Don't Waste Your Soul (Direction 2)
Baxter's Directory
From Part 7 of Baxter’s Christian Directory. Chapter 5: Directions for Redeeming or well improving Time. Direction 2
Introduction
Do not remain ignorant of the condition of your own soul. Look inward until you understand its true state - what dangers threaten it, what it lacks, and how far you are from being prepared for eternity. Then, if you can, remain idle and waste your time. If only I could take you into the depths of your own heart and, by the light of truth, reveal to you what lies within! If I could shine just one piercing beam of heaven’s light to expose your condition and show you how to use the time you have left, I would not need to plead with you to turn from your distractions and prepare your soul. You would act as urgently as if a bear were chasing you or your house were in flames around you.
Alas, most time-wasters are unconverted, carnal souls, still under the dominion of the devil, who gains the most from their folly. They are strangers to the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, still unjustified, bearing the guilt of all their sins, and destined for eternal torment unless they repent. And yet, in such a condition, they spend their fleeting time on trivial pursuits, neglecting the only opportunity they have for salvation! What tragic blindness to gamble eternity for momentary pleasures.
May the Lord have mercy on such souls and open their eyes before it is too late. Otherwise, their consciences will cry out against them in eternity for squandering the time given to prepare for salvation. What a tragedy to waste the short time upon which all their hopes rest - time that must be redeemed if ever they are to be saved! O Lord, awaken such senseless hearts before they perish forever! (Richard Baxter)
Knowing the State of Your Soul
Richard Baxter’s words are a sobering call to spiritual self-awareness. He implores us to pause from the distractions of life and examine the state of our souls with brutal honesty. He likens this introspection to entering a dungeon with a beam of heavenly light, illuminating the truths hidden in the recesses of our hearts. For many, this will reveal unacknowledged sin, spiritual neglect, and an urgent need for repentance. As the apostle Paul exhorts in 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”
This self-examination is not meant to paralyze us with guilt but to drive us to action. Baxter underscores that the knowledge of our true condition compels a response. He illustrates the urgency with vivid imagery: a bear chasing its prey or a house consumed by fire. Just as no rational person would hesitate in such circumstances, no soul aware of its peril should remain idle. If we grasp the gravity of our spiritual state, complacency becomes unthinkable. Instead, we’re moved to seek Christ, the only refuge for our sin-sick souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
The Urgency of Eternity
Baxter’s plea centers on the fleeting nature of time and its eternal consequences. For those outside of Christ, the time they waste isn’t merely a missed opportunity; it’s a forfeiting of the only means by which salvation can be secured. James 4:14 reminds us, “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” This life is short, and eternity is long - this contrast magnifies the urgency of turning from frivolity and sin to the Savior who alone offers life.
The Puritan preacher laments those who are “under the guilt of all their sins” and yet squander their days on meaningless pursuits. His warning calls to mind Ephesians 5:15-16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Redeeming the time isn’t merely a suggestion but a command for those who understand the stakes of eternity. For the believer, this means using time to grow in grace and serve others; for the unbeliever, it means fleeing to Christ without delay.
Escaping Time-Wasting and Pursuing Holiness
The vivid imagery of Baxter’s writing confronts us with the spiritual consequences of wasting time. He describes time-wasters as those under Satan’s power, blinded to their peril, and indifferent to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. While this warning is stern, it is not without hope. The call to repentance is laced with a plea for God’s mercy to awaken and renew. Romans 13:11-12 declares, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand.” The gospel offers grace for the greatest of time-wasters, urging them to turn and redeem what remains.
For the believer, Baxter’s words challenge us to live with an eternal perspective. It isn’t enough to avoid flagrant sin; we’re called to cultivate godliness and steward our time wisely. The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that our chief end is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” This purpose shapes every aspect of life, reminding us that even mundane activities can be done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Key Principles
True growth begins with an honest evaluation of one’s spiritual state (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Life’s brevity calls for immediate repentance and purposeful living (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Believers must reject complacency and pursue godliness in all aspects of life (Romans 13:11-12).
Bible Study Questions
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” What practical steps can you take to regularly test whether Christ is in you, and how does self-examination deepen your relationship with him?
In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul urges believers to “walk not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.” How does this call to redeem the time challenge your daily priorities, and how can you ensure your actions reflect godly wisdom?
Acts 3:19 calls us to “repent and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” How does repentance prepare your heart for eternity, and what does genuine repentance look like in your life this week?
Romans 2:4-5 warns against presuming on God’s kindness, which is meant to lead us to repentance. How can reflecting on his patience and mercy help you turn from sin, and how might ignoring this lead to a hardened heart?
In Romans 13:11-12, Paul declares, “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” What areas of your spiritual life feel sluggish or complacent, and how can you “put on the armor of light” today?
Titus 3:5-6 explains that salvation comes “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” How does the Spirit’s work in regeneration impact your priorities and habits?
James 4:14 reminds us, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” How does the brevity of life influence your view of sin and your urgency to live for God?
Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:9 that “the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish.” How does God’s patience with you inspire patience and grace toward others, particularly those who are struggling in their faith?
Matthew 25:46 describes the eternal destiny of the righteous and the wicked, saying, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” How does this sobering reality shape your perspective on what truly matters in life?
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul exhorts believers, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” How can you align ordinary, daily activities with the purpose of glorifying God, and what difference does this make in your spiritual growth?
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to stir one another up to love and good works, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some.” How does regular fellowship with other believers help you remain focused on eternal priorities?
Colossians 4:5-6 advises us to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” How can you better use your interactions with non-believers to point them to Christ, while speaking with grace and wisdom?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
How often do you take time to reflect on the state of your soul? What prevents you from doing this more regularly?
Have you experienced a moment where the brevity of life or the urgency of eternity became real to you? How did it change you?
What are the most significant “time-wasters” in your life? How might you replace them with meaningful, God-honoring activities?
In what ways has God used Scripture or conviction to shine a light on areas in your heart that need transformation?
How can the fleeting nature of life motivate you to share the gospel with urgency?
Have you ever considered how Satan might use distraction and complacency to keep you from pursuing holiness? How do you combat this?
How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
How might living with an eternal perspective change your priorities in relationships, work, or leisure?
What steps can you take to balance self-examination with trusting in God’s grace rather than falling into despair?
How can you encourage others in your church community to avoid time-wasting and pursue spiritual growth?
Action Steps
Spend 10 minutes each evening reflecting on the state of your soul. Pray for God to reveal areas needing repentance or growth.
Write down one activity to reduce or eliminate that wastes time and one activity to replace it that will glorify God.
Share your reflections with a trusted friend or small group, encouraging one another to stay vigilant in pursuing godliness.
Closing Prayer
O most merciful and holy God, we humbly approach Thy throne, confessing our tendency to squander the precious gift of time Thou hast granted us. Our hearts are often distracted by fleeting pleasures, and we are slow to consider the weight of eternity. Lord, awaken us from this spiritual slumber. Shine the light of Thy truth into the depths of our hearts, revealing our sins, our frailty, and our desperate need for Thee.
Grant us the wisdom to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Teach us to redeem the time, walking in a manner worthy of the calling we have received. Let us not be content with half-hearted faith but instead pursue holiness with the urgency of those who know the time is short.
Father, we plead for Thy Spirit to sanctify us, to renew our minds, and to redirect our affections from earthly vanities to heavenly treasures. Keep us steadfast in Thy truth and bold in our proclamation of the gospel. May our lives glorify Thee and draw others to Thy saving grace.
We commit ourselves to Thee, trusting not in our strength, but in Thy boundless mercy. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. (Richard Baxter)
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