• Don't Waste Your Life

    By: Kristen McNulty




    If we look at how we spend our time we get a very accurate picture of how we are also spending our lives. So how are you spending your life? Spending too many hours at work? Binge-watching an unhealthy amount of shows on Netflix? It's easy to get consumed by what is right in front of us and as a result, many of us waste our days. We put off the big stuff, convinced we can get to it tomorrow, but then tomorrow comes and we put it off yet again.

    In Ephesians 5:15-17 we're instructed,

    "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."

    If we're not careful we could let our entire lives slip on by and waste our days on things that are meaningless, and this is not what God has called us to. He's called us to use our time here on earth to make a difference, to build his kingdom and spread the Gospel to those we cross paths on. And we're not meant to start this task tomorrow, we're meant to be doing it today! As James 4:14 says,

    "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while then it's gone." Then in verse 17, "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it."

    That said it's time to get off the couch, it's time to put away our phones, it's time to act to act. Reach out to your neighbors. Tell your friends about your faith. Go see your Pastor and ask them where they need help in the church and then make a commitment to fill that need. Life is short and it's far too important to be wasted. I don't know about you, but when I stand before God and he asks me "what did you do with the days I gave to you?" I don't want to be scrambling for an answer, embarrassed of what the honest answer actually is. No, I want to get to heaven and hear those words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together." (Matthew 25:23)

    Closing with a quote from John Piper, "Life is precarious, and life is precious. Don't presume you will have it tomorrow, and don't waste it today."

    Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.

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