Leisure and the Christian

[priceprofitt]

Good day, all! First post, so bear with me for any etiquette discrepancy I may accidentally promote. I was speaking with a friend, and I was curious on which side of the fence the greener Biblical grass lies.

How is the Christian to engage with activities that aren't regarded as inherently fruitful, such as watching sports or playing video games, which are prevalent opportunities in a college students life like myself? It would be errant to say the Lord had not a hand in creating such pastimes, and hints of His holy aroma are found in all of creation. However, there lingers a feeling that I'm forsaking joy everlasting for a transient sensation (2 Cor. 4:18), squandering the blessing time He has give me (Eph 5:16) when I participate in such. If my view does hold any untruth, how are we to interact with verses such as Josh. 1:8 and Ps. 1:2, finding the balance between direct correspondence with God, i. e. prayer (Jn. 16:24), dwelling in Scripture, with such things that hold no benefit except for our own, temporary benefit?

I acknowledge that we will need abundant grace even after the good work begun in us has been wrought unto completion, but should indulging in more "lax" activities been seen as something we even need repentance for, or is it a means by which God providentially blesses us with emotional and mental rejuvenation?

 

[DNM300]

a scripture that is useful for this discussion, in my opinion: “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy ways!” Psalm 119:37

 

[Polanus1561]

define this fruitful element that you see as a requirement for an activity

 

[Carrots]

However, there lingers a feeling that I'm forsaking joy everlasting for a transient sensation (2 Cor. 4:18), squandering the blessing time He has give me (Eph 5:16) when I participate in such.

Without getting into the question of whether video games and sports are ever acceptable for Christians to enjoy, if this is how you feel when you do something, I'd be pretty comfortable recommending that you, personally, stop doing it.

EDIT: I am sorry, that answer wasn't really relevant to what you asked. Just like John said, it's your definitions of "fruitful" and "unfruitful" that will really decide this question.

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

Good day, all! First post, so bear with me for any etiquette discrepancy I may accidentally promote. I was speaking with a friend, and I was curious on which side of the fence the greener Biblical grass lies.

How is the Christian to engage with activities that aren't regarded as inherently fruitful, such as watching sports or playing video games, which are prevalent opportunities in a college students life like myself? It would be errant to say the Lord had not a hand in creating such pastimes, and hints of His holy aroma are found in all of creation. However, there lingers a feeling that I'm forsaking joy everlasting for a transient sensation (2 Cor. 4:18), squandering the blessing time He has give me (Eph 5:16) when I participate in such. If my view does hold any untruth, how are we to interact with verses such as Josh. 1:8 and Ps. 1:2, finding the balance between direct correspondence with God, i. e. prayer (Jn. 16:24), dwelling in Scripture, with such things that hold no benefit except for our own, temporary benefit?

I acknowledge that we will need abundant grace even after the good work begun in us has been wrought unto completion, but should indulging in more "lax" activities been seen as something we even need repentance for, or is it a means by which God providentially blesses us with emotional and mental rejuvenation?

The Westminster Larger Catechism's exposition of the sixth commandment is of help in answering this question. It teaches that the sober use of recreation is a requirement of the sixth commandment. It is not an optional extra. I see many young people who basically have no life outside of church activities, or, if they do, they use the Lord's Day for recreation. This approach to the Christian life is highly unbalanced and will likely damage their physical and mental health. Conversely, there is the opposite extreme of an unsober use of recreation. Knowing where to draw the line takes a bit of wisdom. How much time one spends in leisure activities often depends on one's personal circumstances.

 

[Pictet]

While it's certainly true that you should listen carefully to your conscience, there is also a definite danger in this area of developing an over-sensitive conscience. It could be your conscience prodding you that you are wasting time; it could be that you are becoming over-sensitive in a way that is actually a temptation.

The Bible nowhere says that all our time and energy should be spent on 'spiritual' matters; on the contrary, the creation is given for our enjoyment as well as for us to govern it.

While neither watching sports nor computer games are directly creations of God, 1 Timothy 4:4 is a critical verse in regulating our consciences:

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving

If something is not forbidden by scripture, and you can do it with appreciative gladness towards God, which means that it doesn't have a negative effect on us spiritually or morally, then we should feel free to do it within appropriate measure - and certainly not bind the consciences of others on that matter.

