Use Your Time Wisely

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

-Ephesians 5:15-17

Are you making the best use of your time?

I’m not a lazy person (I think), but I’ll fully admit that I enjoy relaxing. I enjoy watching football and baseball on TV. I enjoy scrolling on Instagram and Twitter (now X?) on my phone when I have a spare moment. I enjoy reading articles and secular books. I enjoy listening to secular podcasts.

Now, it’s important to make two points:

First, there is nothing wrong with rest. After all, rest is both Biblical and necessary.

Second, there is nothing wrong with most secular books and podcasts. While avoiding temptation and sin, I don’t see anything wrong with watching a football game or even spending some time on social media.

But what about when rest becomes laziness? Or when consuming TV or spending time on your phone becomes an addiction?

As Christians, we need to ensure that we are walking with the Lord and making the best use of our time. If we’re intentionally avoiding time with the Lord through prayer or through Scripture, we have a problem that we need to address.

Let me give you an example of what my life could look like if I’m not careful with how I’m using my time:

• I wake up in the morning and scroll through Instagram while getting ready for work.

• I make the commute to work, listening to a secular podcast while I drive.

• I spend the day at work consumed with deadlines, meetings, and calls.

• I come home from work, listening to secular music while I drive.

• After dinner is eaten, the kids are put to bed, and the house is tidied, I spend the rest of the evening watching my favorite TV show for a few hours before going to bed.

Now, what would my daily routine look like if I made the best use of my time by intentionally setting time aside for the Lord?

• I wake up in the morning and spend time praying and reading the Bible before getting ready for work.

• I make the commute to work, spending time in silence or praying.

• I spend the day at work but intentionally take breaks throughout the day to read Scripture on my phone or pray briefly.

• I come home from work, listening to worship music while I drive.

• After dinner is eaten, the kids are put to bed, and the house is tidied, I spend time with my wife to discuss her spiritual needs and to check-in on our family.

I’m no expert, but the second version of the daily routine is what I’m aiming toward. I want to be intentional with my time. I want to make sure that every spare moment is allocated to the Lord.

Could you be using your time more wisely? Are you giving your time to the Lord?