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Spend Time Wisely
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV
Summer is about over and I could do this devotional on the ever popular topic, “What I did this summer.” However, I also realize two important things. Most of you would likely get bored and secondly, summer for me, as for many, “went by all too quickly.” Interestingly, most of my big summer projects are still incomplete. In fact, several are not even started. The things I wanted to accomplish in my work this summer, met only with limited success. Shirley and I were able to go on vacation, but there were more places to go and people to see. And like so many others with whom I’ve talked, “I wonder where the summer went.”
Time is such a relative concept. We talk of it in terms that imply that it varies, “Where has time gone?” “My, hasn’t time just flown by?” or “I sure wish this last half hour of work would hurry up and pass!” But, we know that time is measured and marked by consistent intervals, it continues on at the same pace, one nanosecond at a time. So, how do we get the most from the time we have? I believe that a Christian approach to the question leads to an answer that is quite simple, yet very challenging. The answer I would suggest is to become very quality time conscience. Yes, it is more difficult than it sounds, but it has a solid foundation. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 NIV) The Psalmist understood the value of using our time wisely, of making the most of the time that we are all allotted.
I am sorry to say that not all of my time was spent as quality time this summer. Perhaps you struggled with that as well. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul encourages them with a statement that can both challenge us and give us a goal in the use of our time. “Be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15 & 16 NIV) If taken to heart, this will come out different for each of us. Some of us need to become more efficient in the use of our time. Others may need to slow down. As a pastor friend stated one time, “God does not need your exhaustion to get His work done.”
Let me both encourage and challenge you to make the most of every moment God has given you.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, we confess that we don’t always make the most of the time you have given us. May we commit each day to strive to make the most of our time for Your honor and glory. Through your Son’s Wonderful name we pray. Amen
Rev. Mark Jervis
Pastor
FBC Gillette, WY |
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