September 26
“And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light; for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:11-17)
- Waste of time, foolishness, empty pursuit, unprofitable, disappointing, a “let down,” false advertising, bait and switch, deception
In addition to all of the negative things that happen to us as a result of immoral behavior, lust, and the pursuit of fleshly pleasure outside of God’s design, there is the fact that these sins are really not worth the time and effort. They seem so very exciting at the time, so captivating and enticing, and that is their appeal, but they deliver disappointment and produce a strong wish that we had spent our time in better fashion. There is no profit in them, they are simply empty.
Those of you who have pursued immoral lusts, apart from God’s way, how many times afterwards have you said, “Wow, I’m really glad I did that. I’m really glad I spent my time that way?” And how many afterwards wish they could have that time back? How many times have you wished you could have spent the time in a better fashion? How many times have you thought to yourself, “Was that all I got out of all that time I spent pursuing evil things? Just a fleeting pleasure? What a waste!”
Any empty use of time is foolish. Those of us who lack vision, self-discipline, and self-control are especially prone to falling into wasteful dissipation. You recall the saying, “The idle mind is the devil’s playground,” and I believe that is true in spades in this area of pornography! What purpose are you serving on this earth? What noble pursuits get you excited and motivate you? What would you accomplish if you had an extra hour or two a day to work on them? What would you give for extra time?
Yet we waste time in entertaining ourselves all the time. And I tell you in my experience idle surfing of the net, or idle switching between channels looking for something to watch is throwing our lives away. I recall what Warren Buffett once said, something to the effect, “Other guys are looking at Playboy. We are reading corporate balance sheets.” Mr. Buffett, as many of you recognize, is one of the ten richest men alive today.
Solomon said, “For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?” (Ecclesiastes 2:25) We think we can find enjoyment apart from God, but we will only find emptiness and loss, waste and disappointment. Learn to be diligent in God’s work, doing good works for His sake. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;” (Titus 2:11-13)
Ask God for vision, purpose, mission, and life goals. Learn to love and invest yourself in profitable activities. Learn to despise the wasteful entertainments and ungodly enticements of the flesh. Purpose to enjoy only the things that God gives you to enjoy and give thanks fully for them. Engage in good works. Hate the wasting of time, which is your very life.