Ought I Abandon My Hobby

[Nebuchadnezzer]

Before Coming to Christ I had two passions: Pornography and Photography (hobby).

Part of my testimony is that the power and ability I obtained to overcome pornography did not come from me as that was impossible; but from the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ I left pornography and have been free from it to this very day.

I also put my photography away for over a year, but slowly have come back to it.
My photography hobby focuses on a specific subject which is not something that is lewd or indecent, and needs not be specified.

My Question to Others: Ought I leave this photography Hobby completely? Please speak plainly.


My Concerns with my Photography Hobby

It’s the creating of images that at one time I elevated about God. I still have a deep fondness of some of the images I created and I ask myself was and is this still some form of idolatry. Does my passion and love for this hobby displease a Jealous God?

It was and still remains a passion.

Half of the passion is the thrill and desire to seek new locations to shoot and plan out new photoshoots and to capture more pictures and better pictures, and unique pictures… this desire is never really satisfied.

The other half of the passion is to post and/or have pictures accepted to an online venue where others will view, favor and comment on, thus it is self glorifying. Also there are opportunities for my pictures to be published in magazines bringing more self glory and self pride.

It is self serving and self seeking and I equate it to treasure finding.

It often times is isolating as I go alone to remote locations to photograph. I have always enjoyed having times of escape, particularly in nature, from the peoples and troubles and realities of this world.


The positives I see with my Photography Hobby

Positive is that is stimulates my mind, it is an expression of my creativity and artistic skills, it is a means to be active outdoors, it improves my mood, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and creating something that others also find enjoyment in. It gives me rest and an escape from all the hustle, bustle, worries, works and chores that this world continually puts before me.

-----------------------

I am torn whether or not this photography hobby can be within God’s design for me and sometimes carry guilt from it. I ponder if this is or can be a hobby of balance. Obviously, if I do this too much it is problematic, but what if I limit it to once a month or only a few times a year. Can I find a healthy balance that is not displeasing to the Lord or is this a worldly passion from my former life that I have to lose and lose completely? Please speak plainly.

Does Matt 16:25 apply? 'Save your life and you will loose it, loose your life and you will save it'

 

[Dino246]

I suggest you ask the Lord directly. Nobody here can judge your heart.

If you don't sense a clear answer from Him, ask three trusted mature Christians (who are known to hear from the Lord) to pray about it, and wait for their responses.

Given the information you have provided, I'd suggest that you need to hold it lightly and be careful of the place it holds in your attention while you await a clear answer.

 

[posthuman]

i take a lot of pictures. rarely of things man-made, even less often of people.

i consider that all of my photographs, no matter what the subject, are images of light. that's what photography is; a record of light.
Jesus is the Light. when i'm out taking pictures, i'm not unaware of Him. yes, i go looking for beautiful compositions, and that's a subjective thing in my own mind - but i don't forget that what i'm looking at every time through the viewfinder is light, and that it's something He has created, and that He's given me eyes to see it. it's all testifying of His glory. it's a meditative process, making art, and particularly with a camera, there's a very direct pathway to it being also a process of prayer and worship, IMO

cameras are tools. as i see it, it's not that photography itself could be an issue, but rather how you are using the tool - what are the thoughts in your heart when you use a camera, what is the process of it for you, do you seek Him while you do it, or do you forget Him when you do. when you can answer those questions to yourself ((not asking for answers myself just want you to think about it)), i think then you can address whether it's a pursuit of vanity or whether it is useful in your life - and i think a lot of that really comes down to how you approach it.

 

[Magenta]

No.

 

[Lanolin]

am I reading this right you wrote PORNOGRAPHY and photography??

I think you need to actually specify what you are taking photos of that you would go to great lengths to capture.

Because its totally relevant. I used to work for a photo library/business and I while some photos are wonderful the majority of what we had to process through keywording was useless and vain. And paparazzi photographers are a pest. I didnt stay in that job very long.

My dad is a keen photographer, but at times he does put his desire for a good shot above everything else which mum hates. He takes photos of buses and trains.

If you were doing something like wildlife photography I might see that as a good thing if it was for conservation and to raise awareness of our precious earth rather than someone who was taking pictures of celebrity children without their knowledge to sell to some trashy magazine. (in some instances you wonder if its just the same thing though)

 

[Whispered]

You are bold to share your testimony here. Thank you for trusting us. I wonder that you said you have a particular interest now in photography that need not be mentioned.
You were so open about the pornography and photography, why not now that you've overcome pornography and with Holy Spirit's help, do you not feel free to share your favorite subject to photograph? Now that you've returned to that hobby.

I agree with the brother. Ask God for guidance. He helped guide you away from pornography and He is certainly able to guide you in the case of your photography.

