Time Wasters

---

I have wasted time in my life. A lot of time. I don't so much look back at it in deep regret as I truly believe each new day is a new day in the LORD and full of potential. He does make His mercies new every morning. Additionally I don't believe looking back in regret is very profitable or kingdom behavior, yet...

I am a reading in Luke 4 of the temptations of Jesus at the start of His ministry. At a point of hunger the devil tempts Jesus to use His power to feed Himself, to use that power to satisfy Himself. The devil also tempts Jesus with worldly power, which really isn't fully true (Satan is the father of lies) yet has a bit of truth as it is apparent in this world that many have been tempted with fame and fortune by that liar, and then the devil tempts Jesus to perform spectacular acts for the pure glory of being able to do so. And in each case Jesus counters this father of lies with scripture, and resists.

So what do the temptations of Jesus have to do with wasting time?

In my case, the time I am referring to as wasted is time where I crumbled under pressure or disappointments and succumbed to the temptation of unbelief. And that was unbelief that the problems that created the pressure and disappointments were never going to change...in the way I wanted them to change. I pouted. For you see my faith was misplaced and therefore not applied to where it needed to go, and that was in God. If you do not take the time to have a real relationship with God that goes beyond church attendance or a mental or emotional connection with Christianity, and I wasn't, I did not have what Jesus promises in John 15, fruit from abiding in Him.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me". John 15:4

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ". Ephesians 5:15-21

So teach us to number or days that we may get a heart of wisdom - Psalm 90:12