boredom
January 29 – I’m Bored, Time For Trouble!
4:29 – I’m Bored, Time For Trouble!

#faithbites #faithjourney bored

Setting

I bet you thought this topic was autobiographical. While it is, in this case, I’m talking about my dog, Spock. He is a corgi and they are known for being very smart. The downside of being smart is if they don’t have a “job” or feel engaged, they get bored easily, leading to trouble. He has turned on our Roomba, destroyed toys (his and my daughters). Spock will throw toys at you while you are working, sleeping, or watching TV. If you don’t pay attention he will bark and carry on until you play toss or give him something to do. He is bored!

People aren’t that much different. You often hear of youth getting in trouble because there are no afterschool programs or things for them to do. Some students get into trouble and do poorly in school because they are bored and not challenged. In life, when we are bored, we are looking for something to do. That can often come in the form of sin. IF we are itching for something, then temptation is mighty appealing.

Today’s questions: How do you stay engaged in Christ? What can we do to reduce boredom and temptation?

Scripture
  • Proverbs 19:15 – Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
  • Proverbs 16:28-29 (The Living Bible) – 27 Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. 28 An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends.29 Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin.[b]
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 – For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
Reflection

If idle hands are the devil’s workshop, then idle minds are the devil’s birthday present. (Nope, that’s not in scripture). When we are engaged, following Christ, and have a purpose, we have less time to fall into sin and temptation. When our purpose is lacking, temptation comes calling. Remember, we don’t want to be busy just to be busy. We want to be busy with a purpose.

As a reminder, we don’t say not to sin just for the heck of it. Sin is harmful to our lives, our souls, and the lives of those who love us.

The question we started with is how do we keep our purpose in Christ? What can we do to reduce boredom and temptation? This is something we each need to ask ourselves. For my dog, I need to get him more active toys and more playdates 🙂 For me, I write #faithbites, pray often, and remember that my God forgives when I mess up. Each of us needs to find out how to keep engaged in our work, with our God, and with his Word.

If you feel temptation is calling, make a commitment today, to find something through Christ to stay engaged and active.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we look to you for purpose and guidance. When we drift away from you, we lose purpose. Losing purpose and direction leads to sin and temptation. We pray for you to fill us with direction and purpose. Help us not to be bored and not to lose focus. Lord, let our hearts lead us to joy in you, joy in your purpose, and joy in furthering your kingdom. In your name, we pray, Amen.

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