GRADE 8 CRE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY – LEISURE Notes

CRE: Christian Living Today — Subtopic: LEISURE

Age group: 13 years (Kenyan context). Simple notes to help you understand what Christian leisure is, why it matters, and how to enjoy free time in a way that honours God, helps others and keeps you safe.

What is leisure?

Leisure means the time you use to rest, relax, and enjoy yourself when you are not at school, doing chores, or working. It can be playing games ⚽, singing 🎵, reading 📖, walking in nature 🌳, or meeting friends at the church youth group.

Why is leisure important for Christians?

• Restores your body and mind so you can study and serve well (God made us to rest).
• Makes you more creative and joyful — you can use talents to praise God (music, art, dance).
• Builds relationships: family time and youth groups help you grow in faith and character.
• Helps you reflect on God’s creation — nature walks and quiet time can bring you closer to God.

Biblical idea

Jesus and his followers rested sometimes. Example: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31). Rest and leisure are part of healthy Christian life when used rightly.

Good kinds of Christian leisure (Kenyan examples)

• Playing football or netball with friends after school ⚽🏐 (friendly, fair play).
• Joining youth group activities or choir at church 🎶.
• Reading a good book or Bible stories 📖.
• Helping elders, visiting grandparents, or doing community service (helping neighbours).
• Traditional dancing and cultural events — celebrating God's gifts through culture.
• Quiet time: prayer, journaling, or walking in a garden to reflect 🌳.

Warnings: leisure that is harmful

• Avoid activities that hurt you or others (fighting, stealing, cheating).
• Be careful with violent or harmful games and media — think if they match Christian values 🚫🎮.
• Don’t let leisure take away school work, family duties, or church responsibilities.
• Avoid substance use (drugs, alcohol) — these are dangerous and not for young people.

Simple rules to enjoy Christian leisure (MEMO: R.E.S.T.)

• Remember God — include prayer or a Bible verse in your free time.
• Enjoy responsibly — choose activities that build you up and help others.
• Serve — use some leisure time to help family or community once in a while.
• Time-manage — set limits so studies and chores are not ignored.

How to plan a healthy leisure day (easy steps)

1. Do schoolwork and chores first.
2. Pick one active thing (play sport) and one quiet thing (read, pray).
3. Include a moment to help someone (visit an elder or sweep the compound).
4. Set time limits: e.g., 1–2 hours for games, 30 minutes for phone or TV.

Memory verse

"He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.'" — Mark 6:31

Short activities & classroom ideas

• Group talk: In small groups, list 5 leisure activities in your village or town that help you honour God.
• Role play: Show a scene of choosing between studying and playing too much — discuss the right choice.
• Creative: Make a poster about "My Healthy Leisure Day" (drawings, colours, Bible verse).

Questions for reflection or class discussion

• How did you spend your last weekend? Did it help you grow spiritually or not?
• Which leisure activities in your school or church make you feel closer to God?
• How can you use 30 minutes each day to rest and pray?

Mini quiz (tick the correct answer)

1. Leisure is only for fun and never for rest. (True / False)
2. Which is a good leisure choice: helping a neighbour, or ignoring chores? (helping a neighbour)
3. Mark 6:31 encourages people to: (rest and be quiet with Jesus)

Prepared for CRE learners (Kenya). Teachers: you can copy this into a handout or present it on a classroom screen.