There are two words that seem to be almost constantly on the minds of people I know: time management. We long for the balance of work, play and rest. We look for gadgets and strategies to keep our time in order. We prioritize, categorize and excise all for the sake of doing what is most important in the 24 hour days we have been given.
In the mix of our desire to schedule wisely we identify areas where time might be wasted: lingering too long on Facebook or majoring on minors, to name a few. One “time-killer,” though, actually defeats all the rest. It is one we don’t want to admit and one we would rather not consider. Its name is “sin.”
When we willfully disobey God and choose our way we have immediately made the decision to waste our own time and the time of others. This became very clear to me several years when I had a former student make some very bad choices and consequently ended up in some very “hot water.” I spent at least a year of weekly walking with him through the challenges he faced. It was another 2 years before it all resolved.
This last week I spent nearly a whole work day worth of hours working through a situation with another pastor, caused by sin.
In my own life I have cost myself precious time from short-sightedness and failure to follow the wisdom God was trying to give me. I have lost count of how many times I wanted to push the “re-wind” button on decisions I made to take things into my own hands.
I could easily resent the sinner and I could easily be resented. Instead, I’m going to hate and resent the sin.
I know I will waste a little more time in my life because sadly I will sin. I also know, God through His mercy, offers me forgiveness and in fact will offer me ways to redeem the time. His time management is perfect.
Hosea 10:12: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” (New Living Translation)
