God's Coaching #6

God's Coaching #6

How much time do you spend playing video games every day? Studies say the average kid spends 49 minutes a day video gaming. That’s about the same amount of time that the average child spends reading each day.

Being balanced is a good thing. But in 2010, David Scherer of Clarksville, Tennessee, got a little out of whack. He spent 55 straight hours with a controller in his hand to set a world record for longest time spent playing a video game.

To David’s credit, he normally wasn’t a couch potato. He set a good example for kids as a swim coach and by staying busy at school and volunteering in his community. In fact, his reason for setting the world record was to raise money for his swim team to have a consistent place to practice. But still, 55 straight hours . . . yikes!

What’s the Score?

Many kids spend too much time playing video games. And if it’s not video games, a lot of other distractions can rob our time. Research shows that some kids spend about seven-and-a-half hours every day watching TV, playing video games, and being on the Internet. That’s more than 52 hours a week, which is more than a full-time job!

It’s important to make the most of your time. The Bible says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). As you think about the things that you do, are there any changes you need to make to your schedule? Do you spend enough time with your friends? Do you help out enough around the house? Are you taking care of your pets? Or do you spend a lot of time by yourself in front of the TV or computer? The good habits you start now by managing your time will really help you as you grow.

On the Ball

Do you need to change how you use your time? Create a plan to make the most of your time. Write down the top three things that you do with your time (don’t count sleeping):

Now write down the top three things that you’d like to do with your time:

Time is a gift from God—use your gift wisely.

Coach’s Comment

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV)