Nov 15 – Do Not Waste Time!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).

Everywhere we look today, we see notices warning us not to waste resources. Government departments urge us, “Do not waste water,” “Do not waste petrol,” and “Do not waste electricity.” But the Bible lovingly advises us, “Do not waste time.”

Human life on earth has a beginning and an end. The time in between is short, and the daylight allotted to us is limited. If our heart, which beats about seventy-two times a minute, suddenly stops, we will have to step into eternity.

Children of God, let us keep running the race for the Lord without ceasing. The apostle Paul says, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Indeed, our rest is not here on earth.

Since we live in this world only once, we must continually wage war, day and night, against the ruler of darkness and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. At the same time, we must go to villages where people have never heard the Gospel and proclaim it to them.

At a time when he should have gone to war, David wasted time walking on the rooftop of his palace. That idle moment led him into sin. As the saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

That sinful act brought terrible consequences into David’s life and left deep scars. His wives were publicly violated in broad daylight. The son born to David became ill and died. David, who had once been described as a man after God’s own heart, now had to flee his palace, weeping and lamenting. The sin he had committed in secret brought him public shame and humiliation.

Repent with tears over the time you have wasted, and seek the Lord’s mercy. Every second, every minute, and every passing moment is an opportunity of grace given to you by God—priceless treasures like diamonds and pearls.

Children of God, use every second of your time for the Lord.

Verse for further meditation: “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6).