From Hobby Faith to Holy Pursuit.

I’ve never been great at hobbies.

I’ve dabbled in painting, Latin dancing, baking, hiking, yoga, even tried learning new instruments… but let’s be honest: I have only really been able to catch on to one.

Heck, blogging is technically a hobby, and look how inconsistent I am with this.

Maybe I just try too many hobbies at once. Or maybe I lack discipline. Or maybe, just maybe, I was never meant to be a sourdough bread-making, violin-playing, watercoloring yogi. Who’s to say?

But here’s the thing about hobbies: they’re something we do when we have time.

Something we squeeze in between work, sleep, and googling “is 4 cups of coffee too much.” They’re optional. Lighthearted. Occasional.

And somehow, if we’re not careful, that’s exactly how we start treating our faith.

Somewhere along the line, following Jesus quietly shifts from being our foundation to being another box to check. Right between “Target run” and “respond to that one text you’ve been accidentally ignoring for five days.”

When faith becomes a hobby instead of a lifeline—it’s dangerous.

Understanding this is crucial... here's why:

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1. Hobby Faith Is Faith on Your Terms

When faith becomes a hobby, it’s less about conviction and more about convenience.

    •    Sure, you read Scripture… if the verse of the day notification pops up and you’re not too busy doom-scrolling.

    •    You pray… if traffic is bad or your day went sideways.

    •    You go to church… if you didn’t stay up too late, and brunch doesn’t sound more spiritual.

    •    You serve… if the vibes are right and there’s a cute photo op.

But let’s get real:

Jesus is not a side quest. He’s the whole storyline.

“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Colossians 3:4

Did you catch that? Christ, who is your life.

Not “Christ, who you interact with when the mood strikes.”

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2. Hobby Faith Still Looks Holy (But It’s Hollow)

Let’s not pretend hobby faith can’t look good from the outside.

You’ve got the Bible app streak.

You post the new Maverick City Music song on your IG story.

You wear the “Jesus loves you” T-shirt on the 'gram while holding an iced coffee.

But inside? Running on spiritual fumes.

Don't mishear me: I literally do all of these things. Doing these things doesn’t make you a fake Christian.

But, there was also a time in my life when I posted worship lyrics while actively avoiding texts from my accountability partner.

We have the responsibility of determining whether this is genuine and intentional or merely something we do to maintain an image or boost our self-esteem.

Because the truth is, you can look like you’re following Jesus while barely talking to Him.

And faith that lives only on the surface? It won’t hold you up when the storm hits.

And the storm will hit.

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3. Jesus Didn’t Die So We Could Dabble

Luke 9:23 does not say:

“If anyone would like a chill vibe with Me, let them bring a cute journal to church, post a verse when life gets messy, or start a christian podcast.”

Nope.

It says:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

Daily.

Not occasionally.

Not when life feels manageable and Spotify shuffle is finally getting it right.

That means:

    •    When it’s inconvenient

    •    When it’s countercultural.

    •    When your coffee order is wrong and your day gets worse.

Jesus isn’t a hobby. He’s a King. And kings don’t ask for part-time loyalty.

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So What Happens When Faith Isn’t a Hobby?

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• You stop talking about God and start talking to Him like He’s actually in the room (because He is).

• The Word becomes a mirror, not just a motivational quote.

• Conviction doesn’t feel like shame or guilt—it feels like an invitation to be free.

• Church isn’t just a weekly pit stop. It’s a home for your hungry soul.

This kind of faith doesn’t require perfection. It just asks for presence. For pursuit. For a heart that says, “Jesus, I need You more than anything.”

Recently, I've had to face the truth:

My faith had become more of a side hustle than my source of life. And sometimes—even scarier—it had blended into my job, where I could talk about Jesus all day without actually resting in Him.

But God, in His kindness, called me out of that distracted space. He asked me to cut out the noise, let go of the good things that were pulling me from the best thing, and seek Him with my whole heart again.

Now? I’m trying to make my first thought each morning not “Should I text him?” or “What do I need to do today?” but “God, who do You want me to love today?”.

I don’t want to look back at my life full of regrets for all the moments I missed really walking with Jesus.

Because regret doesn’t come from the hard parts of faith.

It comes from not engaging it at all.

Friends, Jesus doesn't want our scraps, He wants our surrender.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you… apart from me, you can do nothing.”

John 15:4-5

That’s not poetry. That’s a lifeline.

You were never meant to dabble in faith.

You were meant to abide.

So if faith has felt like an accessory lately—a weekend activity or a spiritual aesthetic—today is a good day to change that.

To stop dabbling and to start depending.

To stop playing church and actually be the Church.

Jesus doesn’t want your highlight reel.

He wants your heart.

Songs for reflection, prayer, & singing:

"Available" - Elevation Worship

"First Love" - Kari Jobe

"All I Have is Christ" - Sovereign Grace Music

"Altar" - SEU Worship

"Center" - Bethel Music