Remember the Second Half?
By Bryan Whitlow
“When he assured his parents that he was not neglecting his studies, he was telling the truth. Indeed, he got through prodigious quantities of work. Iron self-discipline had become a habit with him, and he plotted every day with the Methodism of a Wesleyan minister. The amount of time he spent at his desk was comparatively small—rarely more than a quarter of the day—but his concentration was so intense, and his reading so rapid, that he could afford more time off than most. Even these ‘free’ periods were packed with mental, physical, or social activity. ‘He was forever at it,’ said one classmate. Another marveled: ‘Never have I seen or read of a man with such an amazing array of interests.’ Tumbling into bed at midnight or in the small hours, Theodore could luxuriate in healthy tiredness, satisfied that he had wasted not one minute of his waking hours. His regimen was flexible, but balanced. Any overindulgence in sport or flirtation would be immediately compensated for by extra study.”
- The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt-Edmund Morris
Have you ever had this “problem”? Theodore Roosevelt did, and loved it. I think most would agree he lived a life that was full. At one time he was the foremost ornithologist (one who studies birds) in the country. He was a cattle rancher. He authored many books, on different subjects. He was an original member of the Rough Riders. (The 1st US Volunteer Calvary) He was an avid hunter, fighter/boxer, gentleman, statesman, and diplomat. He was definitely a unique man. Oh yea, he became President of the United States, too!
Have you ever been labeled by someone as “being forever at it?” Do you manage your time almost every day? My Grandmother once said, “Bryan, you go too much.” (I’m pretty sure she wasn’t putting me in the same category with Teddy!) She was implying that I was too busy always “doing,” and should chill out a little. But, I think every person knows his or her limit. There are some, though, who never find time to slow down and enjoy anything, then wonder where all the time went. I’m pretty sure I haven’t done that.
For one thing, the Sabbath reminds me weekly of my obligations to God, and in return, His gift to me is a physical and mental renewal. The second half of that commandment says; “Six days shall you labor, and do all your work…” (Exodus 20:9). The question that arises is this, What IS God’s opinion of our commitment to the other half of this commandment? Did He really mean what it says? If so, does He see productive, goal-driven people with initiative whose lights shine out from our neighborhood, our job, and our family? Is He proud that our boss at work knows we will be at work every day, and that we don’t have to be babied to do the job we got hired to do? Or, does He see couch potatoes getting calluses on their hands from using the remote so much every day? Or, maybe He sees us whining at every turn, ungrateful for the rich and abundant way of life we have today, compared to what our ancestors had to endure? Think that last sentence is silly? Then how did Theodore Roosevelt come up with this, “The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich theory of life”? We’re talking about a man who was born in the 1800’s! No TV, no cell phones, no Internet, no lottery, and on and on! Was he a prophet? Probably not, but it sounds pretty prophetic doesn’t it? Did God put him there as the leader of the United States?
Do you know anyone like this? Honest? Besides, did He really mean that we had to work? Let’s look at the many examples the Word gives us to answer this question.
Personally, I like getting things in order, or at least trying to get them in order. Whether it is trying to straighten up my out-building, my attic, or cleaning out something for my Mom, I feel good getting things done. Maybe if I didn’t, Ecclesiastes 10:18 would hit me a little harder, “Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.” How about II Thessalonians 3: 8 “…nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have the authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.” Notice verse 14 and 15 on your own time. There are folks out there who are very capable people who could easily find and keep a job, but instead would settle for handouts. Some, on the other hand, just don’t want to be told what to do. And who hasn’t read Proverbs 31:27, “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
I work forty hours a week or more. That time is planned for me. What I accomplish otherwise is up to me. So, it would help to plan the rest of my time if I’m to be productive. (Being productive is almost a curse word to some folks where I work. I work with people who will go out of their way to make processes harder for others, who are always resisting change, or teamwork and improved-ways of doing things. They seem to think the company owes them something; it’s their right to be ignorant and belligerent. But, doesn’t scripture tell us to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18)? (But I digress) Should people, especially in God’s church, have any of these characteristics where they work? But, let’s be fair, there are so many things out there that can make us be idle, or just plain lazy. Are you idle too much, or just plain lazy?
We have video games, ESPN, soap operas, Idol, (you name the version), sports bars, MTV, VH1, BET, Ellen, Oprah, the movies, and the list goes on and on. Notice that the one-eyed monster is involved in most of these “distractions.” (We really know its “choices” though) I didn’t even mention the Internet! I know it’s not a sin to watch TV, or use the Web, but when we know more about the lives of Simon and Paula, than we do about Paul or Jesus, there just might be a problem. Who hasn’t gotten on the web and accidentally hit a porn site? It happens, and maybe that “window” doesn’t close as fast as it should! Remember that survey of “church goers” about going to porn sites on the Internet? It was a pretty high number! Has anybody in God’s Church got this “problem?” Who was it that said, “Character is how one behaves when no one is watching?” Back in my more idle days I could tell you more things about the USTA, NFL, NBA, etc, than most people cared to think about. Back then, I wasted so much of my time with this stuff, it still gets on my nerves thinking about it!
Obviously from scripture we are admonished to “stay at it,” somewhat. How do we balance it out? It’s found included with the fruit of the Spirit known as temperance. Definitions include self-restrained, moderate, without extremes, etc. Galatians 5:23.
Another excellent word is “diligence.” Similar words are industrious, conscientious, hardworking, meticulous, thorough, or careful. Proverbs 10:4, “He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes one rich.” Proverbs 12:24, “The hand of the diligent will rule…” Proverbs 12:27, 13:4, 21:5, 22:29, or 27:23. Will you be “thorough” and take the time to look up these scriptures? Notice the results promised from an honest effort?
What person doesn’t enjoy a sense of accomplishment? Who doesn’t enjoy lying down at night after a day full of achievements? If you are drawing a blank on that one, maybe another fire needs to be lit under you. The first step is to ask God for more initiative, or desire. (Proverbs 6:6-11) The next step is to put down that remote for a while, cancel your cable/satellite subscription, get out of the house, whatever you need to do, and get after it! But, don’t forget that important word: balance. i
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