Especially when one is young or first getting into reformed theology, there's a real danger of becoming legalistic and over-sensitive in conscience in this area.

All that said, that doesn't mean you should definitely spend loads of time doing these two things. How much and whether you should do them is a complicated question, and one not answered by a simple yes/no. It takes wisdom, in your particular situation, taking account of yourself, your friends, your needs, obligations and opportunities.

Some parameters to keep in mind:

• The obvious: are you completing your responsibilities? Have you studied hard for a decent amount of time, got your work in on time? Have you been to church, read your Bible, prayed, considered what ways you can love your neighbour and serve your God today? Talked with your family?
• Have you also completed those tasks that keep you fit and healthy and functioning well for the long term? Have you been outside, exercised, eaten properly, maybe read a stimulating and thought-provoking book? Have you spent some time with friends?
• You do need rest: do these activities genuinely rest you, so that you are refreshed and relaxed, able to serve God and study better?
• You do need friendship: do these activities give you opportunities to build relationships (both deeper ones with Christians, and evangelistic opportunities with non-Christians)?
• Are these activities exposing you to temptations that are unhelpful - e.g.
  • is sports-watching taking too much time, encouraging laziness?
  • is it encouraging too much socialising with people who are a bad influence?
  • Is a sports team becoming an idol?
  • Are your particular computer games too violent/sexualised in a way that is bad for you?
  • Do those games tempt you into wasting time when you should be working?
  • Do they actually overstimulate your system so that you can't relax/read books/concentrate after doing them.

There's a real difference between the nagging feelings you get when doing something... it could be your conscience reminding you that you should be doing something particular that you have failed to do. If so, go do it. If, on the other hand, it's a generic sense that this activity isn't 'spiritual' enough... then there's a danger that you are actually hyper-spiritualising things in a way that's unhelpful. Looking at your post, I'd pick out these lines in particular:

How is the Christian to engage with activities that aren't regarded as inherently fruitful

We are supposed to engage in unfruitful activities. That's what a lot of rest is. That's what Ecclesiastes is saying when it is good to eat and drink and enjoy what God has given. To think you can be fruitful all the time is to elevate yourself above mere creatureliness. To be dependent, to enjoy without always producing, is a duty. Done rightly, it reminds us of our dependence on God himself.

there lingers a feeling that I'm forsaking joy everlasting for a transient sensation (2 Cor. 4:18)

This verse is obviously talking about present sufferings, not present enjoyments. Even if it was, Paul wasn't saying that you shouldn't deal with these things at all - but that our ultimate focus, goal and purpose is heavenly.

squandering the blessing time He has give me (Eph 5:16) when I participate in such. If my view does hold any untruth, how are we to interact with verses such as Josh. 1:8 and Ps. 1:2, finding the balance between direct correspondence with God, i. e. prayer (Jn. 16:24), dwelling in Scripture, with such things that hold no benefit except for our own, temporary benefit?

'Our own temporary benefit' is actually important. We are temporary creatures. We just need to put God and other people first.

I acknowledge that we will need abundant grace even after the good work begun in us has been wrought unto completion, but should indulging in more "lax" activities been seen as something we even need repentance for, or is it a means by which God providentially blesses us with emotional and mental rejuvenation?

Again, it depends what you mean by 'lax', but I see no indication in scripture that all our time should be either work or spiritual.

Now all that needs to be thought about before the particular activities you've mentioned: my personal feeling is that these aren't the most refreshing or joy-bringing forms of recreation you could be involved in. It's probably better to do sport than watch it; and PC games can certainly swallow much time without bringing that much real joy. But if you think that and cut them out make sure that you find good alternative rest that is more refreshing. And don't cut yourself off from all friendship to do it.

Personally I hate watching sport, and it feels like wasted time to me: but I have to acknowledge that many far more godly men than I love watching it and have great friendships that include doing this together.

My own experience is that I am sometimes tempted to over-spiritualise my use of time: to feed myself constantly with books and prayer. I actually burn out pretty quickly when I do this. We are not angels, able to manage constant spiritual focus, but embodied beings. Trying to live like an angel is the error that a lot of early monastics fell into; it ultimately becomes a form of works-righteousness. As a student you will equally need to guard yourself against the temptation of laziness - don't fall for either extreme, but spend time in prayer and with wise friends or a pastor working these things through and trying to find a good, healthy balance.

