What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?

When I moved into my own flat, I decided not to get a television. It's not a decision I've regretted. I found it sucks your soul through its mindless drivel and seductive hypnosis.

Sadly, the Internet, for all its wealth of knowledge and shared wisdom and experience, can have the same effect. It brings me into contact with news, people, ideas, friends and places all over the world, all at the tap of a few keys. Through it, I have read classic works of art, seen beautiful paintings, improved my command of various foreign languages, shared my faith with others, and been challenged and encouraged by Christians across the globe.

However, used wrongly, it can draw people more into themselves and away from the world. With the huge amount of information available, it is easy to become distracted to the detriment of other activities.

As a Christian, I am called not only to be accountable for how I use my money but for how I use my time and talents for God's glory. So this is my resolve, while recognising the value of the Internet, I will ensure that I spend a maximum of one hour each evening using the Internet, whether working, writing, chatting or investigating.

So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12