I've never thought about this too much until I read one of Piper's sermons... But, the fact of the matter is that in today's world, there is a premium on fun.

I agree with what Piper has to say. Here is an excerpt:

I feel such a burden for us as a church to swim against the tide of almost every current in our culture. More and more and more, America is a nation given over to play. The industries of play are huge! Houses are built today with entertainment centers. Computers and videos and television and stereo all coordinate to give us ever more stimulating and captivating distractions from the realities of the world. When we need to be dreaming, for the glory of Christ, about how to spend our lives alleviating ignorance and sickness and misery and lostness, we are becoming more and more addicted to amusement.

Make a little test of evangelical vocabulary, and calculate, for example, the increasing frequency with which we use the world "fun" to describe almost everything we like. But when do we describe our good experiences as "meaningful" or "significant" or "enriching" or "ennobling" or "worthwhile" or "edifying" or "helpful" or "strengthening" or "encouraging" or "deepening" or "transforming" or "valuable" or "eye-opening" or "God-exalting"?

Oh, I don't want to be a party-pooper. Fun, entertainment, relaxation, etc. are important for the healthy mind, body, and soul. But I've been thinking that more and more, I'm only looking forward to the next weekend, the next leisure activity, the next chance to be entertained... And really, there are far more important things to think about and do...

So sayeth the unemployed bum...