 

[JvMill]

It teaches that the sober use of recreation is a requirement of the sixth commandment

I think connecting it to the 6C is great, as it reminds us the purpose of recreation is not purely my enjoyment, but enjoyment to the glory of God, and proper enjoyment that is good for me. This automatically precludes a host of destructive behaviors. This also implies, at least to me, that our recreation ought to be something that ’sharpens’ rather than ‘dulls’ us.

Going for a run or playing dis golf is good for the body, reading a book or watching a *good* movie that makes you think is good for the mind.

I would say most video games aren’t good for the mind and are definitely bad for the body (snacking and no physical activity). And certainly scrolling on social media is the worst thing imaginable for body and mind.

To the OP, what has helped me (with a long way to go) is remembering that my time and my body are not my own - they belong to God. Would he approve of me spending this hour this way? Such thinking doesn’t answer every question, but it automatically eliminates some things and automatically includes others (exercise for health)

 

[Jack K]

Leisure in moderation can be fruitful. For example, as a college student in Athens, Georgia, you live in a culture that watches the school's football games. To join in that very common passion will give you a connection point with the students around you. Provided you can do it in a Christian way, I would guess it might be helpful to your witness—plus a refreshing break from other activities for you. Jesus spent time just being with people, eating and drinking even with unbelievers. Being with people and enjoying something together shows interest in others.

When I was a young man at Mizzou, I was one of very few students in the dorms who did not attend the football games. The immediate reason was that I did not have the money for the season ticket package. (Those who, like me, have been raised Dutch Reformed may understand why spending hundreds of dollars on "entertainment" was out of the question for me and my family.) But that decision hurt my relationship with the other guys in the dorm. I was known as the most fervent Christian on my floor. But in their minds, I was also the guy who cared so little about camaraderie with them that I wouldn't even go to the football games. They thought I was a standoffish, more-spiritual-things-to-do-than be-with-you kind of Christian, and they weren't completely wrong.

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

I would say most video games aren’t good for the mind and are definitely bad for the body (snacking and no physical activity). And certainly scrolling on social media is the worst thing imaginable for body and mind.

I saw something recently about there being a significant difference between modern video games, or some of them, and the sort that existed when I was younger. Apparently, earlier ones were better for your mind. Either way, I do not eat snacks, so I must be safe.

 

[JvMill]

I saw something recently about there being a significant difference between modern video games, or some of them, and the sort that existed when I was younger. Apparently, earlier ones were better for your mind. Either way, I do not eat snacks, so I must be safe.

I’m sure you’ve made up for it since then, anyway!
[automerge]1765562399[/automerge]

The immediate reason was that I did not have the money for the season ticket package

You didn’t get in as a student??

 

[Jack K]

You didn’t get in as a student??

It was an optional add-on, like housing or a meal plan. This was 1981-85. Things may have changed.

 

[faithandfreedom]

While it's certainly true that you should listen carefully to your conscience, there is also a definite danger in this area of developing an over-sensitive conscience. It could be your conscience prodding you that you are wasting time; it could be that you are becoming over-sensitive in a way that is actually a temptation.

The Bible nowhere says that all our time and energy should be spent on 'spiritual' matters; on the contrary, the creation is given for our enjoyment as well as for us to govern it.

While neither watching sports nor computer games are directly creations of God, 1 Timothy 4:4 is a critical verse in regulating our consciences:

If something is not forbidden by scripture, and you can do it with appreciative gladness towards God, which means that it doesn't have a negative effect on us spiritually or morally, then we should feel free to do it within appropriate measure - and certainly not bind the consciences of others on that matter.

Especially when one is young or first getting into reformed theology, there's a real danger of becoming legalistic and over-sensitive in conscience in this area.

Wise words.

 

[Sam Jer]

I don't remember who (I want to say Turretin?), but I once browsed through a PDF of someones practical works and found a bit where he talked about recreation. He talked among other things about those who work physical jobs most needing recreations which exercise the mind, and those with mentally demanding jobs most needing recreations which exercuse the body.