Blessings.

 

[Nehemiah6]

My Question to Others: Ought I leave this photography Hobby completely? Please speak plainly.

Not necessarily. Dedicate your photography to whatever glorifies God and honors Christ. Nature (including all God's creatures) is full of beauty, and if you can capture that and present it as a marvel of God's creation, that should be very worthwhile (and possibly lucrative). But hobbies should also be balanced with other worthwhile Christian pursuits.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Before Coming to Christ I had two passions: Pornography and Photography (hobby).

Part of my testimony is that the power and ability I obtained to overcome pornography did not come from me as that was impossible; but from the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ I left pornography and have been free from it to this very day.

I also put my photography away for over a year, but slowly have come back to it.
My photography hobby focuses on a specific subject which is not something that is lewd or indecent, and needs not be specified.

My Question to Others: Ought I leave this photography Hobby completely? Please speak plainly.


My Concerns with my Photography Hobby

It’s the creating of images that at one time I elevated about God. I still have a deep fondness of some of the images I created and I ask myself was and is this still some form of idolatry. Does my passion and love for this hobby displease a Jealous God?

It was and still remains a passion.

Half of the passion is the thrill and desire to seek new locations to shoot and plan out new photoshoots and to capture more pictures and better pictures, and unique pictures… this desire is never really satisfied.

The other half of the passion is to post and/or have pictures accepted to an online venue where others will view, favor and comment on, thus it is self glorifying. Also there are opportunities for my pictures to be published in magazines bringing more self glory and self pride.

It is self serving and self seeking and I equate it to treasure finding.

It often times is isolating as I go alone to remote locations to photograph. I have always enjoyed having times of escape, particularly in nature, from the peoples and troubles and realities of this world.


The positives I see with my Photography Hobby

Positive is that is stimulates my mind, it is an expression of my creativity and artistic skills, it is a means to be active outdoors, it improves my mood, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and creating something that others also find enjoyment in. It gives me rest and an escape from all the hustle, bustle, worries, works and chores that this world continually puts before me.

-----------------------

I am torn whether or not this photography hobby can be within God’s design for me and sometimes carry guilt from it. I ponder if this is or can be a hobby of balance. Obviously, if I do this too much it is problematic, but what if I limit it to once a month or only a few times a year. Can I find a healthy balance that is not displeasing to the Lord or is this a worldly passion from my former life that I have to lose and lose completely? Please speak plainly.

Does Matt 16:25 apply? 'Save your life and you will loose it, loose your life and you will save it'

1st.
What is interesting to me is why even mention pornography. So I will just say this. If your hobby in any way is a trigger that can pull you back into the fangs of pornography then yes it is best to quit it and find a new hobby.

2nd. If photography is causing you to spend more time away from God then yes give it up.

3rd. If photography isn't a temptation, is manageable within time given to God, or using your hobby to glorify God then no dont give it up and keep on using it for self satisfaction, peace, de-stress, and to use your art to cause others to think about God.

 

[Lanolin]

I remember talking to a gardener who was a fomer photogapher he gave it up because he saw he wasnt actually creating anything...gardening is way more creative, gets you outside, and can give greater benefits than just a picture.

Im sure there are gardeners who do approach gardening in a different way though just as anybody does and think they need to grow the prize cabbage etc. sure you can grow the prize cabbage but if you use that cabbage to feed hungry people with no cabbages and teach them how to garden...then maybe youve come to realise Gods purpose.

 

[Whispered]

Just as an aside. Should this be in BDF?

 

[TheIndianGirl]

I do not see anything wrong with having photography as a hobby, or anything wrong with other hobbies such as painting, reading, gardening, instruments, etc. I also do not see anything wrong with pursuing your passion with these hobbies such as if you want to improve/increase your expertise in them. Even when choosing a career, we should ideally choose a profession which we enjoy and consider as a hobby, not something we simply consider as a "job".

 

[TheIndianGirl]

The other half of the passion is to post and/or have pictures accepted to an online venue where others will view, favor and comment on, thus it is self glorifying. Also there are opportunities for my pictures to be published in magazines bringing more self glory and self pride.

It is self serving and self seeking and I equate it to treasure finding.

If you feel this way, then I believe you can continue your photography hobby but do not post these photos, as you are experiencing feelings of self pride and self glory. In other words, it sounds like you feel boastful with your photos and have a feeling of self importance.

However, some people post photos because they want to "share", so they have a more "giving" attitude. So, it is a matter of the heart. So while they may post the same photos, they have a different attitude and may not feel boastful.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

If you feel this way, then I believe you can continue your photography hobby but do not post these photos, as you are experiencing feelings of self pride and self glory. In other words, it sounds like you feel boastful with your photos and have a feeling of self importance.

