The Internet and email are among the most time-consuming passions of people today.
There are far too many survey results to cite that prove the point, but I don’t think they’re even necessary. Most of us can simply look at our own lives and realize we waste precious time surfing the net, reading/responding/creating email messages, communicating with instant messages, text messaging, playing online or computer games – and so much more, including mindless hours in front of the TV set.
Wasting time, or spending time is a challenge for all of us. Investing time wisely is very difficult for most of us. In part, because some of us give it too little thought. We go through life on auto-pilot with little regard sometimes for how we’re spending or investing our time. We just do what we do.
The Lord’s work, our home responsibilities, our relationships and all the things that matter most can suffer if we’re not careful to examine our lives – and the time we spend doing unproductive things.
The Internet poses a great challenge in Christian homes because the element of time is often lost. We sit in front of a screen surfing from one site to the next – perhaps in pursuit of something quite noble or enlightening – only to find that hours have passed. A few feet away may sit a small child or a spouse who wasn’t engaged in any meaningful way. Those we love the most are often suffering from a more full relationship with us because we’re staring into a piece of electronics connected to people we may not even know. Ironic.
Email, forums and instant messaging are soaking up more time that might be better spent with those we love. Hours sitting in silence in front of TV sets hasn’t enhanced any family relationships. Many of us are wasting far too much time disconnecting with the important people in our lives – while we’re overly connected with people who have little or no meaning for us.
It seems strange when you put it in those terms, doesn’t it? It should. Because it is strange, sad and too often true.
Curb your addiction to the Internet and other time wasters. Make yourself aware of how you’re living. Consider those you love. Behave in ways that will enhance your meaning and value in their lives – and as result, make your own life more valuable to them.
Some suggestions:
1. Try checking your email twice a day. Most of us can’t imagine that.
2. Try going 3 days without TV.
3. Try going a week without a newspaper.
4. Try avoiding instant messages and text messaging for 3 days.
Now, try this:
1. Read your Bible one hour a day. It doesn’t have to be continuous.
2. Pray three times a day in addition to giving thanks for your meals.
3. Have as many meaningful conversations with your family as possible. Share.
4. Call and check on somebody who is suffering, or go see them.
Spend. Or invest. It’s always our choice. Make your choices wisely.