---

Out of Henry Scudder, "The Christian's Daily Walk", Chapter 3, "Directions for Walking with God in the Progress of the Day" (text copied out of Monergism's version):

2. A man, when he is weary, may be refreshed, likewise, by variety and interchange of the duties of his particular and general calling. And the best recreation to a spiritual mind, when it is weary of worldly employments, is to walk into Christ's garden; and there, by reading and meditating, singing of Psalms, and holy conference, you may solace yourself with the sweet comforts of the Holy Spirit, and enliven your heart with joy in God, even joy in the Holy Ghost; and a delight in the commandments and word of God. These are the most profitable, most ravishing, and most lasting delights of all others. And by how much the soul is of a more spiritual, heavenly constitution, by so much more it will content and satisfy itself in these delights. Yet since bodily and natural delights, are part of our Christian liberty, therefore, taking heed that you abuse not your liberty, you may, when you have need, recreate yourself with them. Now that you may innocently enjoy recreation, follow these directions:— 1. The matter of your recreation must be of a common nature, and of things of indifferent use. Things holy are too good, and things vicious are too bad, to be sported or played with. 2. Recreations must be seasonable for time; not on the Lord's day, in which time God forbiddeth all men to seek their own pleasures. Usually, diversions must be used not before, but after the body or mind hath been thoroughly employed in honest business. Not over long, to the expense and loss of your precious time, which you should study to redeem, not to trifle away. 3. Recreations must always be inoffensive; such as do no harm to yourself, or to your neighbour. If your diversions do impeach or hazard your own, or your neighbour's life, estate, or comfortable living, they are unlawful. 4. Recreation must be moderate, not sensual or brutish; looking at no higher or farther end than earthly delights. For as he that eateth and drinketh that he may enlarge his appetite, to eat and drink yet more; so he who sporteth that he may sport, is brutish and sensual. It is very Epicurism: God hath threatened that he who loveth sport, shall be a poor man, and he that loveth wine and oil, shall not be rich. 5. Whatsoever your diversions be, you must so recreate the outward man, that you be no worse, but rather better in the inward man. For God hath set such a blessed order in all lawful things, that the meanest being, lawfully used, shall not hinder, but assist us in the best things. 6. In all recreations you must propose the right end. The next and immediate end is to revive your weary body, and to quicken your dull mind; but your highest and principal end is, that with this refreshed body and quickened spirit, you may the better serve and glorify God; that whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do else, all may be done to the glory of God.

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As you may be aware, a lot of what passes for entertainment today would have been objected to by the Puritans. I think you are not at all wrong to be careful. Even in particulars where you wouldn't condemn others for choosing something.

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Of course, I am not practicing any of this well. My old man likes his vanities just as much as the next guy, and I have only quite recently realised just how deep it goes

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To conclude, here's an article about the choices of what to read. Be warned, it uses pretty strong language, so if I offended a reader already this won't be your cup of tea:

https://media.fpchurch.org.uk/2025/10/YPM197608.pdf

 

[Andrew35]

I saw something recently about there being a significant difference between modern video games, or some of them, and the sort that existed when I was younger. Apparently, earlier ones were better for your mind. Either way, I do not eat snacks, so I must be safe.

When you were younger? You mean like Pong?

 

[Pictet]

I don't remember who (I want to say Turretin?), but I once browsed through a PDF of someones practical works and found a bit where he talked about recreation. He talked among other things about those who work physical jobs most needing recreations which exercise the mind, and those with mentally demanding jobs most needing recreations which exercuse the body.

This is a really important and wise point. Too many in our circles try to rest from a days intellectual work by reading... which I do, and love, and it's great, and I'd recommend it, but it must be accompanied by some physical recreation of the body!

I'd add a third category, craft or art - this exercises a very different part of the brain. A bit of painting/sketching; or at the less high-brow end of the spectrum, an older minister who is a good friend of mine makes Airfix models of planes and paints them. If you are sick or old, there are limitations to the physical excercise you can do - but you can still switch off the racing parts of your brain by doing these things.

---

As you may be aware, a lot of what passes for entertainment today would have been objected to by the Puritans. I think you are not at all wrong to be careful. Even in particulars where you wouldn't condemn others for choosing something.

...