However, some people post photos because they want to "share", so they have a more "giving" attitude. So, it is a matter of the heart. So while they may post the same photos, they have a different attitude and may not feel boastful.

Or, you can try limiting the photos you post and set some boundaries for yourself.

 

[bud62]

Before Coming to Christ I had two passions: Pornography and Photography (hobby).

Part of my testimony is that the power and ability I obtained to overcome pornography did not come from me as that was impossible; but from the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ I left pornography and have been free from it to this very day.

I also put my photography away for over a year, but slowly have come back to it.
My photography hobby focuses on a specific subject which is not something that is lewd or indecent, and needs not be specified.

My Question to Others: Ought I leave this photography Hobby completely? Please speak plainly.


My Concerns with my Photography Hobby

It’s the creating of images that at one time I elevated about God. I still have a deep fondness of some of the images I created and I ask myself was and is this still some form of idolatry. Does my passion and love for this hobby displease a Jealous God?

It was and still remains a passion.

Half of the passion is the thrill and desire to seek new locations to shoot and plan out new photoshoots and to capture more pictures and better pictures, and unique pictures… this desire is never really satisfied.

The other half of the passion is to post and/or have pictures accepted to an online venue where others will view, favor and comment on, thus it is self glorifying. Also there are opportunities for my pictures to be published in magazines bringing more self glory and self pride.

It is self serving and self seeking and I equate it to treasure finding.

It often times is isolating as I go alone to remote locations to photograph. I have always enjoyed having times of escape, particularly in nature, from the peoples and troubles and realities of this world.


The positives I see with my Photography Hobby

Positive is that is stimulates my mind, it is an expression of my creativity and artistic skills, it is a means to be active outdoors, it improves my mood, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and creating something that others also find enjoyment in. It gives me rest and an escape from all the hustle, bustle, worries, works and chores that this world continually puts before me.

-----------------------

I am torn whether or not this photography hobby can be within God’s design for me and sometimes carry guilt from it. I ponder if this is or can be a hobby of balance. Obviously, if I do this too much it is problematic, but what if I limit it to once a month or only a few times a year. Can I find a healthy balance that is not displeasing to the Lord or is this a worldly passion from my former life that I have to lose and lose completely? Please speak plainly.

Does Matt 16:25 apply? 'Save your life and you will loose it, loose your life and you will save it'

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD.
Some photography , you could use to show some of GODs beautiful Creation . If you do it ways that would glorify instead of self .
GOD bless as HE sees FIT

 

[mar09]

Hi neb,
Many insightful replies there. I can only say some (many?) hobbies can be so time-consuming that they pull us from more productive or significant/helpful activities. For example, I love to play piano, but know that doing more than an hour of that can take me away from many other things that will help me help others, even if the ppl around appreciate the playing. If i choose to play tennis, that would take me time travelling to and from the place, preparing change of clothes, etc. so it depends how much time u also give it, and resources u use wc could have been given for Bibles, tracts, broadcasts, other... instead of photo papers, frames maybe and other stuff. Chatting at cc is fun, educational, uplifting... but there are times we have to reallocate that precious time to some praise and prayer, (direct) witnessing, serving, rest or exercise, meditation, and more... Think of it as redeeming the time when u go into ur hobby, for the Lord.

 

[Lanolin]

yea I dont know about the 'gun hobby' for example. raises a few red flags as does the 'pornography hobby' and the 'marijuana hobby', not to mention the 'drinking hobby'

 

[Lanolin]

some scripture for you 1 corinthians 6:12

and Phillipians 4:8

 

[Dave-L]

Before Coming to Christ I had two passions: Pornography and Photography (hobby).

Part of my testimony is that the power and ability I obtained to overcome pornography did not come from me as that was impossible; but from the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ I left pornography and have been free from it to this very day.

I also put my photography away for over a year, but slowly have come back to it.
My photography hobby focuses on a specific subject which is not something that is lewd or indecent, and needs not be specified.

My Question to Others: Ought I leave this photography Hobby completely? Please speak plainly.


My Concerns with my Photography Hobby

It’s the creating of images that at one time I elevated about God. I still have a deep fondness of some of the images I created and I ask myself was and is this still some form of idolatry. Does my passion and love for this hobby displease a Jealous God?

It was and still remains a passion.

Half of the passion is the thrill and desire to seek new locations to shoot and plan out new photoshoots and to capture more pictures and better pictures, and unique pictures… this desire is never really satisfied.

The other half of the passion is to post and/or have pictures accepted to an online venue where others will view, favor and comment on, thus it is self glorifying. Also there are opportunities for my pictures to be published in magazines bringing more self glory and self pride.

