As a pastor, I understand the questions that arise around hobbies and collectibles—especially ones that might seem a bit unusual, like Labubu. I’m not a collector myself, but when I came across Labubu, I found it to be a lighthearted and quirky character that brings a bit of harmless joy. In our Christian lives, we can often feel uncertain about whether enjoying small things like this is appropriate, or if it distracts from our faith.
I want to share my thoughts on why I believe Labubu, and similar little hobbies, can have a place in a Christian’s life without guilt. This isn’t about endorsing every hobby indiscriminately, but about finding a balance between enjoying life’s little blessings and keeping our ultimate focus on Christ.
Understanding the Goodness of Creation and Enjoying It Rightly
Scripture teaches us that God’s creation is inherently good and that He gives us all things to enjoy with thankfulness. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:4, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” As believers, we’re reminded that we live in a world filled with God’s good gifts, designed to be received with gratitude. This doesn’t mean every part of creation is flawless or that all pursuits are spiritually healthy. But it does mean that harmless enjoyments, like Labubu, can be part of a Christian’s life when kept in the right perspective.
Labubu is simply a whimsical character—a little piece of artistry that doesn’t inherently promote sin or idolatry. It’s important for us as Christians to discern between what is truly harmful and what is harmless, avoiding the tendency to label every unusual thing as “demonic” or spiritually harmful. Colossians 2:16 warns against judging one another on external matters: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.” Just as we have freedom in these matters, so too can we approach harmless hobbies with wisdom, knowing that enjoyment doesn’t have to lead us away from Christ.
Joy, Moderation, and Avoiding Idolatry
One essential caution for us all is to guard our hearts against idolatry, even with harmless interests. John Calvin famously said that “the human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” Anything we enjoy—whether it’s a hobby, a career, or even family—can become an idol if it captures our devotion above God. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” When it comes to interests like Labubu, we must remember that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy them, but they should never hold a central place in our hearts.
Instead, we should practice moderation. Enjoy Labubu for what it is—a simple source of joy—and ensure it doesn’t take up too much time, money, or attention. When kept in its proper place, hobbies like this can actually serve as a refreshing part of life that reminds us of God’s creativity and the joy He offers in His creation.
Finding Balance in Earthly Joys and Eternal Purpose
As Christians, we are called to live with an eternal perspective. While it’s okay to enjoy small things like Labubu, we’re reminded that our deepest satisfaction comes from God alone. Psalm 16:11 says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” While hobbies can be enjoyable, they are not meant to be our ultimate source of fulfillment. Only God can truly satisfy the longing of our hearts.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Enjoying Labubu is fine, but it’s essential that it doesn’t become a distraction from our purpose to glorify God and to serve others. This doesn’t mean we must renounce all earthly joys; rather, we are called to hold them loosely, always ready to put God and His mission first.
Approaching Interests with Discernment and Thankfulness
There is wisdom in approaching every hobby or interest with discernment. Not everything that is “permissible” is “beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). We can enjoy Labubu or similar interests if they align with our conscience and don’t hinder our walk with Christ. Let’s also remember to give thanks to God for the ability to enjoy these small things without letting them control us or define our identity.
James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” These small joys are ultimately gifts from God, not replacements for Him. When we enjoy them rightly, with hearts full of gratitude, we acknowledge God’s hand in all that is good.
Freedom, Caution, and Ultimate Joy
As believers, we have the freedom to enjoy small, innocent pleasures like Labubu while remaining cautious to keep our ultimate joy and identity rooted in Christ. When approached with discernment, such hobbies can add lightness to our lives without detracting from our faith. Remember that in all things, God calls us to live in balance, finding joy in His creation while keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
Let us enjoy the simple things in life with thankfulness, always remembering that they are gifts, not goals. Our true fulfillment is found in Christ, and as we seek Him first, everything else, including our small hobbies, can fall beautifully into place.