Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil."¹

Chuck Colson tells about one prisoner he met who had been on death row for fifteen years. His name was John Irving.

John was allowed out of his cell for only one hour a day. The rest of the time he was studying to become a minister—preparing to serve God.

Noticing that John had nothing in his cell but a few books, Colson offered to give him a TV.

"Thanks," John said, "but no thanks. You can waste an awful lot of time with those things."

Can you imagine wasting time on death row?

Colson goes on to say, "The real evils of the entertainment industry are not the violence and profanity—offensive though they are. No, it's the banality: the sheer waste of time. When we turn the TV on, we turn our minds off; studies have shown that the analytical areas of the brain nearly shut down during extended TV viewing."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, without going to extremes and ignoring TV altogether and/or becoming a workaholic, may I learn to use my time wisely, including quality time with my loved ones and making time to take proper care of myself with adequate rest and relaxation ... and making time to spend with You. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Ephesians 5:15-16 (RSV).

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