2008 Woodie Awards
Don't Waste Your Time
by Clarrence Talley
David Butler
Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: Editorials & Viewpoints
After class, one of my students took a seat just behind me as I continued reviewing the portfolios of my colleagues. He, like the other 30 plus students, had taken their tests and placed it on the desk in front of me. But unlike the other students, who quietly left, this young man stayed behind.
After some time, I finally acknowledged his presence and I asked him what more could I do for him? I thought he wanted to discuss his grades or ask a question about the test. To my delight, he responded by saying, "I want to ask you a question about the Bible."
At first, he began by voicing a concern rather than asking a question. He said that he and a group of his friends had stayed up most of the night discussing the Bible, arguing over its validity, and questioning certain aspects of scripture.
The young man went on to tell me that much was discussed as opinions were tossed back and forth. But more importantly, he said he wanted to know what to do when people refused to believe, refused to accept the truth of God's word, and are just stubborn and close minded to truth?
I told him there is not very much you can do. Just simply do as Jesus did and that is to lay the truth out there and leave the rest up to God. Furthermore, I stressed that just because you've stayed up the better part of the night discussing God's Word and trying to convince others about what God has clearly said in His Word is no indication that you have spent your time wisely.
Some people, young and old alike, student or non-student, are not seeking "knowledge and understanding." Many people attempt to justify their disinterest in the Bible and their ungodly way of life, and they do so by challenging your interest and position.
Often times, this is done by luring you into unfruitful and endless discussions that go nowhere. So my advice to the student was as Paul's to young Timothy, "Don't waste your time" (1 Timothy 1:4).
The student seemingly found my comments rather surprising. But, I went on to explain that it is true "silence is golden" when properly employed. You can speak volumes without speaking. Solomon recommends that there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak," (Eccl. 3:7) and in order to know what is best, be led by the Holy Spirit. Lengthy discussions are not clear indicators that others are convinced of what has been said.
After some time, I finally acknowledged his presence and I asked him what more could I do for him? I thought he wanted to discuss his grades or ask a question about the test. To my delight, he responded by saying, "I want to ask you a question about the Bible."
At first, he began by voicing a concern rather than asking a question. He said that he and a group of his friends had stayed up most of the night discussing the Bible, arguing over its validity, and questioning certain aspects of scripture.
The young man went on to tell me that much was discussed as opinions were tossed back and forth. But more importantly, he said he wanted to know what to do when people refused to believe, refused to accept the truth of God's word, and are just stubborn and close minded to truth?
I told him there is not very much you can do. Just simply do as Jesus did and that is to lay the truth out there and leave the rest up to God. Furthermore, I stressed that just because you've stayed up the better part of the night discussing God's Word and trying to convince others about what God has clearly said in His Word is no indication that you have spent your time wisely.
Some people, young and old alike, student or non-student, are not seeking "knowledge and understanding." Many people attempt to justify their disinterest in the Bible and their ungodly way of life, and they do so by challenging your interest and position.
Often times, this is done by luring you into unfruitful and endless discussions that go nowhere. So my advice to the student was as Paul's to young Timothy, "Don't waste your time" (1 Timothy 1:4).
The student seemingly found my comments rather surprising. But, I went on to explain that it is true "silence is golden" when properly employed. You can speak volumes without speaking. Solomon recommends that there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak," (Eccl. 3:7) and in order to know what is best, be led by the Holy Spirit. Lengthy discussions are not clear indicators that others are convinced of what has been said.
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