USING
LAST DAYS

Topics: Consecration; Preparation; Prisons; Service; Stewardship; Study; Television; Wasting Time

References: Matthew 10:39; Philippians 3:7–14; 2 Timothy 2:15

Most of the death row inmates at Mississippi’s Parchman Prison were in their bunks, wrapped in blankets and staring blankly at little black-and-white TV screens, killing time. But in one cell a man was sitting on his bunk reading. As I approached he looked up and showed me his book—an instruction manual on Episcopal liturgy.

John Irving, who had been on death row for more than fifteen years, was studying for the priesthood. Irving told me he was allowed out of his cell one hour each day. The rest of the time, he studied.

Seeing that Irving had nothing in his cell but a few books, I thought, God has blessed me so much, the least I can do is provide something for this brother. “Would you like a TV if I could arrange it?” I asked.

“Thanks,” Irving said with a smile, “but no thanks. You can waste an awful lot of time with those things.” Irving had determined not to waste the one commodity he had to give to the Lord—his time.

—Charles Colson, A Dangerous Grace (Word, 1994)