Time

Dear Friends,

It’s been said that time is our most precious commodity.  There is never enough and once spent, it can never be replaced.  From an earthly perspective this is true.  The saying, “Time flies,” is a truism of the swiftness of the passage of time, particularly the older we get.   King David pointed out in Psalm 39:4-5, “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” James the brother of Jesus said this about our lives in James 4:14, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  Yes, our time on earth is fleeting, in fact, it is infinitely small compared to eternity. To live as God would have us live, it is essential we make the best possible use of the time we are given here on Earth.

To that end, Moses prayed in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  A good way to gain wisdom is to learn to live each day with an eternal perspective.  Knowing that on Judgement Day we will have to give an account to the One who gives us time should motivate us to use it well. C. S. Lewis understood this and wrote, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought most of the next.”

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul cautioned his readers, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16).  Living wisely involves using our time carefully. Knowing that the harvest is great and the workers are few and that time is running out should help us make better use of our time to witness, both through our words and our example.

The responsibilities and pressures of this world call for our attention and try to distract us.  Thousands of voices pull us in different directions and makes it easy for our time to get swallowed up in mundane, lesser matters. Unfortunately, things that have eternal value, often get pushed aside.

As followers of Jesus, we are charged to give our best to everything to which God has called us. In all of our relationships, our work, our studies, serving others, the little details of our lives, caring for the health of our bodies, even in rest and recreation, our primary focus should be on God. He is the One who gave us this time on earth, and He is the One who directs how we spend it.

The Bible counsels us to place our focus on that which is eternal as opposed to the fleeting pleasures of this passing world. Time spent with God and getting to know Him, through reading His Word and prayer, is never wasted. Time spent building up the body of Christ and loving others with God’s love is always time well spent. Time invested in sharing the gospel so that others will come to know salvation in Jesus, bears eternal fruit.  We should live as if each minute counts, because it really does.  Jesus said in John 9:4 “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; for night is coming, when no one can work.”

Only by Grace,

Pastor Mike