By Pastor Joe Valenti, CVCYouth Pastor
One of the hottest commodities in the world is time. We don’t know how much of it we have, and we can never get it back.
Time keeps on moving and time matters. Because these things are true, we need to steward our time well.
In Matthew 10 and Luke 9, Jesus instructs his disciples to enter a town, share the good news, and then leave if the people did not welcome the message. Interesting, right? I don’t believe this means that once we share the Gospel with a friend, we need to bail on them. However, we do need to following the leading of the Spirit as we attempt to use our time wisely.
Paul gives us a great reminder about how we use our time:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:5, ESV (emphasis added)
Here are a few things that I would challenge you to check in your own heart because they might be Satan’s way of getting you to waste your time and things that do not build the Kingdom.
Are you reading rubbish?
Look, folks. I love a good fiction book. In fact, I read about 20 fiction titles in a year. They can be good for you, and enjoyable. My big beef here is with bloggers and columnists that offer opinions that have no theological basis and are purposeful in creating tension within the body of Christ. For instance, I saw a post this morning that someone shared on Facebook. The post was a rant against a pastor because the blogger didn’t like his tactics. Really?! That is what we’re spending our time on? Stop reading pieces like this – read something useful to your walk with Christ and helpful in the edification and unification of the body of Christ.
Are you caught in aimless arguing?
Every knows that I’m always up for a good theological battle. If you want to hash our things, I’m always glad to oblige. However, there are some arguments that can be very wasteful. For instance, arguments with people who have no interest in truly learning from others is a waste of time. Arguing with people who don’t know what they are talking about is a waste of time. Arguing with people who have no desire to truly come to any sort of conclusion is a waste of time. My best friend from high school does not believe in God. He knows that I do, and if he asks me about my faith, I am always willing to enter into meaningful conversation. However, to pick a fight with him is useless and problematic. We’re starting with two different world-views, and that makes coming to a conclusion or agreement on whether or not God exists almost impossible.
Are you gagging the Gospel?
I’m convinced that one of the biggest wastes of time is preaching a Gospel that is watered down and easy to digest. The message of Jesus Christ is not an easy message. If it were, everyone would accept it. But accepting Christ means accepting that you are a terrible person who deserves to go to hell. That’s not easy. But when we preach do-gooding or church-going, we waste our time and, perhaps, even assist in damning people. If you are going to share Jesus with people, know what the Bible says and share the message with some guts – the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.
So, make the best use of your time, because the days are evil. Don’t let Satan trick you into doing things that you think are beneficial which, in all truth, are wasteful.
