"A SLICE OF TIME
I'm sorry, but people are not created equal, at least not in terms of intelligence, gifts, appearance, or finances. It would be nice if we were, but we're not. We're not even equal in the amount of time that we've been given to live. But to everyone, God has given a slice of time, and we're to use it wisely ('Redeeming the time, because the days are evil,' Ephesians 5:16.)
God's not interested in us just filling time, but fulfilling time. Frankly, the context of this verse suggests if your life has come under the controlling power of the Holy Spirit, then it will show in the way you're handling your time. If your days are short, and your life seems overwhelming, crowded, and hectic, then one of several things is probably wrong.
1. You may be doing far more than you should. That happens when we begin to be believe God is impressed by the volume of our work. He's really not. He's more concerned about us.
2. You may be spending your time in the wrong way. Like [my friend] Roy [Hicks] Jr. said, just because there's a need, doesn't mean its the will of God [for you].
3. You may be spending your time on the wrong thing. There is a massive difference between activity and ministry. Activity may discourage you and wear you down, while ministry will encourage your heart and build you up.
So how should we approach our time?
1. Pray. Ask God for wisdom. If you spend all your time with people, you probably won't be ministering to people.
2. Learn to say no. Always be willing to say no to those things that will not help you accomplish or further God's objective and will for your life.
3. Don't take yourself too seriously. There's no question but that our time is valuable and precious, but God never called you to win the whole world... just some of those in the world. All of the work won't get done today. It's not a sin to enjoy life and relax.
4. Have a disciplined schedule. Guard your time as a precious treasure. Time can't be saved, only spent.
Redeeming the time,
Ron Mehl