I find my hobbies and work quite fulfilling. Should I feel guilty about that?

Q: I find my hobbies and work quite fulfilling. Should I feel guilty about that?

Exodus 20:3“You must not have any other god but me.”If we are putting anything in God’s place—even a good career, hobby, or avocation—then we are violating this first of the Ten Commandments, are guilty of idolatry, and should feel guilty.Matthew 6:33“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”Even if the pursuit is positive and life-giving, it should not be our top priority—seeking God’s Kingdom and living his way should be above all else.Philippians 4:8Now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.This is a good checklist for anything that occupies our time and attention. Is it true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy?Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.If our pursuits are not sinful, and we have the right values, putting God first, we should do them well “for the glory of God.” Then we can rejoice that God has provided these opportunities to give us feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Question

Accepted Answer

Exodus 20:3“You must not have any other god but me.”

If we are putting anything in God’s place—even a good career, hobby, or avocation—then we are violating this first of the Ten Commandments, are guilty of idolatry, and should feel guilty.

Matthew 6:33“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Even if the pursuit is positive and life-giving, it should not be our top priority—seeking God’s Kingdom and living his way should be above all else.

Philippians 4:8Now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

This is a good checklist for anything that occupies our time and attention. Is it true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy?

Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

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

If our pursuits are not sinful, and we have the right values, putting God first, we should do them well “for the glory of God.” Then we can rejoice that God has provided these opportunities to give us feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction.