Rant: The sleeping enemy.
Ask any college student what they want and I bet you’ll get the answer. Ask anyone at a retreat what they could use more of and I bet you’ll get an idol as an answer. It was and often times, still is my own idol. It lurks in the corner and disguises itself as a necessity. It comes across as innocent and harmless. For the most part, it doesn’t hurt anyone. It doesn’t break down relationships though it makes people who have less of it jealous of people who have more. The real harm is what this enemy prevents you from doing. Sure, you need it, but do you need that much of it? It can often occupy time that could be used for better purposes.
What is this evil and attrocious thing that steals our time and occupies our schedule? That makes us jealous and envious? Sleep on it and I’ll tell you. But if you did, you’d probably miss out on something greatly important. Sleep my friend, sleep.
Now you’re saying, “Sleep? Sleep?!? How can sleep be bad? I need it otherwise I’m tired. If I don’t get sleep, I’ll fall asleep during something important.” Now my question to you is “How much sleep do you really need?” Think of the things in life that’s important. Where you spend your time is a good indication of where your heart is. “But that’s unfair” you say. “I need X amount of hours of sleep to function properly.” But think about this, what do you do instead of sleep? Do you watch TV instead of go to sleep on time? Do you play video games or talk to people instead of going to bed on time? Do you over sleep for important things? Such as church or fellowship? Would you rather sleep instead of talk to God? Will you pull an all-nighter for an exam but not to seek the Lord of the Universe?
Now that I have you convinced that you idolatirize sleep, (if I haven’t, search your heart and see) what should you do about it? Unfortunately I have no answers. Sleep deprivation is not the answer. Budget your sleep wisely. Recognize what you could be doing instead of sleeping. Is that something God would rather have you do? While you are young (if you still are) use your time wisely. How much sleep did Jesus get before he did the most important thing for the face of humanity? He stayed up all night praying before he went to the cross. What did the disciple do? They gave in and succumbed. They did not watch and pray but fell into temptation. Will you watch and pray or will you give into temptation because your eyes are heavy during the most important hour.