It is self serving and self seeking and I equate it to treasure finding.

It often times is isolating as I go alone to remote locations to photograph. I have always enjoyed having times of escape, particularly in nature, from the peoples and troubles and realities of this world.


The positives I see with my Photography Hobby

Positive is that is stimulates my mind, it is an expression of my creativity and artistic skills, it is a means to be active outdoors, it improves my mood, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and creating something that others also find enjoyment in. It gives me rest and an escape from all the hustle, bustle, worries, works and chores that this world continually puts before me.

-----------------------

I am torn whether or not this photography hobby can be within God’s design for me and sometimes carry guilt from it. I ponder if this is or can be a hobby of balance. Obviously, if I do this too much it is problematic, but what if I limit it to once a month or only a few times a year. Can I find a healthy balance that is not displeasing to the Lord or is this a worldly passion from my former life that I have to lose and lose completely? Please speak plainly.

Does Matt 16:25 apply? 'Save your life and you will loose it, loose your life and you will save it'

If you are setting out to glorify God, recording his wonders in creation for others to marvel over, it seems a good use of your talents. But if you use it to incite lust in people it's obviously sinful to be repented of. I used to photograph covered bridges using a view camera. And peace would wash over your soul in viewing them. And it fit in perfectly with my walk. But in another instance I gave up pro music because of the seedy environment it placed me in.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Before Coming to Christ I had two passions: Pornography and Photography (hobby).

Part of my testimony is that the power and ability I obtained to overcome pornography did not come from me as that was impossible; but from the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ I left pornography and have been free from it to this very day.

I also put my photography away for over a year, but slowly have come back to it.
My photography hobby focuses on a specific subject which is not something that is lewd or indecent, and needs not be specified.

My Question to Others: Ought I leave this photography Hobby completely? Please speak plainly.


My Concerns with my Photography Hobby

It’s the creating of images that at one time I elevated about God. I still have a deep fondness of some of the images I created and I ask myself was and is this still some form of idolatry. Does my passion and love for this hobby displease a Jealous God?

It was and still remains a passion.

Half of the passion is the thrill and desire to seek new locations to shoot and plan out new photoshoots and to capture more pictures and better pictures, and unique pictures… this desire is never really satisfied.

The other half of the passion is to post and/or have pictures accepted to an online venue where others will view, favor and comment on, thus it is self glorifying. Also there are opportunities for my pictures to be published in magazines bringing more self glory and self pride.

It is self serving and self seeking and I equate it to treasure finding.

It often times is isolating as I go alone to remote locations to photograph. I have always enjoyed having times of escape, particularly in nature, from the peoples and troubles and realities of this world.


The positives I see with my Photography Hobby

Positive is that is stimulates my mind, it is an expression of my creativity and artistic skills, it is a means to be active outdoors, it improves my mood, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and creating something that others also find enjoyment in. It gives me rest and an escape from all the hustle, bustle, worries, works and chores that this world continually puts before me.

-----------------------

I am torn whether or not this photography hobby can be within God’s design for me and sometimes carry guilt from it. I ponder if this is or can be a hobby of balance. Obviously, if I do this too much it is problematic, but what if I limit it to once a month or only a few times a year. Can I find a healthy balance that is not displeasing to the Lord or is this a worldly passion from my former life that I have to lose and lose completely? Please speak plainly.

Does Matt 16:25 apply? 'Save your life and you will loose it, loose your life and you will save it'

I'm a hobbyist photographer and artist and I feel perfectly comfortable creating art that doesn't involve trying to recreate anything of the heavenly realm, including Christ.

However, I dont see or have any issues with basic photography and art that exists outside the above framework.

I do have to say if your personally having nagging feelings of wrongdoing, I'd listen if I were in your shoes; study scripture, pray and fast until you feel certain of an answer from God that your within the construct that God deems appropriate.

You could be having addiction issues or somehow flirting with idolatry or otherwise crossing a line somewhere..

These nagging feelings are sometimes nothing, and other times they are everything so I do recommend listening to your heart and praying and studying until you have your answer.

 

[Nebuchadnezzer]

Thank you all for your kind inputs.

The hobby photography subject I shoot is one of these things:
birds, sunsets, astronomy, flowers, cars, trains, ships, planes.

I guess I want to remain anonymous in case I post somethings which are objectionable to the owner(s) of my company or my boss, present or future...

I think what I am going to do is refrain from hobby photography for the next few months or as long as I can and then maybe limit my hobby photography to 1 time per month. Not sure.

I guess the underlying concern for me is that I am going through a trial right now (actually a series of smaller trials that have finished but is now followed by a harder trial) and am wondering if they are trials like in James 1, or if they are discipline from the Father like in Hebrews 12.