The 24-Hour Economy
by Royce
In recent months, the world has been captivated by Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.” The numbers are staggering: 291.5 million views and 485.8 million viewing hours in just three months, making it the most-watched content in Netflix’s history. To put this in perspective, if we lined up those viewing hours end-to-end, humanity collectively spent over 55,000 years watching this single film.
This phenomenon perfectly illustrates how we’ve shifted from the traditional box office economy to what experts call the “24-hour economy” — a world where success is no longer measured by opening weekend ticket sales, but by the precious currency of time itself. Movie studios now chase “engagement hours” and “completion rates” rather than just box office numbers.
We live in an era where entertainment, commerce, and connectivity never sleep. The same technology that allows a Korean animated film to reach nearly 300 million viewers also means we’re constantly tempted to consume content, check notifications, and stay “engaged” with our devices around the clock.
This 24-hour economy isn’t inherently evil — it connects cultures, creates jobs, and brings joy to millions. But it demands something precious from us: our time. And unlike money, which can be earned back, time is the one resource we can never recover.
This brings us to one of the Bible’s earliest lessons about offerings and priorities. In Genesis 4:3-4, we read:
“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”
At first glance, both brothers brought offerings to God. Both were acknowledging their dependence on the Creator. But there’s a crucial difference hidden in the details.
Notice the contrast:
- Cain brought “some of the fruits” — a portion, but not specified as the best
- Abel brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn” — explicitly the best parts of his best animals
The Hebrew word for “fat portions” (cheleb) refers to the choicest, richest parts. Abel didn’t just give God some of his time and attention; he gave God the first fruits — the best of what he had.
Just as Abel offered the firstborn and finest of his flock, we’re called to offer God the first fruits of our time. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy entertainment or that streaming services are wrong. Rather, it means we need to be intentional about ensuring our best time — our most alert, focused, and present moments — are dedicated to what matters most.
In our 24-hour economy, this principle becomes even more critical. When content is designed to be addictive, when algorithms are crafted to keep us scrolling, when the next episode automatically plays, we must be vigilant guardians of our time.
God’s declaration in Genesis 2:18 that “it is not good for the man to be alone” reveals something profound about our design. We were created for relationship — with God and with one another. Yet our streaming-saturated culture often pulls us toward isolation, consuming content alone rather than building relationships together.
Consider this: while 291.5 million people watched “KPop Demon Hunters,” how many of those viewing hours were spent in meaningful connection with others? How much of that time could have been invested in:
- Deep conversations with family members
- Serving others in our community
- Prayer and studying God’s Word
- Building friendships that last beyond the latest trend
Practical Wisdom for the Streaming Age
1. Practice “First Fruits” Scheduling
Just as Abel gave the best of his flock, give God the best of your day. Before opening Netflix, spend time in prayer and Scripture. Let your relationship with God have the first claim on your attention, not the last.
2. Choose “We” Over “Me” Entertainment
When possible, choose content that brings people together rather than isolates. Watch shows with your family, discuss what you’re learning, and use entertainment as a bridge to deeper relationships.
3. Set Sacred Boundaries
In a 24-hour economy, we must create our own sabbath rhythms. Designate device-free times, screen-free meals, and technology sabbaths that protect space for relationships and rest.
4. Ask the “Abel Question”
Before consuming content, ask: “Am I giving God and my relationships the fat portions of my time, or just the leftovers?” Are you offering your best energy to Netflix and giving God your exhausted remnants?
The “KPop Demon Hunters” phenomenon will fade. The 291.5 million views will become a footnote in streaming history. New content will capture our attention, and the cycle will continue.
But the time we invest in our relationship with God and with others? That has eternal significance. The conversations we have instead of binge-watching, the prayers we offer instead of mindless scrolling, the love we show instead of consuming content — these create lasting impact.
Prayer
Lord, in a world that never sleeps, help us to be wise stewards of the time You’ve given us. Like Abel, may we offer You the first fruits — not just of our income, but of our attention, our energy, and our days. In an economy that measures success by engagement hours, help us measure our lives by moments spent in relationship with You and others. Give us wisdom to enjoy the good gifts of entertainment and technology while never letting them crowd out what matters most. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How many hours did you spend on entertainment this week versus time invested in relationships and spiritual growth?
- Are you giving God the “first fruits” of your day, or just the leftovers?
- In what ways has the 24-hour economy affected your ability to be present with others?
- What boundaries could you establish to ensure that your most precious resource — time — is invested in what truly matters?
Remember: You can always make more money, but you can never make more time. Spend it like the precious, irreplaceable gift it is.