Times a Wastin

The concept of wasting time is one of focusing on everything but what you should be, or activities that make no lasting benefits. This happens as children and continues through adulthood. Some activities seem right or harmless for us to be involved in. Consider for a moment how you spend your waking hours. As an adult this can take on different forms: family, work, church, home, friends, hobbies, entertainment, social events, volunteering, reading, exercise, sports, etc. Reflect on what you did last week, if you had that time back would you change how you spent it? Let me be clear, I am not talking about periods of rest that we should all partake of as the Lord directed us in the Bible. We all need time of refreshing, rest, relaxation.

My challenge is balancing the mental check list of a type A personality with finding rest in the presence of the Lord. I can relate to dwelling on things too long and needing to refocus my attention on other pressing matters. One good question to ask yourself: Will what I am doing whether in thought or deed, matter in 100 years or 1000 years? Meaning is this going to make a difference in where I or others spend eternity?

There is an old song most of you will not remember sung by Johnny and June Carter Cash – Times a Wastin. We who follow Christ were called into discipleship long ago. One of the last commands Christ extended to his followers before he departed to the heavenly realm by the Father’s right hand was the great commission found in Matthew 28:18-20.

18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Yes, our families and friends are important to us, they are also important to God first and foremost. What we do daily joining with God in kingdom matters makes eternal differences. This world is full of lost people, in our families, workplaces, friends, communities and across this nation. You don’t have to pack up and go across the world to plant kingdom seed. Start in your household and move outward. Once you start planting a few seeds, the Lord will bring others to you.

Be prayerful in your intent, ask the Lord to reveal to you what and how he wants to use you.

Ask yourself, if Jesus comes back tomorrow and this world as you know it ends. Do these people know the love of Jesus and have a relationship in right standing with God? The Lord only knows this ultimately, for we cannot discern the hearts of those around us. Safe to say, we all could use Godly encouragement and support.

Share Jesus, Share Love, Times a Wastin.

Father lead us in the paths and activities that please you. If we are wasting time, please remove these obstacles. Give us a heart of service, courage, and love, to speak into the lives of those around us. Lord allow us to be the light shining in the darkness. In Jesus Name Amen.