Free Time

With midterms coming up this week, I didn't feel I had the proper amount of time to devote to the End Times prophecy we've found ourselves in for our study through Matthew - but I will certainly make time for a topical post on free time. :-)

Have you ever heard people say, "You'll have to give an account on Judgment Day for how you spent your time"?  I'm not aware of anywhere in the Bible where it actually says this (if you do, share the reference in the comments section), but the general principle is indeed there.  For example:

Therefore be careful how to walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
 - Ephesians 5:15-16

And of course there are famous passages like the Parable of the Talents that talk about using whatever God has given us - money, time, relationships, power, influence, skills, etc. - for His glory and kingdom.

And, there's the whole concept of "giving your life to Christ" meaning exactly that - as a Christian, your time (and everything else you have, both tangible and intangible) belongs to God.

We all need these reminders at certain times when we prioritize something over God (like a relationship or studying or a fun hobby), but I've also learned that it can be taken too far.  We can adopt that mindset so much that we become legalistic and guilt-ridden.

What I mean is, God created us to be human, and to live on this Earth.  That means that 100% of our time can't be spent on ministry, evangelism, Bible study, prayer, etc. Some basic necessities take time - getting enough sleep, hygiene, cooking, cleaning, etc., as do other things we as humans need to do, like foster relationships with our friends and family, commute, and go to work.  But we are also wired to need a little down-time and relaxation - it's not sin to "waste" some time watching TV, reading, doing a puzzle, playing a sport, etc., because God wired our brains to need that.

And, in the end, if we allow ourselves a little bit of "human" time, it will prevent us from getting so burned out that we can't serve God effectively.

So, it's all a matter of balance ... one I assume most of us will have to keep trying to figure out for the rest of our lives. :-)  But if we keep trying, we'll get closer and closer to the answer.