---

To conclude, here's an article about the choices of what to read. Be warned, it uses pretty strong language, so if I offended a reader already this won't be your cup of tea:

https://media.fpchurch.org.uk/2025/10/YPM197608.pdf

While I disagree (strongly!) with the article and think that fiction reading is - if well chosen - a good and healthy thing, there's still truth in these warnings. Care is required. So much TV, modern writing, film, computer games... are just really unhealthy. And so is plenty old stuff, if you aren't careful. Does it make you nicer, more joyful, more thankful? Or grumpy/angry/proud/rude/worse? Whatever our recreation, it should be guided by Philippians 'whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things'.

The caution that can be worth adding is that in some circles I've seen the rejection ofthings that might be worldly go so far that functionally people don't do anything at all... They just sit in chairs and snooze, even when not tired. That's not something the puritans would commend either! It isn't making the best of the time...

 

[Frisian Gardener]

For books, Sturgeon's law applies as always. Be selective what you take up, and don't be afraid to put down a book as soon as you find it's a waste of time or brain cells.

Back to OP's original question, have you considered taking up a club sport or an intramural sport if you're physically able? You get a lot of the benefits you seek in attending sports and playing video games (companionship, school spirit, refreshment), and you're getting some exercise and improving your own self instead of a fictional character.

 

[Joshua]

Daniel helpfully pointed to the catechism, and we may also be helped by a consideration of the word re-creation. We make a "moderate use" of recreation/leisure/rest, such that we will be re-created for/unto our duty. Rather than the concept of "workin' for the weekend," we should be weekending-for the work. The Sabbath rest, for example, is not a slothful, stay home in one's PJs "rest," but rather taking up a different kind of work, which may sometimes be of greater draining than that of any physical work we can take up, but its rewards are infinitely greater as well.

The oft neglected portion of the 4th Commandment is the Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work... included in those six days is the moderate use of recreation, and believing -by faith- that the Lord will provide seven days of provision for six days of labor. So, considering these things, we are informed a little more of how rightly to use leisure and recreation. If an activity is not unlawful in itself, then the frequency of its use should be considered. A moderate use of something for the proverbial unwinding/de-stressing is a considerably good use of greater diligence in duty later.

But do you see how person-to-person, and conscience-to-conscience some of these questions apply? It is not so cut and dry, nor is it intended to be. Leaders of household have much care in the raising and leading of their families in developing these things for those under their care. It is simply not an easy answer, but one that must be honed by the believer, according to guidelines of Scripture, and knowing himself well enough to discern between a moderate or immoderate use. And this, having not perfection in this life, is an exercise itself that conforms the believer unto Christ and not a waste of time in its formulatioin.

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If I might add, even in those "indifferent" things, we can (and should) make holy uses, meditating upon God's Law, comparing things to God's Law, and redeeming the time in the execution of those things. Things like eating, drinking, exercising are ripe opportunities for meditation on the Scriptures and observation of God's providence in the world.

 

[Polanus1561]

if you put bible reading as the same category as hobbies then the logical thing is you read your bible because no other hobbies can be as fruitful as bible reading if all are in the same category.

and if hobbies are all 'vanity' then we should not have hobbies.

if then hobbies are put on a spectrum of degrees of vanity.. then you logically choose the least vain hobby. All of us must.

 

[priceprofitt]

define this fruitful element that you see as a requirement for an activity

Jn. 15:5, something that would be considered as abiding, as dwelling in His word is how we are to marked as His true disciples (Jn. 8:31)

if this is how you feel

While I do allow for the Holy Spirit to guide me toward Himself, I want to make sure that these feelings stand the test of Scripture and not rooted in a falsely zealous insecurity.

This verse is obviously talking about present sufferings, not present enjoyments. Even if it was, Paul wasn't saying that you shouldn't deal with these things at all - but that our ultimate focus, goal and purpose is heavenly

Definitely a great and needed perspective shift on this verse!

you're getting some exercise and improving your own self instead of a fictional character.

I am currently training for a marathon right now, and I do not typically partake in watching sports nor video games, but I may need to lean into the community aspect that a run club offers.

 

[Tree]

Leisure in moderation can be fruitful. For example, as a college student in Athens, Georgia, you live in a culture that watches the school's football games. To join in that very common passion will give you a connection point with the students around you. Provided you can do it in a Christian way, I would guess it might be helpful to your witness—plus a refreshing break from other activities for you. Jesus spent time just being with people, eating and drinking even with unbelievers. Being with people and enjoying something together shows interest in others.

