When Requiescence Rules - Subverting the Gifts That Have Become Idols

When Requiescence Rules - Subverting the Gifts That Have Become Idols

In a Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, the central theme revolves around the concept of leisure as a gift from God that can easily become an idol. The speaker emphasizes that while rest and leisure are divinely ordained and intended for our benefit and enjoyment, their misuse and prioritization over God and our responsibilities can lead to spiritual detriment.

The teaching begins with a sense of community and worship, referencing scripture that speaks to the presence of God when believers gather. Passages from Matthew 18 and Psalm 5 are cited to establish a foundation of faith and reliance on God's favor. This atmosphere of worship sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Christian living and the potential pitfalls that believers face in their daily lives.

The speaker draws a stark contrast between two dystopian novels, George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. While Orwell envisioned a future where government control and suppression of thought are the primary threats, Huxley's world presents a society where constant entertainment and pleasure pacify the population, rendering them content with their servitude. The speaker suggests that modern Western culture bears a frightening resemblance to Huxley's vision, where the pursuit of entertainment and leisure can become all-consuming.

The core of the teaching lies in the idea that as image bearers of God, our mission is to emulate His kingdom on earth. This involves more than just attending religious services; it requires a holistic approach to life where God is king in all aspects. The speaker references the Lord's Prayer ("Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven") to highlight this earthly manifestation of God's reign. Just as God worked and then rested in the creation narrative, believers are called to a divine rhythm of righteous work and righteous rest.

However, the speaker cautions against allowing leisure to usurp its proper place. While activities like watching TV, playing video games, and engaging in hobbies are gifts from God, they can become idols when they become our primary focus and drive. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and observations about the excessive consumption of entertainment, such as binge-watching entire TV series in a single day, to illustrate this danger. When leisure becomes the focus of our lives, it ceases to be a blessing and instead enslaves us.

The teaching emphasizes the importance of doing everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus." This concept is explained by drawing on ancient cultural understandings where acting in someone's name meant representing their honor and authority. For believers, this means that every action, whether in word or deed, should reflect and honor God. If our work is solely motivated by the desire for leisure, we rob ourselves of the joy of working for God's glory.

The speaker addresses the common practice of asking God for things "in Jesus' name." While this is a powerful concept, it's clarified through the lens of God's will. 1 John 5:14 states that we have confidence that God hears us if we ask anything according to His will. Therefore, our requests, even in leisure, should ultimately align with God's purposes and bring Him glory.

A key point of the teaching is the need for intentionality in our leisure. Just as we would treat a precious gift with care and purpose, our leisure time should not be wasted on mindless or excessive entertainment. The speaker shares their personal practice of intentionally planning movie nights rather than passively consuming whatever is on television. This intentional approach transforms leisure from a passive consumption to an active appreciation of a gift from God.

Drawing parallels to the Roman Empire's strategy of "bread and circuses" to control the masses, the speaker warns against becoming overly consumed by entertainment, which can distract us from our true purpose and the needs of those around us. The example of families in Costa Rica who prioritize togetherness over individual entertainment habits is presented as a contrasting model.

The teaching also touches on the misconception that certain forms of leisure, like sports, are inherently pagan. While acknowledging that anything can become an idol, the speaker points to the Apostle Paul's use of athletic metaphors to illustrate spiritual discipline and competition in the gospel. Passages from 2 Timothy, 1 Timothy, and 1 Corinthians are cited to support this point. The early church father Tertullian's writings are also referenced to show historical concerns about believers becoming overly engrossed in worldly pleasures.

Ultimately, the message is a call to subvert the cultural norm of prioritizing endless entertainment and to instead live lives that reflect the kingdom of God. This involves a constant "audit" of our time and intentions, ensuring that our leisure does not come at the expense of our responsibilities to God, family, and community. Following Yeshua is presented as a radical act of subversion against the values of the world. The teaching concludes with a reminder that true success and blessing come from God, not from our own efforts or the pursuit of selfish desires.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Practice intentionality with leisure time: Don't just passively consume entertainment. Plan your leisure activities with purpose and be mindful of the time spent.
• Prioritize responsibilities before leisure: Ensure your obligations to God, family, work, and community are fulfilled before indulging in leisure activities.
• Audit your motivations: Examine why you work and what you prioritize in your free time. Is it primarily for the pursuit of leisure, or is it to honor God and serve others?
• Engage in leisure with gratitude: Recognize leisure as a gift from God and approach it with thankfulness.
• Consider the impact of your leisure: Does your choice of entertainment draw you closer to God or further away? Does it detract from your relationships and responsibilities?
• Subvert the "bread and circuses" mentality: Be aware of the cultural pressure to constantly seek entertainment and actively choose a different path that prioritizes deeper values.
• Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus: Let your actions, both in work and leisure, reflect and honor God.
• Seek God's will in all things: Even in your leisure, pray for discernment and ensure your desires align with God's purposes.
• Be mindful of the example of Yeshua: Remember that Jesus' life was characterized by mission and service, not the pursuit of worldly comforts.
• Show the gospel through your actions: In moments where you might be tempted by leisure, consider opportunities to serve and show love to others.

References

Bible Verses

• Matthew 18:20
• Psalm 5:11
• Colossians 3:17
• John 14:13
• John 16:23
• 1 John 5:14

Books and Resources Mentioned

• 1984 by George Orwell
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Bible

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