Invest Your Time; Don't Just Spend It

Now that I am older, I think about time much more than I did when I was younger. Maybe because I am getting closer to the age that the Bible says most of us are allowed. (Psalm 90:10 says "the days of our lives are seventy years, and if by reason of strength they are eighty years.") Many people are living on grace; the Lord has been merciful.

I read quite a few devotionals during the week and so I am quoting from one that Dr. Charles Stanley writes. The scriptures he quotes Ephesians 5:15-17 which says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

We are walking in days that are evil this very moment. Look around you.

"Time is a most valuable commodity. since it's irreversible and irreplaceable, we ought to give careful consideration to how we spend our days, and even our minutes. Time is a gift from God."

Don't take time lightly. "The fact that time is a gift from God means that we are not owners but stewards and will one day be held accountable for how we used what was entrusted to us.

According to verse 15, there are only two possible ways to live wisely or foolishly.

First, let's consider what is involved in using our time wisely. Those who realize that their days belong to God are careful how they live. Their goal is to understand the Lord's will and align their schedules and activities with His purposes. As they seek guidance each day through intimate fellowship with Him in the Word and prayers, their spiritual eyes are opened to discern what opportunities are from the Father and which are not a part of His plans for them.

But those who are foolish, do not give adequate thought to the way they live. Some become unproductive and lazy, living for their own pleasures while missing out on God's purpose for their lives. However, others may be very busy and extremely successful by worldly standards, but if their days are occupied with activities that aren't God's will for them, they're wasting their time."

Thought for Today: How you spend your time is important to God. Invest your time wisely.