Daily devotional, May 24, 2024 The waiting room
"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Proverbs 25:28
They say that much can be said about a person based on what he does while inside a waiting room. And indeed, even an ordinary person can deduce a lot about another person’s interest just by observing what he does while waiting.
In my personal experience while waiting in airports, clinics, transaction counters, and preschool waiting areas, I have witnessed people do a variety of things to pass up time. Some make phone calls, some read a book, some catch up on work, others have a snack or drink, but most scroll their mobile phones endlessly.
While we have all been guilty of spending too much time on our phones, we might want to take inventory of what better things we can do while passing up time. Since what we feed our minds is what our souls will consume, we should think twice about doom scrolling, consuming digital content that contradicts biblical values, and getting addicted to the life updates of people we do not even sincerely care about.
While the above mentioned things are normal digital content in today’s world, it does not necessarily mean that they are good for our brain, much more for our spirits. We must not give in to social media and internet addiction, and not let it rule over our lives. We have to have self-control and choose hobbies, habits, and interests that will not only benefit our well being, but will also help us grow in faith.
St. Paul’s letter to one of his converts who later on became his co-worker, Titus, is still useful to present day followers of Jesus. In his letter, the Apostle emphasized the importance of self-control in leading godly lives.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,"
Titus 2:11-13
So what is the alternative activity that we can do while being in the waiting room? Well, we can always opt to read a book, check out the magazine rack, make a checklist that could help organize our schedule, have a good snack, or enjoy the company of the people we are with.
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Ephesians 5:15-17
When we are in waiting rooms, busy with our devices, we tend to ignore the people around us, including those we are with. So why not have a conversation or spend time knowing them while waiting for your turn, your flight, or for your number to be called.
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:10
If however you want to make the most of your waiting time and grow your faith in Christ, why not read a bible-based book or the bible itself? There are books that are handy enough to be carried in a bag. There are also some apps that are easy to use and understand.
You can also use the time to make your journal entry. If you have a bible journal or a gratitude or quiet time journal, why not write an entry while waiting?
If you are fond of music, why not tune in to your worship music playlist? It is better to pass time hearing about God’s words and promises, than hearing our mind complain about how long it has been taking for our turn to come.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Another good and productive thing that we can do in a waiting room is to share the gospel. Since there are no accidents, and everything is planned by God, don’t you think that the reason that the person next to you is there is because she needs to hear the truth that could save her from her troubles?
"Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching."
2 Timothy 4:2
The waiting room is much like our life here on Earth. After all, as followers of Christ, we are but transients here. Our citizenship is in heaven. And so, we must make the most of our time here and not get ourselves corrupted by what this fallen world dictates.
We must seek and worship God at all times and spread His message of salvation. We must be faithful in our roles in our family, workplace and community. We must not be busy with worldly pursuits, instead we ought to discipline ourselves, know what matters most, and believe that bad thoughts, bad habits, and bad choices ultimately redound to a bad life devoid of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Love of God in Christ Jesus.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Titus 2:1-14 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you spend your time in waiting rooms?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the lover of my soul. For patiently waiting for me to seek you, and being all ears with everything my heart wants to say to you. I love you and for the many times I ignore your presence, I am deeply sorry. I want to live a life of worship to you. Amen.
