The Dangers of "Me Time"

 You come home from a hard day of work; the kids and the wife jump right in your ear about something you need to do or places you need to go.  You are being pulled in so many directions day after day.  You find yourself saying whew….I just need some time to “myself”! 

Yeah, we need time to rest and reset, but I must say that we must be careful about the need for so much “me time”, because it could become “idle time” that leads to "idols".  We all know the saying, “…idle time is the devil’s playground…”  Could it be that what you really are craving is the need to spend some time with the Lord?  

The world trains you to think “me time” should be all about you and to do whatever pleases you.  However, we must be careful and always check-in with our intentions; you will quickly find yourself giving into the desires of the flesh and that would only benefit the devil himself.   Don't play in that playground!

Idle time is what fueled my addiction.  I just wanted the opportunity to get away from everyone so that I could indulge in my habit.  In which, was not healthy for me, my wife or my family.  I was on the verge of ruining the life that God had blessed me with and not really caring.  This "me time" led to me chasing a false idol.  I had to ask myself, "did I really need this time?"  I soon realized that it was God that I needed more than anything.

Scripture teaches us that "all man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives.”
-Proverbs 16:2 (HCSB)

You may not suffer from addictions, but your "me time" could be your way of avoiding someone or something.  What about the many times we tell our children to go play or watch television while we relax?  We even put them off in other’s care while we do what we consider pleasing to us. Think about it, God blessed us to be the fathers of our children.  As He created us individually with a purpose so He did with our children as well.  We have no idea what God’s purpose for them is, only He knows.  We should pray that He guide us as men to raise them to live in their purpose.  We only have 936 weeks from the birth of our children to 18 years of age to perform the duties of this mission given to us by God.
 
So, the next time you feel that need for some "me time", be sure it is truly to recharge and rest.  Jesus also rested after He ministered to the people while on earth.  I just want to encourage you to check your motives on why the “me time” is needed and be sure you are not avoiding an important decision, person, or task.  Simply put, God could be telling you to spend some time with Him.  You know He loves you!  

In His Grip,
​Billy

---