Christian Pitfalls: Dissipation

Watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)

Exactly what does “dissipation” mean?

  1. Unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures,

  2. Excessive expenditure,

  3. Wastefulness (World English Dictionary).

Regarding definitions 2 and 3, let’s consider ourselves, Americans:

  • “Though it’s home to only 4% of the world’s population, AMERICA is responsible for 12% of the planet’s trash.” (Environment America)

  • “The UNITED STATES, with under 5% of the world’s population, consumes about 30% of the world’s resources.” (National Institute of Medicine)

On top of these alarming excesses, could our most negligent dissipation be a wasteful disregard of people? Our Father’s most beloved creation? Our duty as Christians to “tend” and “feed”? Our commission as Christ’s ambassadors to usher and invite to God’s Kingdom?

If God’s greatest resource is His people, are we SPENDING our time on Earth wisely?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

  • 'The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray' (1 Peter 4:7).

  • 'Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is' (Ephesians 5:15-17).

  • 'For the time will come when they [people, even Christians] will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry' (2 Timothy 4:3-5).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Don't join the throwaway generation. Don't toss your good gifts, good dreams, and good acts into a careless, cultural landfill. Don't waste the talents God has given you.

Instead, lead your fans into the highest form of recycling: namely, SALVATION.

Christian Pitfalls: Dissipation (Part 27)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban