Do All to God’s Glory by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 30, 1913

Do All to God’s Glory

By F. M. W.

Christian Recreation—No. 3

As Christ came to this world to represent the Father, so Christ’s disciples are sent among their fellows to represent Christ. They stand among men as the ambassadors of the government of heaven. While in the world they are not to be of the world, nor to be governed by worldly purposes nor contaminated by worldly associations. In every relationship

—in rest and in labor, in the seclusion of their own homes and in the publicity of the world’s gaze, in business dealings and in social relationships—they are to represent the spirit of the Master whose disciples they profess to be.

Do All to God’s Glory

Says the apostle, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” The question of how and where and when the Christian may best do this becomes a determining factor in every decision. The worldly standard of doing cannot be adopted as the standard of the Christian. The Christian business man cannot imitate the sharp dealing of his worldly competitors. The disciple cannot follow the world’s standard in dress or in diet, nor can he adopt the standard of the times with respect to recreation and social enjoyment.

The spirit of excess and dissipation has taken possession of the minds of men. In this excess God is forgotten. The disciple of the Lord is to set an example of moderation. It is for him to demonstrate that the material things of this world, the enjoyments and pleasures pertaining to time and sense, may be used without abuse for spiritual advancement and for God’s glory.

A Marked Contrast

It is proper that Christians today take time for rest and recreation as did the disciples in the first century; but “between the associations of the followers of Christ for Christian recreation, and worldly gatherings for pleasure and amusement, will exist a marked contrast. Instead of prayer and the mentioning of Christ and sacred things, will be heard from the lips of the worldlings the silly laugh and the trifling conversation. The idea is to have a general high time. Their amusements commence in folly and end in vanity. We want in our gatherings to have them so conducted, and so to conduct ourselves, that when we return to our homes we can have a conscience void of offense toward God and man; a consciousness that we have not wounded nor injured in any manner those with whom we have been associated, or had an injurious influence over them.”—Mrs. E. G. White, in “Recreation,” page 23.

Holiday Occasions

The world has many stated holidays, in which thousands give themselves up wholly to the spirit of pleasure and dissipation. There is afforded our young people at such times a great temptation to unite with the world in these celebrations. These holidays should not be wholly ignored, but they may be turned by Christians into occasions of direct benefit to themselves, and furnish an example of proper recreation to the world about them. Says the author quoted above:—

I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfaction to our children. On these days when there is danger that our children will be exposed to evil influences, and become corrupted by the pleasures and excitement of the world, let parents study to get up something to take the place of more dangerous amusements. Give your children to understand that you have their good and happiness in view.

Christian Association

Of the manner in which such days may be profitably observed we read further:—

Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country, to the side of a fine lake, or a nice grove, where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread their table under the shade of some tree, or under the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy. On such occasions parents and children should feel free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should become children with their children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole day be given to recreation.

Exercise in the open air, for those whose employment has been within doors and sedentary, will be beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and new courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pages 514, 515.

This good counsel is in direct harmony with the example given by the blessed Lord in the means of rest which he sought out for himself and his disciples. Circumstances and conditions, of course, must govern the adaptation of this general plan. Some may be situated where they cannot find amid the scenes of nature the rest and quiet they desire. It is proper, no doubt, under such circumstances that more mechanical means be devised, and that innocent pleasures be provided to meet the demand for relaxation.

Innocent Pleasures

Regarding this, Sister E. G. White, on page 769 of the REVIEW AND HERALD for 1884, says:—

Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old age, the child as sober as the sire. While sinful amusements are condemned, as they should be, let parents, teachers, and guardians of youth provide in their stead innocent pleasures, which will not taint nor corrupt the morals. Do not bind down the young to rigid rules and restraints that will lead them to feel themselves oppressed, and to break over and rush into paths of folly and destruction. With a firm, kindly, considerate hand, hold the lines of government, guiding and controlling their minds and purposes, yet so gently, so wisely, so lovingly, that they still will know that you have their best good in view.

Manual Labor

There is danger that too much dependence will be put upon games on the part of students and those of sedentary occupations for the securing of necessary exercise and recreation. To this class of workers there is nothing so beneficial and wholesome as manual labor, and as a rule those schools that have made the most of their industrial departments are troubled the least with the demand on the part of students for games and amusements. The following appropriate word from the pamphlet “Recreation,” page 31, is to the point in this connection:—

The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken as play or exercise merely. There is some benefit derived from being in the fresh air, and also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the same amount of energy be given to the performance of helpful duties, and the benefit will be greater, and a feeling of satisfaction will be realized; for such exercise carries with it the sense of helpfulness and the approval of conscience for duty well done.

In the children and youth an ambition should be awakened to take their exercise in doing something that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. The exercise that develops mind and character, that teaches the hands to be useful, and trains the young to bear their share of life’s burdens, is that which gives physical strength and quickens every faculty. And there is a reward in virtuous industry, in the cultivation of the habit of living to do good.

In change of employment, diversion and rest may be found for both mind and body. Speaking of the need of ministers and laymen for sports and games, Bishop P. S. Janes, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, says:—

Does the studious, hard-working minister need recreation? Let him find it in turning from the severe study of theology to biography, or poetry, or rhetoric, or logic. Does he need a still greater change? Let him take up for the time being astronomy, or geology, or history. Does he need physical as well as mental relaxation and change? Certainly he can find them in his pastoral work—in visiting the sick, in instructing childhood, in looking after the general interests of the church, in walking, or riding, or attending to the interests of his family, or enjoying their society. Surely, here is a vast realm in which he can find rest and recreation for both soul and body, and grow wiser and better all the while.

Does the layman of the church need recreation as a relief from the monotonous and exhausting labors and cares that come upon him daily? Let him find

it in gardening, in cultivating flowers, in reading, in music, in Christian activities, in domestic offices and intercourse, in social visiting, in attending instructive lectures, in attending devotional meetings. These are rational, spiritual, satisfying enjoyments. None but the weak, who think more of conformity to the world than of conformity to Christ, hanker after any other.

These quotations suggest ideal methods of securing rest from mental labor and sedentary employment.

In securing relaxation, in engaging in every recreation, the question to be considered is, Will Christ be glorified in this? As a result of my engaging in this exercise shall I become better fitted for his service? Will it lessen my desire for prayer, my love for the study of his Word, my interest in the salvation of souls? Will it increase my spirituality or bring to me leanness of soul? Should I be ashamed to meet my Saviour while thus engaged? Can I ask him to go with me on this occasion, being assured that he will grace the gathering with the presence of his Holy Spirit? These considerations should be the determining factors in our arrangements for recreation. Of the Christian’s relationship to the world’s great sports we shall speak more at length. F. M. W.