Amy Carmichael wrote, “A good master never wastes his servant’s time.” What a grand ideal for business, to never waste your employee’s time on senseless tasks or duties beneath their ability.
But when we take this statement and compare it to our Lord, I find even greater truth and assurance. Even though, I have been a long time learning it!
There have been times in my life and ministry when I have wondered what in the world I was doing. Everything seemed so monotonous, so repetitive, and like there was no end and no fruit. Long years of sowing seed, expansive times of waiting and expectation, and that long dark tunnel of depression all seemed such a waste of time.
But now? I look back and see those years of sowing seed as precious. They are scattered with memories and people that taught me so much and influenced me greatly.
Those expansive times when I felt nothing would change, and we’d never get to our goals have now come to fruition, and my expectation was not lost. God answered prayer. Not one thing has failed of all He promised.
And that long dark tunnel of depression? It holds some of the most valuable keys to my spiritual life. It stands as a turning point in my life, a beacon that proved the faithfulness of God.
None of these were wasted time. They all had a purpose, and I remain thankful for them.
Today, as we sit isolated in our homes, let’s remember that this, too, is not a wasted time. Our good master has a purpose.
We have the opportunity to use our time wisely. Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Let’s think just a bit about the wise use of time as opposed to the foolish.
Some say watching TV is a waste of time. It is, if there are other things you should be accomplishing, but if it is a release for stress or a planned time of education, information, or entertainment, then it becomes more useful.
Trying to solve everyone’s problems is a waste of time. You aren’t responsible for their problems, only your own. So, wasting your energy on things outside your direct responsibility is wasteful. We aren’t responsible for figuring out how to work the nation through to the new normal, so spending emotional energy when we have no power to create change is wasteful. We would be better to take this problem to God in prayer, praying for our leaders and the wisdom they need in a time like they have never faced.
Spending energy on complaining about something you could have already changed is a waste of time. You need to quit procrastinating and get the job done. That would be a more valuable use of time. Besides, you wear out those around you as they listen to you complaining and making excuses. Productivity is never a waste of time, even if it is simply mowing the lawn or cleaning the garage.
Creating fake problems, so you don’t have to deal with your real issues is a waste of time. Drama creates drama, but it never solves anything. It would be better to devote your time to creating genuine resolution.
And, I’d say an attitude of frustration that spills over into complaining, wishing, and angry outbursts because of the current situation is also a waste of time. Like that old adage, “No sense crying over spilled milk.” We are where we are. Fighting against it is a waste of time.
We are better to make good use of our time. Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
To keep our hopes up and trust our good Master. Psalm 27:13, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
To learn what it means to wait. Psalm 27:14. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”
And know that our times are in His hands. Psalm 31:15
Our good Master is not wasting our time – let’s be sure we aren’t either!
Thank you for joining me Beside the Well. You might also like to view my devotional teaching videos on YouTube. Here is the link - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf9ieihLvKtS1-4GqF4KrYA
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