Most of you are probably familiar with the phrase “all in”. One application of this term is used in poker when a player puts all of their chips in the pot, resulting in their whole game riding on the current hand; if they lose, they are out of the game and, most likely, a good amount of money as well. So, when you hear the phrase “all in”, you should think of giving all that you have. I was considering this phrase in view of the spiritual life and how the vast majority of Christians are not all in for Jesus. See, giving all that we have means exactly that- ALL we have; not some, not mostly, but ALL.
Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Included in “all that we have” is the concept of time. How do we spend ours? When we are not working, sleeping, or caring for our own body and household; what are we doing? Many of us spend our “free” time watching TV, reading worldly books, or playing games on our phone/computer. The majority of Christians probably think that there is nothing wrong with spending their time this way. Let’s look at why being entertained by the world is, in fact, an unrighteous way to spend our time. The following verse gives us the explanation.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,
When we spend our time with the world and its entertainment, we are not spending time with God; we are, in effect, “ignoring” Him. The 1, 2, 3+ hours we sit and watch TV, etc. are hours when we are not conversing with God, not contemplating His Word, not serving Him; not to mention the unrighteousness we are taking in from the world. Now, you may be thinking, “Every waking minute cannot be about God”. Why not? Consider the life of the Apostle Paul or Jesus Christ, even. Can you imagine that either one of these men spent their free time being entertained by the world and out of fellowship with God? I think we already know the answer to that question. We are given very clear commands on how we are to live and spend our time.
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.
Galatians 5:16-23 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
This life, including its blessings like our bodies, families, jobs, material goods, and time, is a gift from God. All aspects of it are to be used to bring Him glory. This gift is not for our good pleasure, but for His. So, all that we do with our lives should be for Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
If you are thinking that this is an impossible life goal and a bit extreme, remember that the word “all” is one that describes an extreme. We are to be centering our entire existence around the One who gave us life and spiritual freedom. Now, it is true that none of us will ever do this perfectly while here on Earth, but it is our responsibility to, by His power, strive to do our best; learning about God, His will for our life, and then living it out.
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
P.S. Never forget that all of what you have includes your fears, doubts, and worries; He wants those, too, 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Love in Christ,
Monica Ledford