Don’t Waste Your Time
In what way do we spend our time? That, in fact, depends on the person and what they believe. There are also other factors that determine how we spend our days on the earth. Often, we depend on information derived from others as we decide what to do, or what to wear each day. One of the things many regularly consult is the weather forecast. We check the T.V. or the almanac to see if the weather requires a certain type of clothes, etc.
Often it is the case that planned activities have to be altered despite the predictions of the meteorologists. If we fail to ‘check out’ the expected conditions, we are likely to discover that we cannot participate in what we desired to do, albeit it too late. Many a picnic has been disrupted because folks didn’t check to see if it was going to rain. When such happens, our time can’t be used that way and seems to be wasted.
Much of the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes is devoted to “time” and all that one can do with whatever time they have on the earth. It is also a fact that “time” will run out for everyone as Eccl. 9:12 clearly declares. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. From this, and many other verses in the word of God, we should learn not to waste or squander whatever time we are granted.
The Spirit had the psalmist in Psa. 90:12, write to instruct how we ought to occupy our time on earth. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. We also find the inspired Words penned by the wise man in Prov. 2:1-2. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; It is clear that the seeking of wisdom and understanding from God are not a waste of time. When we depart, wisdom and knowledge we gain from the world will be left behind.
Therefore, one must seek that which is of the most benefit to them and to those whom they love. Prov. 2:4-7 identifies what is of most importance, how diligently we must search for it, and how it benefits us. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. Furthermore, not wasting time here on earth while seeking God through His Word and living in full accordance with it, yields everlasting benefits.
We receive this counsel from the Word of God, as well as from books and stories. We have often gleaned this from the pens of poets as well. One of my favorite ‘poets’ is my wife’s late father, O.D. Wilson, who was also a faithful gospel preacher. Much of his poetry teaches the principles of life which we find in God’s Word. Below is one of these poems. It also bears the name of this article.
Don’t Waste Your Time
1
Life is like a flower in the Springtime,
Budding and blooming in the breeze.
Don’t crush its beauty but always be kind,
Do a good deed, always try to please.
2
Life is like a vapor, spreading o’er the valley.
In a short time it goes away.
So temporary, it is gone tomorrow,
Make the right use of it while it’s today.
3
Life is like a storm-cloud with a booming thunder,
There’s lightning and hail and heavy rain.
Soon it will pass, no need to wonder,
For we know the sun will shine again.
4
Life is like a journey; it has an ending,
We carefully chart the course our way to find.
Our footprints we leave, our message we are sending,
To those who follow us, not far behind.
5
Then don’t waste your time; its use confine
Not for yourself alone, this resign.
Walk with God, in perfect peace of mind’
Helping the lost, the way to find.
O. D. Wilson – deceased
Our time is perhaps our second most precious commodity. Our soul is the most important thing we have. Why not use that which is temporary to address the needs of that which is permanent? Obey God’s Word now while you have time, and prepare properly for eternity.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
