Around my house I am known as the time Nazi. I am forever looking at my wrist watch to see the time. If I am going anywhere, I want to be early. To me, if I am late, it reflects on me not being considerate of another people’s time. If at home, I just like to see what time it is, to try to plan my day.
Idleness is where Satan tempts believers, usually, without them knowing it. Just look at King David. He was at the pinnacle of success, while ruling the people of Israel. He was never defeated in battle. He was popular with the Israelites he ruled over. All of a sudden, one day, he decided he would not go to battle. Idleness set in. He had too much time on his hands, and yielded to the temptation of committing adultery. That decision caused his military and spiritual advancements to plummet.
A great Christian of the past talked about the need to forsake idleness, when he wrote: “Never be idle, be ever be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavoring something for the public good” (Thomas a Kempis). A key thought in that quote is the three words he uses to start that quote, “Never be idle.” It is during those times that Satan tempts with desires and thoughts that are unhealthy and ungodly.
The Scriptures are not silent when it comes to your use of your time. It speaks over and over again to using your time in a godly manner. One such passage in in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil.” Pay attention to how you spend each moment of your day – “careful how you walk.” Do not be unwise but be wise in your time usage. And remember to make “the most of your time.” The reason in all this is that each day on earth is not a day of heavenly bliss but represent days that are evil.
I am not advocating being a time Nazi and scrutinizing each second of the day. But be mindful to be one who is “making the most of your time.” It is time to start doing that today!
