By: Craig Rippy


Lollygagging, is a term I was raised with. It means to loaf, loiter, lounge or be idle. What do you say, shall we lollygag 2006 away?

2005 has gone by so quickly that even the most difficult situations endured in the previous year are but memory. As you reflect on the past year don't forget the blessings you received. Aren't they only memory as well. Memories are just that, recollections of the past, some good, some bad, and many indifferent. Yet, most memories are shared with disappointment.

We are disappointed we made decisions which should have been better. We are disappointed that we failed to capitalize upon a situation. We are disappointed that success was only replaced by the need for more. Memories usually have the companion of emotion. Sometimes the memory brings about regret, and other times gratification.

The point is we must look to the future and make it successful by capitalizing on every present moment. Then the memory of 2006 will be one of fulfillment.

What are the memories you want to have as you enter 2007? Really, stop and think. Do you want to remember lollygagging away the time? How well did you manage your time in 2005? Did you spend your time doing what God has called you to do or did you lollygag?

From God's vantage point, what is lollygagging? Yes, it could be lazily wasting any free time. Yet, it is more than that.  Paul says it this way, 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17; NASU)

I'm not here to tell you how to run your life. But, I am commissioned to advise you as disciples of Christ (2 Timothy 4:1-5). You must be responsible enough to examine your personal life and bring it into obedience to God's will.

Let's do some contemplation upon lollygagging from God's point of view. We should consider our priorities as Christians. First is our submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (John 14:23-24). This is expanded upon to include all that He is teaching us through the Biblical message. Matter of fact, the rest of our existence is prioritized by His teaching.

Your management of time is going to come under the attack of Satan. He is a deceiver and will attempt to steal time from you so you can not utilize it for God. Oh, the Devil can make you busy, worn to a frazzle with work and activity. Then you reflect upon the past by saying, "where has the time gone," without the satisfaction of making the most of it for eternal purposes.

As Christians we must evaluate every activity we involve ourselves in, and train those under our tutelage to prioritize this precious commodity. Giving no thought to your ways is not forgiven as ignorance, but looked upon as foolish. We are to consider God's Word and how it relates to us personally. Not to view things from His perspective is dangerous. Jesus says, Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him. (Luke 8:18; NIV)

Ignorance may be no more than gleaning the reward of lollygagging. Jesus says that Whoever has will be given more. He is speaking of understanding the things of God. There is a divine act here. As we give appropriate effort - God honoring effort - He will open our minds to understand the Bible, and how to apply the truth and receive the blessing of it.

Can years of reading the Scriptures and attending Church be wasted? Yes, if we have read and attended intending not to change our perspective or actions. Isn't that lollygagging?

Let's look back on 2006 with fulfillment. Let's order our lives under the Lordship of Jesus. It's time to live for Jesus.