As self-quarantining continues in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, folks are actually at home more than at any time in recent memory. With no sports or school events, no public worship or church activities, and no eating out or partying, many face a quandary of how to spend our unexpected free time.
Thankfully many are able to work from home, and many more are enjoying various forms of video entertainment. Considering the high volume of cable viewers and online participants, we have to wonder how our ancestors survived with no internet, much less electricity.
The fact that we want something to occupy our time indicates part of our created purpose. God didn’t make us to be idle. He made us to work creatively and productively. He gave us intelligent minds and strong bodies to support ourselves and our families while glorifying Him. Although it doesn’t get as much press as adultery or drunkenness, laziness is just as sinful in God’s sight.
The Apostle Paul told the Ephesian Christians to, “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). The King James Version says we should redeem our time.
To redeem something means that we buy it back or get the full value from it. When we redeem a gift card at a restaurant, we receive its worth in food and drink. Think of each day as a gift card of time and think of these “extra” hours we’ve been given as bonuses on our cards. How will we use them?
One way to productively redeem this gift of time is by reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing God’s Word. Too often our hurried lives crowd out our Bible and devotional times. Right now, there’s no excuse not to seek God’s will as well as His peace through His inspired Word.
Spending extra moments in prayer is another excellent way to use our bonus. Instead of letting the reporters and pundits scare and aggravate us, let’s talk to the One who can do something about this current crisis as well as every other aspect of our lives. Pray for our leaders as well as your family and your church. Pray about whatever’s on your mind or just praise God.
In addition, let’s use the time to connect with friends and family by telephone, facetime, or other means in order to stay in touch. Busyness often relegates our most important relationships to life’s sidelines. Let’s redeem our time by reconnecting. Certainly, these added hours also enable us to check in with elderly or ill neighbors or relatives and help provide for whatever needs they may have.
With the weather warming and the grass greening, leave the house for a hike, walk, or run. Many spring flowers are blooming right now and these are God’s way of assuring us that life will go on and that He believes in tomorrow! If walking is not your thing, even a drive or simply sitting outside can help us reflect that the One who has made all that is, has us in the palm of His hand if we’ve committed our lives to Him.
Of course this is also a great time to get caught up on housework, filing, and home repairs. Complete your Census form and send that in so that we can all be counted and considered in all governmental decisions. This involuntary staycation also offers a great opportunity to learn to play an instrument, read stories to a child, write your memoirs, or compose some poetry.
God did not make us to do nothing. Most of these activities require no money, only time, which we often complain to have none of. Now we do. Let’s redeem it for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good.
Blessings, George