Recently, a dad was sharing how the current pandemic is affecting them. He wasn’t the first to say that he is allowing his son more online game time to pass the time he isn’t in school. Inwardly I groaned. 

Why did I groan? This young man is missing what could be a great blessing in his life. Time is the most valuable thing we have. Not only is there the question of what we redeem our time for, but also what appetites are developed or fueled by time usage. Rather than helping their son redeem his time, this young man’s parents appear to be encouraging him to waste it and create appetites for more time-wasting in the coming years by allowing him more gaming time. 

When I am cutting down a tree, how I notch it, will determine whether it falls on a fence or in the clear. The appetites created in your children’s lives right now impact what their time is worth to God’s kingdom now and in the future and it also impacts their future family. 

Challenge your children to learn information and skills that will make their time valuable. Create an environment in your home where learning is desirable, the norm, and where entertainment is considered wasteful. 

If you have a TV, this is the perfect time to get it out for the trash pickup. Brother, lead your family by example. If you need encouragement, read with your children Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single Income Family and Buying a House Debt-Free, Equipping Your Son. Then after reading these books, if you still need some ideas and encouragement, let’s talk.   

“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want” (Proverbs 21:5).