Is Daydreaming a Sin

Is it a Sin to Daydream?

According to some laymen, daydreaming is a sin, but what does the Bible say? The Bible never explicitly mentions daydreaming, but there are things to consider.

Sinful Thoughts:

In daydreams, some will imagine themselves committing sins, but this is problematic: "And He was saying, “That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the person," (Mark 7:20-23 NASB). People have bad thoughts, but these must be fought against, not promoted in the mind. 

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him," (James 1:12 KJV). Blessed are those who fight temptation, blessed are not those who indulge in temptation.

Sloth:

If one's daydreams are out of laziness, this too is problematic. "For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: "If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies," (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 NASB1995).

One argument against being allowed to daydream is that it takes you from reality, and this should not be done, but by such logic, we ought not to read fantasy which would seem to be an odd perspective. Daydreaming like many other things must be used with moderation and done at appropriate times.

Works Cited:

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New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.