Jesus' Shared Wisdom

20: Free Time

Often, we find ourselves without much to do, on weekends, holidays, etc. Sometimes we have no obstacles or hurdles that we need help overcoming and we feel peaceful and content. Free time is a gift from Jesus, allowing us to rest our minds and bodies of the weariness of the past busy days.

Although we may sometimes have nothing to do, this doesn't mean we shouldn't be focusing on Jesus during our free time. We should not forget about how Jesus allowed us to overcome obstacles in the past and ignore His undying presence in our lives

How do you spend your free time? I often watch YouTube videos where I can turn my mind off and relax. My brother spends time on Instagram, scrolling through photos and comments. However, when I turn my brain off to watch a simple video, this makes me spiritually dull. I often forget about how incredible Jesus is and how He gave me this peace in the first place.

When we have time to relax and rest, we should be mindful of the giver of those gifts. It's hard to focus on Jesus when we have no obstacles such as school or work to overcome. We may feel like we don't need Jesus during this time. However, as easily as Jesus can give, He can take away. If we don't use our free time to focus on Jesus, we may end up losing or wasting it. For example, sometimes I mindlessly watch videos for too long and end up depressed, tired, and dull. Without focusing on Jesus, I had internally hurt myself and made a waste of my gift of free time.

So how can we focus on Jesus during our free time? The two phrases, Please and Thank You will be useful. When you spend time to play a video game, for example, ask Jesus for guidance when you encounter a boss or another obstacle. Thank Him for the success of your party or team when you complete a task. Thank Jesus for providing you with an incredible movie and thank Him for the enjoyment or strong emotions you are receiving from it.

This may seem silly and meaningless, but it truly matters to Jesus. Everything we have, entertainment included, is a gift from Jesus. This means that it's best to ask Jesus for enjoyment and to thank Jesus for enjoyment. When you say Please and Thank You to Jesus, even for something you may find not meaningful, you are showing Jesus your love and appreciation for Him and what He has given to you.

Would you like to do something more with your free time? You can show your love to Jesus when you are willing to work and spend your time for His cause. Remember the Great Commission and your role in it. Could you spend your time volunteering to serve those in need, or visit an atheist friend to talk about Jesus? When you use Jesus's gift to glorify and serve Him, you ultimately please Jesus and create a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

For example, I spend lots of free time to write these lessons. I want to fulfill my role in the Great Commission, and this is part of how I do it. As a result, I feel more complete and spiritually powerful, thanks to Jesus writing through me. Remember, when you pray for Jesus to guide your actions to serve Him, you will grow closer to Jesus, allowing for a strengthened relationship with Him. A strong relationship will often bring peace and happiness to you, even if you feel nervous in the beginning of your actions.

What if you simply want to rest and not physically serve Jesus? Don't see this as negative, since everyone needs to take breaks. However, when you rest, you can spend time to communicate your feelings and needs to Jesus. Even talking with Jesus builds a powerful relationship with Him. When you wake up, lay down in bed, sit on your porch during a nice day, etc, you can spend that quiet time to talk to Jesus. When you seek relaxation and peace, talk to the being who makes both of them possible. Your conversations with Jesus will not only make you a wiser and better-equipped follower, but they will bring true peace to you.

Ask Jesus for help and thank Him during your  free time. Relax with Him and enjoy His gift of peace and relaxation. However, don't forget to spend that time to perform good deeds for Him. Jesus loves when you want to act for Him, so be willing to trust Jesus to make a big difference out of your free time.

"Be very careful, then, how you live-
not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
(Ephesians 5:15-16)

Thank you for spending time to read this lesson! Please share what you learned this lesson with whoever you can. Use your free time to share your new knowledge with others. Please comment if you have any questions, if you disagree with a part of the lesson, or if you have a suggestion for a new lesson. Have a great day and know that Jesus is always with you!