The Encourager
“What to do With Our Time - by Jim Deason”
What To Do with Our Time
By Jim Deason
My grandmother once told me that “all work and no play makes’ Jack a dull boy” and my grandmother was most always right. If you were among those who listen to me preach on a regular basis you would find that I say a lot about my grandmother. She was a veritable storehouse of illustrations and information. She was a woman who loved God and godly people. Though there was always a place for hard work (she couldn’t abide with laziness) she knew how important it was for a young boy to learn how to laugh and enjoy life.
Solomon would have understood my grandmother. He said, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But, when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken” (Prov. 15:13) and again, “A joyful heart is good medicine, But, a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22). It is always to be understood that such merriment is to be kept in proper perspective with regard to the expenditure of both time and money. Solomon taught, “He who loves pleasure will become a poor man” (Prov. 21:17). Excess in most anything is not good. Recreation is an important part of our lives but it must be governed by certain principles. Here a few questions that I found from some long-forgotten source that can help you as you determine how you spend your leisure time.
1. Is it right?
2. Do godly people generally, do it?
3. Will it interfere with my family, school, or work?
4. Will it produce good or bad habits?
5. Will it lead into the places that are questionable?
6. Will my example and influence be injurious to others?
7. Will I associate with questionable people to be amused?
8. Can I afford the cost of time and money?
9. Do I have other obligations that should be paid first?
10. Is this amusement building or destroying my family?
11. Do I spend more time being amused than worshiping?
12. Would the Lord be amused by what I am amused?
13. Would my actions and deeds during this amusement please Jesus?
14. Would I be able to be taken to be with the Lord if he came while I was being amused?
What is Christianity?
In the home – it is kindness.
In business – it is honesty.
In society – it is courtesy.
In work – it is fairness.
Toward the unfortunate – it is assistance.
Toward the weak – it is help.
Toward the penitent – it is forgiveness.
Toward wickedness – it is resistance.
Toward the fortunate – it is congratulation.
Toward God – it is reverence and service.
From a church bulletin dated 1947
