Month: December 2017

Using Your Time Wisely

Published on by Kim

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

How do we make the best use of time? That’s a HUGE question, and one we will not cover completely. We discussed this briefly in an earlier post. But still there are a few more points to help us make the best use of our time today.

In the verses earlier in Ephesians 5, we can see more background on the “unwise” and “evil” from the verses above. As much as we would like to walk in sunshine each and every day — and though we DO walk in light if we are children of God — that does not mean the darkness is not real or present. Sin abounds. Part of walking wisely will involve the rejection of sin and acts of darkness and evil. We need to be careful to watch for habits that support what is wrong (i.e., laziness, gossip, selfishness). Getting together with a friend can be valuable and enriching time, or it can be a gossip session that tears both of you down. Taking care of our responsibilities is necessary, but only as an expression of our love for God and our neighbor — not at the expense of those loves! Guard your heart and home, and you will be using your time well.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

The next verse gives more detail on the foolish vs. wise contrast. If we are wise and making the best use of our time, we will be continually wrapping our minds around what the Lord’s will is. What has He said is right? What pleases Him? What will reflect His character and glorify Him most in any situation? This, of course, will take time in the Word — as much as you can wrestle into the schedule at this season of your life.

These parts of using your time well are harder than some others. Remember, although it can be a struggle, the reward is great!

 

Working Diligently

Published on by Kim

By Jim Odens

Jim Odens is a pastor in Minnesota, and the below post is an excerpt from a recent sermon in a series from Ecclesiastes. The entire recording is available online, as well.

In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:6

The uncertainty about which ventures we pursue will prosper and which ventures will fail should lead us to diligently apply ourselves to every venture and every opportunity God gives us.

There is no place for paralysis from fear of circumstances and possibilities in the life of a person who truly fears the Lord. There is also no place for inactivity because of laziness and sloth.

Rather, in the fear of the Lord there is great motivation to be persistently, actively abounding in our stewardship of the time, energy, money and other resources He has given us to use for His glory. It may be that some of our efforts will succeed more than others, but that is good reason to give ourselves to sowing both morning & evening! If what we sow in the morning does not bear much fruit, perhaps what we sow in the evening will. Or vice versa. Or perhaps both will succeed!

When we have acted patiently, prudently, yieldedly & diligently, we can leave the outcome in the Lord’s hands & be content with what He does.

Therefore, take advantage of every moment of every day the Lord gives you to trust Him, love Him, serve Him, worship Him, proclaim Him, obey Him in every aspect of your life (home, church, work, school, neighborhood, etc.) . . .

Don’t be hindered by concern about how it will turn out (for like the growth of the seeds sown in the ground, how things turn out is in the Lord’s hands). Instead do all you can in the Lord’s name, trusting that whatever He wants to do with your work is His will for His all-wise purposes.