When I was a young man at Mizzou, I was one of very few students in the dorms who did not attend the football games. The immediate reason was that I did not have the money for the season ticket package. (Those who, like me, have been raised Dutch Reformed may understand why spending hundreds of dollars on "entertainment" was out of the question for me and my family.) But that decision hurt my relationship with the other guys in the dorm. I was known as the most fervent Christian on my floor. But in their minds, I was also the guy who cared so little about camaraderie with them that I wouldn't even go to the football games. They thought I was a standoffish, more-spiritual-things-to-do-than be-with-you kind of Christian, and they weren't completely wrong.

How should we (as college students) apply this on the Lord's day when those in our dorm do a lot of community building community through recreation on Sunday?

 

[Frisian Gardener]

How should we (as college students) apply this on the Lord's day when those in our dorm do a lot of community building community through recreation on Sunday?

How's your off-campus church life?

 

[Tree]

I have a good RP church that has a college fellowship lunch after the service every week and I have gotten to know some really great people there. Currently we have a introduction to Systematic Theology class before Sunday school which is before the service.

 

[Theoretical]

How should we (as college students) apply this on the Lord's day when those in our dorm do a lot of community building community through recreation on Sunday?

For thinking about the issue more broadly, I think there's a lot of benefit to be had in Daniel Howe's Worship, Feasting, Rest, Mercy: The Christian Sabbath.

https://crownandcovenant.com/produc...Z8Vgo_6FYlK-omkcdcTr26z5tl3Q0FOkYlg6kMaYbi-pv

I'm not sure whether your family currently has a Sabbath practice or whether you're having to develop your views and practices from scratch, but regardless of where you're coming from, anything more Sabbatarian than "I regularly go to church on Sunday morning" in modern American culture is foreign at best and weird space alien levels of weird for others. Even while practice necessarily involves avoiding things, especially when you're young, it's really important to have a positive view of the "we get to do these things" in order to not merely be a crank/contrarian. That's where Howe's book emphasizes and helps teach the mindset that the Sabbath is a blessing we get to enjoy from our God, including us, our neighbors, and those who work for or are dependent on us.

A couple of from the hip things that come to mind for the Sabbath in a dorm/university setting.

* Offer your dorm room or provide the space via reserving one of the hall study rooms for a regular Bible study group on Sunday afternoons or nights, not in opposition to Lord's Day evening worship but in addition to it.
* Regularly host simple lunches after church. This can be as simple as getting a cheap crock pot and heating up some cans or containers of soup + a loaf of bread. Team up with a couple of people to pool resources regularly and your aggregate costs will be lower than hitting the dining hall for that afternoon. If you've got a more robust kitchen setup, then even if you don't know how to cook, many grocery stores have family size prepped meals that can be a "Sunday feast." If you know how to cook, even a simple spaghetti and pasta sauce can be a real blessing. If you're budget's tighter, there's still ways you can connect together. We literally live in some of the most "alone together" moments in history, so it doesn't take much to make a huge effect.
* Keep a few extra cans of soup and some little containers to carry around for when someone on the floor is sick and drop by to give them some soup when they get hit by a whammy of an illness. In case you already haven't noticed, dorms are biowarfare factories. It's a bit of a throwback, but if you regularly deliver food to folks with active illnesses, a few N95 respirators can allow you to visit people who are actively sick and be much less likely to get it yourself. [For context, I'm talking about Sick Person A has an active case of the flu and you're visiting]. I should state the obvious here that you should not make visits solo with members of the opposite sex in their rooms, but you can still bless them by dropping soup or some other meal off at their door.
* On non-Sundays, I think Jack's advice re: college football is very good. Even if it's not really your thing, if it's an important part of your fellow students' culture and shared experiences, it's worth participating in the positive aspects of the experience and school spirit on Saturdays such that it's clear that while your convictions make you look very different on Sunday, you're still part of them and not simply a crank or needless oddball. If not college football, look for the next most prominent piece of the campus culture/shared activities that's neutral or positive and see if you can cultivate an interest there.

 

[DanSSwing]

You should never engage in leisure activities.

- Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape