The name of a retail store in the United States rhymes with today’s Robby Hobby Bible Bite. American subscribers will have no difficulty identifying the chain that has 800+ stores. But Robby Hobby has nothing to do with the retail establishment known for its Christian flair. There’s nothing Christian about Robby Hobby. In fact, there’s something sinister about it – something we need to successfully stare-down early in 2019.

We all have our pet things to do to relax and chill – either physically or mentally. Often, it’s an area of interest that captures our thinking, recharges our minds and redirects our energies. The grueling and unrelenting pace of life takes it toll. A hobby or a pass-time is considered an outlet for us. It’s something we enjoy, and it seems like a good reason to grant ourselves permission to take some time-out from the demands of life.

Hobbies – yes! But Robby Hobby? No!

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 CSB

Whatever it is we enjoy doing to relax and chill, can also become a threat to our spiritual well-being. A healthy and legitimate hobby has the potential to veer out of control if it is not kept in-check. It can rob us of time we should be spending with our Lord; rob us of funds we could be using for the Lord; and, rob us of our enjoyment of the Lord. Yes, that sweet little hobby that refreshingly changes the gears of our minds could become a robbing culprit in our lives.

Usually, we can defend what we like doing by finding a spiritual benefit. A Christian philatelist can look at the expensive and rare stamps he has collected from around the world and say: “My heart is profoundly touched as I think of the scope of God’s love – He loves all everywhere!” An amateur astronomer can spend thousands of dollars and countless late nights gazing up into the heavens that showcase the greatness of our God and sing in the darkness – “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns…”

But once again, beware of Robby Hobby!

Make sure Robby Hobby is not consuming more time each week than we spend alone with the Lord. Add up the hours. Make sure Robby Hobby isn’t robbing our coffers to the point where the Lord gets less than our hobby requires. I need to make certain that Robby Hobby doesn’t get such a grip on my life, that it robs me of family time. Robby Hobby can also rob us of time and energy to help other believers and to contribute to the local church.

Robby Hobby can be as exotic as collecting sea-shells on ocean beaches around the world or as unimaginative and mundane as chillin’ on a desk-chair in front of a screen or on a comfy sofa watching a bigger screen.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31 ESV

Hover your mouse over these additional verses and allow the Lord to communicate their relevance to you this very day. Psalms 39:4-7, Psalm 90:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 1Corinthians 10:23, Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5.

In conclusion, let’s pray together that 2019 will be a year when we spiritually grow and become more conformed to Christ. Pray that we will all be preserved from corrosive contamination and degenerative stagnation. And if you need a refresher on the daily intake of God’s Word, maybe these two links below will be a help to you.

What’s Your Bible Nourishment Plan?

Jesus said Reading your Bible is Powerful

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay

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