What a Waste!

Have you ever looked back on a day, week or period of time and think about the time wasted? Not necessarily the time waiting in line or in meetings but gaps of time where we spent time doing something or nothing of particular importance. If we added up those hours we spend daily watching television, surfing the internet, chatting or playing games online, we would see how quickly they add up.

We can always justify the time we waste saying we just needed a break or we didn’t feel like do anything; however, is it really true? Sure, we all need some down time but it may be time to look at exactly how much down time we are wasting. It may be time to look at where we can make better use of our time.

Ephesians 5:15-20 ‘So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” NLT

We all have things we want to do around the house, places we want to go and people we want to spend time with. When we use our time selfishly every day doing things that aren’t really making a difference, we are wasting our time.

We also have things God wants us to do in our lives. We need to be sure our time is not being wasted on the things of the world and be sure we are spending time daily with God and we are working toward the purpose He has for us.

It is so easy for two hours to pass by while watching television or sitting in front of a computer. What starts out as a 15-30 minute break may end up in a three to four hour waste of time. When we aren’t doing what God wants us to do, we are wasting our time.

What type of things do we do while driving our cars? What do we do when we get up in the morning? What do we do before we go to bed at time, when we come home in the afte
oon, when we are on break or lunch at work or school? We are told by God to make the most of every opportunity. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, sing songs and give thanks.

When we have some free time, instead of turning on the television or the computer, we need to turn to God. We need to ask Him what to do with our time. We need to spend time in prayer and reading His word. We need to spend time looking for opportunities to help others. We need look for ways to lift others up in our words and actions.

Colossians 4:5-6 “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” NLT

Next time we are in our car, or at work or home, and not doing anything in particular, we need to think about what we are doing. We need to be more aware of where our time is being wasted and what God wants us to do rather than what we want to be doing. We need to be sure we are doing things pleasing to God rather than pleasing ourselves. When we use our time for God and make the most of every opportunity, He will us use to make a difference.
1 Peter 4:2 “So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” ESV