Have you noticed that many things made today aren’t created to last? That wasn’t the case 30-40 years ago. This planned obsolecence is intentional on the part of manufacturers, in order to increase profits. Capitalistic societies like the United States, where I live, promote the consumer cycle of buying, using, and buying again of products. This approach can benefit the economy, foster innovation, promote competition, lower prices, and offer more options. But it also requires more resources and creates more waste. Thus, it is important for producers and consumers to refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle, whenever possible.
Many of my high school students understand the importance of recycling, but they don’t always take care to follow through on that knowledge. For instance, at the end of any given school day I still find bottles and cans in the general trash basket which should have been placed in the recycle basket. Fortunately, many people do recycle. My family has some close friends who do a remarkable job. They compost their food waste, reuse clothing to make quilts and crafts for others, and refuse to use convenient but disposable products when a reusable yet less convenient alternative is possible. Not only that, they are generous with their resources—giving away produce they’ve grown or extra materials they have, loaning out their equipment, opening their home to host group events, and using their time to serve others.
Make the Most of Life
The topic of recycling brings up an even broader issue, which is waste. You have probably heard the advice, “Waste not, want not.” There is a lot of truth in that, especially if you think beyond just products. For instance, in what ways do you waste your time? The growing lure of screen time entertainment might be a contributing factor. According to a recent study the average American spends 40% of waking hours in front of an internet connected screen? To be fair some of that time is productive, but some of it I’m sure could be used better. In what ways do you waste your energy, your relationships, your mistakes, or your sorrows? Have you ever asked what was that trial all about, or why did I have to go through that? I encourage you to consider each area of your life and make the most of it. But don’t do it alone through self discipline. Look to God who created you. He loves you and wants you to thrive. He doesn’t waste your time, your talents, your relationships, or your suffering. If you trust him he will redeem all of it to heal your brokenness, save you from your self-centeredness, give you new life, and train you to become all you are meant to be in Jesus.
All Is Not As It Seems
Place your faith in God and you will begin to see as he does. Next week millions of believers throughout the world will celebrate Easter, when Jesus, God the Son, died and rose again to save all who trust him. Today we have the benefit of looking back to see this glorious turning point in human history as an incomparable triumph. But at the time no one saw it that way, even Jesus’ followers. They witnessed Jesus be arrested, falsely accused, mocked, tortured, and crucified. They deserted him and hid in fear for their own lives. Friday’s crucifixion of Jesus most likely made their devotion, their service, and their hope for a better future seem like a colossal waste. But then came Sunday’s resurrection. Jesus revealed himself to his disciples and equipped them to live victorious, productive lives serving others. Jesus’ resurrection and power transformed their perspective and their lives, as he had prophesied. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up [on a cross], that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3:14-15). The disciples subsequent witness empowered by the Spirit of God had a world wide impact of helping people move from a life of wasting into a true life, a renewed life with God.
God Never Wastes
This is how God works. He never wastes your time, your talents, your relationships, or your suffering. You can never go wrong with God. Whenever you place your faith in him, whenever he is glorified it always ends up for your good and betterment. For example, before Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many he ministered to people throughout Israel. At one point he came across a beggar who was blind since birth. Jesus’ disciples viewed this as a tragedy. They even asked Jesus if the blindness was because the man sinned or his parent’s sinned. Jesus said it was neither. He said it was so the works of God may be displayed in him. Jesus then healed the man of his physical blindness. Later he healed him of his spiritual blindness by inviting the man to believe in him and the man did. His life completely changed when he believed and worshipped Jesus. Jesus was not saying people don’t suffer because of sin. Anyone who sins will suffer gravely, for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23-24). Jesus was pointing out a greater truth that even though there is temporary suffering in this world, God works to redeem. Where we see waste God sees an opportunity for abundant life. Where we sin or suffer from the sins of others, or encounter trials from a decaying, fallen world, God restores, if you trust him. He promises to work all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
So don’t curse your sin, your mistakes, the suffering at the hands of others, or your circumstances as if nothing can be done about them. You are not hopeless or worthless. Don’t waste your poverty and need. Give them to God. Likewise, you are not self-sufficient. Your soul was made to be one with God. Don’t waste your wealth of possessions and aptitudes. Give your abundance and your poverty to God and let him redeem them and make the most of them. Live for his glory and it will result in your healing, restoration, salvation, peace and completeness. Like Jesus during his ministry on earth as a loving son under the guidance of his nurturing father, it is through humble obedience and trusting reliance on God that you will be exalted (Philippians 2:6-11; James 4:6).
Reuse What Could Have Been Waste
With God’s help reduce and reclaim what could be wasted in your life. You weren’t made to waste away. God gave you an eternal soul. After your physical body dies, you will live on. You will either spend eternity with God or without him based on whether you accept or reject Jesus as your savior. The Bible teaches that the destiny of believers is paradise in fellowship with God as a part of his loving family. In contrast, the destiny of unbelievers is eternal torment, because they chose to have nothing to do with God and are thus separated from all he represents which is love, goodness, righteousness, and beauty. Don’t waste your life, instead find abundant life in Jesus. When you do there is one more benefit you’ll experience. By trusting God to meet your needs and to redeem any waste, you will be operating from a surplus rather than a deficit. Whether its your time, talents, treasure, or relationships you are free from striving to provide for yourself. Thus, you can use this abundance of blessing from God to help others especially to support them in coming to know God.
Conclusion
Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Use each day and all that God has given you or allowed you to experience in order to draw closer to him. Don’t waste your resources, your shortcomings, your sorrow, or the results of your sin. Don’t let your abundance, trials, or pride drag you away from God. Prayerfully, humbly lay them at his feet and step closer into his loving embrace. Then as he builds you up and transforms you more and more into the likeness of Jesus, proclaim his truth and share his love with others so they no longer have to waste any part of their lives. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). When you are united with God by faith nothing is wasted and nothing is wanted, for he is all you need (Psalm 23:1).