Prov 18:9 says, “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster”.

How many of you like to work with lazy (slothful) people?  I can’t stand it.  I loved working together with the crew that went to the Navajo nation and worked on the building in Piñon. Everyday, we were working hard, getting lots done, and resting in the evening.  2 Thes 3:10-12 says that if a man doesn’t work, he shouldn’t eat. Too many are “working not at all”.

Well, according to Solomon, he that is slothful is brother to him that is a great waster.  So, if you don’t like slothfulness then don’t be a great waster because a great waster is kin to a slothful person. Don’t be a great waster.

Don’t waste your family.  Prov 19:26.  How many families have been wasted by their children?  To waste is to damage or destroy gradually and progressively.  I have watched and prayed for and counseled untold numbers of families whose children have wasted them by rebellion and sin. You cannot imagine the heartache, the hopelessness, the continual sadness and despair or mothers and fathers whose children have turned their back on God and pursued a life of sin. Their families are wasting away.

Don’t waste your substance.  Lk 15:13.  The prodigal son wasted his substance.  You’re probably not in danger of wasting your substance with riotous living. But you could be in danger of wasting your substance on vain pursuits.  You should prayerfully consider the money you spend and make sure you’re not wasting it.  You ought to put your money toward eternal pursuits.

Don’t waste your time.  Eph 5:16. Redeeming the time.  We wasted much time in the past.  When the Lord turned me around years ago, I flew into the work.  I had wasted so much time.  Now that I’m getting closer to the end of my days, I’m not coasting.  David Green, in his book, Leadership Not By The Book, said that we should “sprint” when we get to the end of our race. 

Don’t waste time on the internet; study, instead.  Don’t waste time in front of the TV; read, instead.  Don’t waste time worrying. Worry it the advanced interest on trouble that rarely ever comes.  Don’t think too much you will create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place.  Pray before you start anything.  You will learn that power with God comes through prayer.

Conclusion: If you waste these three things, you will have wasted your life.