Time robbers – they are all around us! We need to be aware of their tactics and stand on guard.
I’ll admit there are some time robbers that have infiltrated my daily routine. Now, before I go any further, I want to say that I am not condemning anyone but will simply be pointing out an area the Holy Spirit has pointed out in my life that He wants me to change.
I spend more time than I should each day playing on my computer. I like several different types of Solitaire. I feel it challenges my problem-solving skills and keeps me alert, however, I allow it to rob time from other things that need my attention.
For weeks, I’ve been saying that I need to write to a few people and encourage them – let them know I’m thinking of them and praying for them but that has gotten pushed to the background while I play “just one more hand”.
“ So be very careful how you live. Live wisely, not like fools. 16 I mean that you should use every opportunity you have for doing good, because these are evil times. 17 So don’t be foolish with your lives, but learn what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 ERV
Use every opportunity for doing good.
Please hear me on this, relaxation is not wrong. We can become so busy that we neglect to rest. There is nothing wrong with playing computer Solitaire but if it robs my time and my energy and keeps me from doing other things that have a more lasting value then it’s a problem.
“God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. 7 Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life. 8 This message is certainly true. These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:6-8 CEV
Be sure to do good deeds.
This makes me think of the story of the Good Samaritan. Three people saw the man who had been beaten and robbed. Only one stopped to help. I don’t know why – maybe they were scared or just too busy, needing to get to their next appointment so they walked on by. The sad thing about this is one was a priest and one was a worker at the temple.
The thing with time robbers is that many of them aren’t offensive, illegal or immoral but they do keep us from doing something better.
“God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” Ephesians 2:10 CEV
If the Lord is showing you things that are robbing your time, ask for His help in correcting the situation. If nothing comes to mind, then praise God for right priorities.
Let’s all make the most of the time we have to do good things that will honor the Father and be a blessing to others.