Fun is Essential
What if fun isn’t just a bonus, but a spiritual necessity? This week’s devotion explores how joy, play, and connection reflect the heart of Jesus—and how embracing a childlike spirit might be the key to deeper faith. Inspired by The Power of Fun and the life of Christ, discover how even your morning run can become holy ground.
Verse: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
I’ve been listening to a captivating book called The Power of Fun by Catherine Price, and I couldn’t agree more with her central premise: fun isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. When life feels like one long to-do list, we start living out of obligation rather than inspiration. Without joy, even our most meaningful tasks lose their vibrancy.
Price points to a delightful scene from Mary Poppins, where Mary tells the children, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. Find the fun and—snap!—the job’s a game.” Simple, whimsical… and deeply wise.
So, what is fun, really? According to Price, true fun involves three key ingredients: playfulness, connection, and flow. And when you look at Jesus’ life, it’s clear He embodied each one with divine brilliance:
Playfulness: A light-hearted spirit that engages the moment without anxiety about the outcome. In Matthew 17, Jesus covers a temple tax by telling Peter to go fishing… and the coin shows up inside a fish’s mouth. Divine provision, with a playful twist.
Connection: A deep sense of belonging, trust, and shared purpose. In John’s Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples friends. Not servants. Not students. Friends. That’s intimacy rooted in love.
Flow: A state of present engagement, fully attuned to the people and purpose at hand. In Mark 5, amid a pressing crowd, Jesus pauses to acknowledge a woman who touched His robe in faith. Her story mattered — and He was fully there for it.
Whether you lean into the whimsical theology of Mary Poppins or anchor your life in the Gospel of Christ, one truth remains: fun fuels flourishing. So go ahead — find the fun in what you do. You’ll be more joyful, more effective, and frankly, a whole lot more fun to be around.
Have a FUN week!
Adapted from The Power of Fun by Catherine Price