Idle No More: Our Call to Redeem Every Moment
Baxter’s Directory
Thank you for taking the time to read today’s entry in Baxter’s Directory here on Walking Points. I encourage you to reflect deeply on the following message, and if it blesses you, please share it with others, subscribe, and encourage those around you to do the same.
Do You Believe What You Say You Believe?
In reflecting on the passage from my namesake, the original Richard Baxter, one thing is immediately clear: time is not a trivial matter. Each moment of our life is filled with divine significance, an opportunity either to move toward eternal life with Christ or to drift away from him. The essence of Baxter’s challenge to us today remains as sharp and as convicting as it was in the 17th century: “Do you believe that the time God has given you is meant to prepare you for eternity?” If you believe it, does your life reflect it?
Baxter spoke to the great danger of time wasted - of men and women “playing away” their days, caught up in trivial pursuits while the gates of heaven or hell lie just ahead. He was not opposed to rest or necessary recreation (what he called “whetting”), but his point was that too many people live as though they have time to spare. That’s a lie we often tell ourselves, isn’t it? We push off what’s most important, assuming tomorrow will come, when in reality our time on earth is finite, and every day is a gift from God to be spent on work that matters.
Lost in Distractions
The problem is not a new one. From Adam’s first fall, humanity has always struggled with misplaced priorities. Today, it may look a little different than it did in Baxter’s time. Instead of playing cards or dice, we scroll endlessly through social media, binge-watch TV, or find ourselves absorbed in consumerism, entertainment, and fleeting pleasures. These distractions aren’t necessarily sinful on their own, but they become dangerous when they devour time that should be spent on matters of eternal significance.
Consider your own life for a moment. Do you feel like you’re in a race toward an “immortal crown,” as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25? Or do you feel like you’re wandering aimlessly, with no sense of urgency, casually assuming you have all the time in the world? This is the human condition - our tendency to forget the brevity of life and the weight of eternity. Baxter’s words remind us that we’re at war, battling against the flesh, the world, and the devil. Every hour matters because heaven and hell are at stake.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Scriptures are clear about the significance of time. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15-16 to “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Similarly, James reminds us of how fleeting our lives are: “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14).
These passages urge us to live intentionally, to see every moment as part of our preparation for eternity. Jesus himself made it clear that our lives are meant to bear fruit. In John 15, he says that if we abide in him, we will bear much fruit, but apart from him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Wasting time on trivialities, rather than abiding in Christ and fulfilling the purpose he has set before us, is a form of spiritual negligence. We cannot afford to be passive. The stakes are too high.
Christian Theology and the Psychology of Time Management
Theologically, time is a gift from God. It’s woven into the very fabric of creation, with God setting the sun and moon in place “for signs and for seasons, and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14). Time reflects the ordered nature of God’s universe. But more than that, time is part of God’s redemptive plan. He is patient with us, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, his patience does not mean we should delay or take his mercy for granted.
In a more practical sense, modern psychology talks about time management as a critical life skill. We know that without structure and discipline, we can fall prey to procrastination, anxiety, and even depression. However, from a Christian perspective, time management isn’t merely about productivity; it’s about stewardship. Jesus speaks in parables about the faithful servant who is diligent with the talents entrusted to him (Matthew 25:14-30). The lesson is clear: we must steward our time, energy, and gifts well, knowing that we will give an account to the Master when he returns.
Urgency for Eternity
Richard Baxter’s central point here is about urgency – “urgency for the eternal things that truly matter.” We live in a world that clamors for our attention and encourages us to waste time on fleeting pleasures, but the call of the gospel is to redeem the time. It’s to recognize that we’re not promised tomorrow, and that today is the day to act, to seek God, to do the work he’s given us.
As Baxter puts it, “Is not such a man a monster of stupidity?” who can waste time in trivial pursuits when his eternal fate hangs in the balance? It may sound harsh, but the point is well taken: if we truly grasped the magnitude of eternity, it would change everything about how we spend our days.
Practical Applications
If you find yourself convicted by this message, as I often am, here are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are using your time for God's glory:
1. Begin each day in prayer, asking God to help you use your time wisely. Seek his guidance on how to prioritize your day, and commit the hours ahead to him.
2. Take a hard look at how you’re currently spending your time. Are there habits, like excessive social media use or mindless entertainment, that are stealing time from more meaningful pursuits? Begin to cut back on these distractions.
3. Whether it’s dedicating more time to prayer, Bible study, or serving others, set concrete goals for how you will use your time to grow in your walk with Christ. Make these goals realistic but challenging.
4. Keep track of how you spend your time. This might seem mundane, but it’s a powerful tool for stewardship. Seeing where your time goes can help you adjust your habits and make room for what truly matters.
5. Share your commitment with a close friend or spiritual mentor who can hold you accountable. Discuss your progress regularly and encourage one another in this pursuit.
Five Reflection Questions for Your Walk with Christ
1. Do I truly believe that every moment of my life is a gift from God, and how does that belief show in the way I spend my time?
2. What distractions are most prone to robbing me of the time I could be spending on things that matter eternally?
3. How can I intentionally prioritize my spiritual growth, prayer, and time in God’s Word each day?
4. What are some areas of my life where I might be procrastinating or delaying the work God has called me to do?
5. Who can I invite into my life to help keep me accountable in stewarding my time wisely?
In Christ,
Rich Baxter
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