Idleness is Costly

Do you steward your time? Living with purpose will improve your finances greatly.                                                                     

We have 24 hours each day to work, eat, sleep, fellowship, and relax. When those get out of balance it affects our finances and causes stress.

Five time-wasters include:

• scrolling through social media

• playing on phones or games

 • watching TV

• sitting in traffic

• constantly checking the phone

Now often, we don’t realize how much time we spend doing these, but God does because they limit productive activity.

The ApostlePaul warned the Thessalonians against idleness. When he was with them he refused to eat anyone’s food without paying for it. He worked day and night, laboring and toiling so he wouldn’t be a burden to them. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the right to their help, but he set an example for them to imitate. So when he heard that some of them were idle and disruptive, he sent them a stern warning. In a letter, he described them as not busy but busybodies and he urged them to settle down and earn the food they eat.

In other words, get to work! Buy your own food! Don’t depend on others. Likewise, we were bought at a price and we don’t have the right to waste our time on frivolous activities. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Guarding our time, we work better, reduce temptations and impulse spending. It reduces stress and helps improve our finances. 

Now if you need help today, I want you to call the Crown Help Line. Speak to one of our staff and share your need. Ask for prayer and free counsel. We’re here for you. Call 800-722-1976. Or for free resources visit crown.org.