There’s More to Life Than Work

Is play a luxury… or is it part of God’s design for humanity?

For many of us, hobbies feel like a guilty pleasure—something we squeeze in only after the work is done. But what if recreation, creativity, and delight aren’t distractions from the Christian life? What if they’re part of it?

In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Brianna Lambert, author of Created to Play, to explore a biblical theology of play and why enjoying God’s creation can actually deepen our spiritual formation.

Together they discuss:

• Why God created a world of abundance—not merely utility

How hobbies shape our character and spiritual growth

The surprising connection between play, humility, and worship

Why creativity reflects the heart of our Creator

How gardening, cooking, puzzles, scuba diving, woodworking, and other hobbies can become acts of worship

The hidden temptations every hobby carries—and how to enjoy God’s gifts wisely

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking time to enjoy life, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that God delights in our delight.

Brianna Lambert is an author, speaker, and freelance writer who helps Christians rediscover the goodness of God’s creation in everyday life. A longtime homeschool mom and storyteller, Brianna has spent more than a decade writing about faith, family, beauty, and spiritual formation.

Her first book, Created to Play: How Taking Hobbies Seriously Grows Us Spiritually, invites readers to rethink hobbies and recreation through a biblical lens. Rather than viewing play as wasted time, Brianna argues that creativity, delight, and enjoyment are gifts from God that cultivate humility, gratitude, worship, and joy. Living in Indiana with her husband and three children, Brianna enjoys reading, gardening, raising ducks, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new ways God’s creation points us back to its Creator.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Brianna Lambert

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