5 August | Youth
«Learn how to please the Lord. […] So be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish. Make the best use of your time. These are sinful days.» Ephesians 5:10, 15-16, NLV
Certain things we do in life are a complete waste of time. If we had thought about it, we would not do it. They are an attack on intelligence. No one in their right mind takes the time, for example, to dry ice, right? You and I know that the everyday use of time is serious business! See what Ellen White says about it: “Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success […]. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if […] these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness [in life]” (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 343).
A survey carried out in Mexico in 2017, by the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT), found that children spend almost five and a half hours a day watching television; more than the time they spend at school. Barry Black –a black Adventist pastor, who became the 62 chaplain of the United States Senate– was asked how he managed to complete three master's degrees and two doctorates. He replied: “Simple: I hardly watch television.” At that time, the temptation was a single screen.
How about today? Today many of us spend a good part of our time “drying ice.” Thus, we run the risk of forgetting that Jesus will soon come back, and that each new day is an opportunity to consecrate ourselves to Him. Therefore, God's warning to us is clear and objective: “Young man, be filled with joy while you are young. And let your heart be happy while you are a young man. Follow the ways of your heart and the desires of your eyes. But know that God will judge you for all these things.” (Eccles 11:9, NLV). Think about it!