The Bible Says We Should Take Our Time

We have accepted a biblical worldview as our paradigm for life. This means that our goal is to base all of our beliefs, as well as all our actions, on the truths taught in the bible. We work hard to train our children to understand that we do not simply choose, arbitrarily, the rules which govern our home. Our hope is that by explaining to them that we answer to a higher calling they can learn to appreciate the reasons behind our decisions, and not just submit begrudgingly. Occasionally this has a rather comedic side - like when our children decide to throw a little bible at us for their disobedience. Tonight was a great example!

Caleb was struggling with diligence. He was lolligagging, dilly-dallying, and generally shirking his responsibilities by simply wasting time. After a rather stern series of discussions, some unpleasant consequences, and a final opportunity to prove himself, he was once again working to follow through with his chore in a timely manner. He came across a single hairband that belonged in the girls' room, and proceeded to leave his current duty to put it away. This action should have taken all of 30 seconds, since our house is roughly the size of a matchbox, and the hairband only needed to be placed on top of the girls' dresser. Nearly 4 full minutes later Caleb sauntered back to his original duty.

Son, that should not have taken you that much time. What took you so long?

I was taking my time.

Caleb, I have explained to you multiple times this evening that you need to work on your diligence. When I tell you to do something you should do it quickly, efficiently, and with a good attitude. 

Well, the bible says we should take our time.

Really? Where does it say that?

I don't know. But it should.

I chuckled to myself! The conversation could have been between me and God - trying to rationalize any number of behaviors, habits, or desires that are unbiblical but to which I continue to stubbornly hold.

Matthew 18:3

And he [Jesus] said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."