Ethic?
“All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15 NRSV)
For the past 2 years I’ve been doing itinerant speaking/teaching, producing and selling Disciple Dojo resources, and doing pretty much anything else to supplement my lack of steady income. It’s been a hard process and a time of testing.
Not having a regular paycheck, I’ve had to rely on daily self-marketing, networking and nonstop development of curricula, articles and blog posts to generate income. Basically, I’ve had to have a different level of work ethic than ever before because I don’t have any “office hours” anymore. I’m always “on the clock” so to speak.
We American Evangelicals are known for our “Protestant Work Ethic”…but I’ve realized that we give almost ZERO attention to developing a healthy Play Ethic.
What do I mean by Play Ethic?
I mean an intentional, concerted, focused effort to enjoy the blessings of God…particularly our friendships and family relationships, which are of infinitely greater value than our savings, properties, career advancement, or investment portfolios.
I often find myself being driven to do things and at times feel like I’m doing something wrong if I have fun.
How did we get to such a place? Why don’t Pastors, teachers and theologians extol the Spiritual value of cultivating friendships and spending time enjoying life with one another? Quiet times are great. Corporate worship and Bible study are great. But you know what is every bit as spiritual as both of these? Sharing a meal with friends, laughing, talking, playing games and enjoying each others’ company.
But that can lead people to be idle or lazy!
It is irresponsible and dangerous!
The true follower of Jesus is supposed to be on a single-minded mission to accomplish the Great Commission and give themselves wholeheartedly for the poor, hurting and needy!
What kind of reputation will Christians acquire if they’re seen partying??
These are all valid objections, but they lose the balance required by Scripture.
“…the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” (Mat 11:19 NRSV)
I mean, if Jesus acquired the reputation of having too much fun because of His play ethic, shouldn’t we be okay with it ourselves??
“OK, but what does a healthy play ethic look like?”
Just as we were not all created to work in the same manner at the same things, our play need not be the same. There is one-size-fits-all criteria regarding the ways in which God’s children are called to enjoy life. For some, it’s a quite dinner at home with good friends. For others, it’s a trip to the beach…or mountains…or a restaurant…or a backyard cookout. For others it’s watching movies, meeting at a bookstore coffee shop, doing a gallery crawl, or going to concerts together. For others it’s going for a motorcycle ride, playing volleyball at the park or hitting the ski slopes for a few days.
Regardless of what it consists of, the important thing is that we see spending time enjoying life with others as an important thing!
Yes the bills need to be paid.
Yes the home improvement projects need to be finished.
Yes the ministry needs to be participated in.
Yes the kids soccer game needs to be attended.
Yes the meeting needs to take place.
Yes the chores need to be done.
But…
When those things leave no room for regular times of relaxing, refreshing and rejoicing with those closest to us, something is seriously out of balance!
I have a feeling most of my readers have a very strong work ethic.
My question to you is: “How’s your play ethic??”
Blessings from the Dojo,
JM
If you appreciate the ministry of Disciple Dojo, I would urge you to consider becoming a Dojo Donor so that it can continue. I rely totally on the support of readers to pay the bills. 🙂
Categories: Biblical Theology, Blog, Ministry, Relationships
Wow! I completely agree with you. I tend to work so hard on my work ethic that I leave little room for any play at all and then when I do get a minute to just ‘be’ and enjoy what I’ve done, I feel so guilty for it! I think sometimes it’s a Mom thing; we are supposed to be on the go and ‘doing’ all the time, but at what price? I’ve sacrificed so much time with my own son in order to pursue goals that I had thought were ‘for his own good’. Are they really? I have made some really tough choices for us lately, but taking a pay cut to go to a new job that will let me have a better work-life balance is definitely what I need at this time. Now, I will be able to work on my ‘play ethic’ more. We all need to recharge our batteries and just enjoy those we love and being together.
by Bev. on May 10, 2011 at 11:25 pm
I shared this with Dad. My fibromyalgia taught me this a long time ago, but sometimes I still forget to rest and play! He has never learned this lesson and I so wish he could.
I love you, Mom
by Mom on May 10, 2012 at 2:48 pm
I hope it helps! 🙂
by jm on May 10, 2012 at 2:50 pm
People I know who take seriously the concept of sabbath seem to have a healthy balance between work and play. I dont’ just mean that in terms of attending church or refraining from work but building into their schedule activities of rest, renewal and recognition of God’s blessings.
by Brian on May 10, 2012 at 5:06 pm