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August 29, 2005
Free Time
Free time. I've been thinking about my free time. Actually the lack there of. I'm trying to stay encouraged and at the task of doing all that God wants me to be doing. So, my free time has been on my mind. What do I do? What is the best thing for me to do? How should I be spending my time? ......
So after some reflection, it occurred to me. Nothing new. But I've been reminding myself of it for quite some time so that I don't get bugged by the lack of 'free' time.
Because, in reality, time isn't free. (It's a constant trade.) When is time free? God ordained our days before they were created and since when was my life, my own? And really, is there ever a point in life, (as an adult) when you are devoid of any and all responsibility and obligation? Not in my thinking. It only seems to increase as you get older. So, there's no free time. It's an illusian created by not knowing what is the best thing to be doing. Now don't get me wrong. There is a place for resting (Sabbath), recreation and other activities we associate with 'free' time, but make no mistake, free time really isn't real, just an illusion.
On top of this, for those who are in Christ, you are now His. You are, as Roman's put's it, a slave to righteousness. What time we think is free, was bought at a very high price. Be darn sure you are using it wisely and to His ultimate benefit and glory.
So in my opinion, if you feel you have a lot of 'free' time, call it discretionary time. Make sure your responsibilties and obligations are fulfilled. Then serve the Body of Christ in any way possible. :)
Posted by mtriley at August 29, 2005 12:27 PM
Comments
Discretionary time, or flex time is definitely a better term.
Actually, free time IS a good term. It is time when you are FREE to choose what is best to do at that point. It is the same thing as saying discretionary time (where what you do is up to your discretion) or Flex time (where there is flexibility in what you can do)
I think it may even be important to KEEP the word FREE time, "for FREEDOM Christ has set us free".
I dont' think you are disagreeing here, I think you are simply highlighting several verses later where it says: " For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
right? :)
good stuff. don't forget to rest and also to enjoy life.
Posted by: Matt Heerema at August 29, 2005 01:25 PM
Good thoughts bro!
I'm using my discretionary time right now to read your blog (as well as others) and make comments.
I hope that's a good trade over the other things I could be doing with my time. :-)
Posted by: Tim at August 29, 2005 03:23 PM
A microeconomics principle applies directly here: no free lunch. Every action bears an opportunity cost, that is the benefit of the action undertaken must be directly compared to not the absense of that action, but rather the lack of any alternative action.
Posted by: Ben W at August 29, 2005 11:41 PM
Ben, remind me again why you are an engineering major? ;)
Posted by: Matt at August 30, 2005 09:38 AM