Knowing the time wasting thieves in your life so you can fight them
/And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV
Yesterday two different podcasts referred to Richard Baxter and his writing “Time Wasting Thieves”. The repetition of it inspired me to quote it here today. Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was a puritan, a church leader, a theologian and writer. In his reflection on Colossians 3:17 he listed twelve time wasting thieves. They are as relevant today as when he wrote them. The single word or phrase after each number is Baxter, my comment follows the period. Of course, some things are so obvious, no comment is needed.
Idleness. That is being lazy. Not looking for useful things to do.
Excessive sleep.
Body focus. Being overly interested in health and nutrition and overly interested in sculpting one’s body to the detriment of one’s spiritual life or walk with God.
Pompous house decorations. Spending time and money in constantly redoing one’s house, always seeking the latest of everything.
Needless feasting. Are you always focused on food, the best, the costliest, the exotic. Or, are you a glutton not guarding your in-take of food?
Idle talk. That is gossip, or constant conversations about all kinds of things, but not honing one’s heart and head to be focused on the things of God.
Vain or sinful company. The word vain can mean empty, as Ecclesiastes puts it, a chasing after the wind. Are the people in your life building you up in Christ or are they pulling you away from your devotion to Him?
Needless sports. Amazing that was already a problem in the 1600’s, how much more so today. There are dozens of channels dedicated to nothing but sports. Is you life focused on Jesus Christ and in all things bringing honour to His Name?
Excess of cares. Worry is a time waster. Our lives are in God’s hands, however long or short the number of our days, let us use our time wisely and not let anxiety and worry and fear dominate us. Just one verse earlier Paul admonished the Colossians to let the Word of Christ live in the people. The Word of God drives out the fears of this world.
Sinful thoughts. Are you plotting evil? Are you spending much time binge-watching movies or engaged in watching pornography? Such things entertain sinful thought which drive out contemplation of Jesus.
Reading of worthless books and prideful studies.
The master thief is an unsanctified heart. At the end of John 2 it is recorded that many put their faith in Jesus but He did not put His confidence or faith in man because he knows what’s in a man’s heart. The heart of the unbeliever is always pulling away from God, resisting His glory and refusing to bow before Him. Oh sure, a prideful heart will make a god that is acceptable so that he will bow before that puny idol. But one who has met Jesus and loves Him will be motivated to live for Jesus, on fire with zeal for Him, 24/7.
FOR PARDON
ALMIGHTY GOD, who freely pardons all who repent and turn to You; Now fulfil in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; ^remitting all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience through the perfect sacrifice of Christ our Lord; and keep us evermore in the peace and joy of a holy life; that we may love and serve You always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
^remitting: canceling a debt or setting aside punishment
from: DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 11
https://youtu.be/oEUskp1e2bg?si=81oiUWjB50YUKoZZ “By Faith”
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