Time Wasted? Spent? or Invested?

Notice also what was in the second lesson, from Ephesians:   “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.  So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The apostle says to make the most of our time and to “understand what the will of the Lord is.”  Doesn’t this really sum up a lot of our daily dilemmas – making the most of our time, and trying to know what God’s will is for our lives? 

The apostle is saying that these times, these days are crowded with temptations and traps that will misuse and misdirect our precious time.  What is our definition of wasting time versus God’s definition? 

Perhaps what we give priorities to, are actually in reality, time wasters.  We are tempted to believe that time must always be profitable or productive, we want time to work for us, and so sometimes we work all of the time.  Perhaps there are occasions that we think we are doing something that is a waste of our time, but that actually lends itself to more of what God’s intention for us is all about.  When we don’t stop our lives and simply pray, maybe we are wasting time.                                                 Pastor Randy

From Pamela

Our attitude about the way we use our time influences how we spend our time.  If we see every moment as precious to us, given to us by God, we may be more likely to “invest” our time in ways that reflect what Christ taught us. 

Therefore, we may see that worrying is a waste of time.  Striving for excessive material goods is a waste of time. 

Praying is an investment.  Caring for others is an investment.  Spending time in gentle, compassionate presence with others before God or in hours of praise and thanksgiving for all the God has done – those are great use of our time as well.  Going to a quiet place for rest and renewal with God – that’s an imperative! 

What are some of the ways you waste your time?  What have been some of your greatest “investments” of time?  How did the world try to divert, distract or misdirect you?  How has the church and the community of faith encouraged you to return to Wisdom?