What Do You Do With Your Time?

 

Scripture:

 

“So pay careful attention to how you conduct your life — live wisely, not unwisely. Use your time well, for these are evil days.” — Ephesians 5:15-16 (CJB)

 

Reflection:

 

This morning I was talking with my brother, Garon, about why he feels tired all the time. As we talked, I realized I have been asking myself a similar question since returning from Guatemala.

 

Why did I have so much energy there, yet feel more tired now that I’m home?

 

In Guatemala, there wasn’t much wasted time. We didn’t sit around watching television. We weren’t endlessly scrolling through social media. We spent our evenings preparing for the next day, showering, reading, praying, talking, and then getting some much-needed rest.

 

Even though we worked hard every day—often doing physical labor that left me sore—I felt good. I woke up before my alarm most mornings. I had time to spend with God, enjoy breakfast, and start the day with purpose. My body was tired from work, but my mind and spirit felt refreshed.

 

Since coming home, I’ve noticed something different.

 

The distractions returned.

 

The television is on. The phone is in my hand. There are endless opportunities to waste small chunks of time that eventually add up to hours.

 

As Garon and I talked, we began looking at our routines. He mentioned going to bed around 10:30 and usually having the TV on while falling asleep before getting up around 5:30. That led us to a bigger question:

 

What are we actually doing with our evenings?

 

Many of us say we don’t want to go to bed earlier because we’re afraid we’ll miss out on something. But what exactly are we missing?

 

Another episode?

 

More scrolling?

 

A snack we didn’t need?

 

A few more minutes of distraction?

 

How much time do we spend consuming things that leave us empty, while neglecting the things that actually fill us?

 

Take a look at your screen-time report on your phone. See how much time was spent on social media, sports, videos, news, or entertainment.

 

Now ask yourself:

 

Did I spend that much time with God?

 

Did I spend that much time talking with my spouse, my children, or my family without a screen competing for attention?

 

Did I spend that much time investing in relationships that matter?

 

One thing I miss most about Guatemala isn’t the work or even the routine. It’s the fellowship. There was time for conversation, connection, and purpose. Since coming home, I’ve noticed how easily those things get crowded out by distractions.

 

The reality is that every minute we spend on things that do not truly fulfill us is a minute we’ll never get back.

 

God has entrusted us with our time. The question is not whether we have enough of it. The question is whether we’re using it wisely.

 

Encouragement:

 

Today, take inventory of your time.

 

Be honest.

 

Where is it going?

 

What habits are draining you instead of filling you?

 

What distractions are stealing time from God, family, rest, and meaningful fellowship?

 

You may discover that the answer to feeling spiritually, mentally, and even physically refreshed isn’t found in doing more—but in removing the things that keep you from what matters most.

 

—
-Rev Carlos Figueroa
TheFreeBible.Org