|
|
|
Good Stewards of Time
By Noni McVey
While there are many imbalances in today’s world, there is definitely one thing everyone has been given an equal amount of, the same twenty-four hours in each day. If there ever was a society that should have more time for leisure, the U.S. is one. And as Christians, there should be ample time for prayer and Bible study.
We have telephone, fax, email and guaranteed next day delivery from miles away. There are household conveniences such as dishwashers, washer and dryers, vacuums, lawn mowers, electric hedge clippers and the list goes on and on. Yet, there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done and for many Christians there is never time for prayer and Bible study on a regular basis.
The stewardship of the time each of us has been given by God is something of great importance and should not be ignored. This is not just the time in each day, but the years God has allotted each of us. One can buy a new paper or electronic calendar, or take a course on management scheduling and still find oneself coming up short of time. Unfortunately none of the benefits will be felt until one first understands and values time. The apostle Paul understood the importance of using time wisely.
Paul told the Ephesians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). “Be imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1). “Be children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and to live careful, not unwise. Making the most of every opportunity (vs. 15, 16). Time is a priceless resource and God does care about how it is used.
A Meditation and Prayer
In Psalm 90 Moses meditated on God’s greatness (vs. 1-11). Moses prayed that God would “establish the work of our hands” (vs. 17). Moses who had been used by God to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land was now leading a humdrum nomad’s life. For forty years the Israelites had no specific place to go. There was not a final destination in their immediate future. Moses asked God to give him some kind of assurance that there was significance to the roaming. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Moses understood and valued time. He knew how quickly life passes away. “The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). As we grow older, we look back over time and wonder where the time went. Moses did not want his life to be pointless. His desire was to please God and make the life God had given him meaningful. Moses wasn’t living in the moment, but looking toward eternity.
Look to Christ’s Example
There have been times in my life I have been on overload, juggling too many balls at once. Every ball in the air represented a task that was truly important to me. Things I wanted to get accomplished and yet every time an unfinished task was about completed another ball went up in the air. I had the feeling of frustration, guilt and anxiety. There was just too much work for me to ever get it all done and get it done right.
Whether addressing the needs of others, work or leisure, there will always be more to do than one can ever get accomplished. While on earth, Jesus Christ had three years of ministry. Did Christ ever appear frustrated? I can’t think of a scripture. While He certainly was busy and was tired at the end of a long day, He never seemed rushed, agitated or in a dither about all the work He had to complete. Instead, He had an open door policy. Interruptions in His schedule were welcomed opportunities to help those in need and teach His disciples (Mark 6:30-44; 10:13-16).
Plan Time for Study
- Create achievable goals. Such as choosing one day out of the week other than the Sabbath for Bible Study. Slowly increase the number of days you do Bible study as you learn to manage your time more efficiently.
- As with the number of days you study, the length of time you study can also increase. Start out small.
- Choose a subject to study that you are interested in and will be able to focus on throughout the week.
- Be committed to the decision you’ve made. If it’s important to you, you will find a way to get your priorities straight.
- Is your life pointless, without direction or goals? Or are you using your numbered days to draw closer to God and gain a heart of wisdom? Is your time managed well? i
|
|
|
|
 |
|
