THE TIME OF OUR LIVES
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “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, ESV
Theme: Since time is limited, Paul instructs us to carefully use our time.
THE BEST USE
This is tricky. Culture influences what we consider the best use of time. In the United States, we disproportionally value fame, occupation, affluence, and power. We might consult efficiency gurus to tell us how to schedule our time “wisely.” They say to cut out unnecessary things and increase your ability to complete more tasks. Yet, when Paul says to make the best use of time, he bases this on Jesus’ definition of best.
WORK, WEALTH, POWER
King Solomon reflected on his unequalled success in work and wealth—and still found it lacking. “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, ESV). Work, wealth, and power are meaningless when measured against God’s priorities. So, how does God value our time and how did we see Him spend it while on Earth?
WHAT HE DID
Jesus often spent time praying: alone (Mark 1:35; Matthew 26:36), in a crowd (John 11:42), as part of teaching (Matthew 6:9). Jesus also gives clear direction to pray and instruction for when we do (Matthew 6:6-7). Praying is one of the best uses of our time. However, it doesn’t feel productive compared to working. I have caught myself saying: “Is there anything I can do besides pray?” Not because I don’t want to pray. I do and I will. But prayer isn’t visible. Prayer doesn’t generate wealth (usually) or feed bellies (usually) or clean houses (that I’ve seen). We don’t often see the power behind our prayers immediately. Yet, prayer may be the single best use of my time. I wanted to list a whole bunch of things Jesus did (with references) as examples for us to follow. However, I feel God prompting me to stop here and leave it at prayer. This most underutilized powerhouse of a resource is available to you for the cost of time invested in seeking and talking with God.
A CHILD’S TIME
The disciples once quarreled about who was the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus did not pick one of His friends. Jesus did not select a family member or someone famous among Jews or from history (Moses? David?). Instead, He said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4, ESV). Do you know what children are good at? Asking their parents for things. Spending time with their parents. Accepting help, direction, and authority. Children don’t have to worry about big things like money or power. Children are content because they only know what their parents teach them. Jesus made time to pray over and bless children. He didn’t consider them sub-standard or beneath Him. Jesus valued children and even directed us to humble ourselves like children.
HOW YOU WALK
Make the best use of your time. God is telling me that the best use of my time is prayer. I don’t spend much time each day praying. I know I can spend more time on this activity. Thus, I’m done writing now. I’m going to pray.
Make It Personal: What is God telling you to add or take away from your schedule to make the best use of your time? Is prayer a daily habit for you as it was for Jesus? Spend some time praying and seek God’s wisdom on the subject.
Pray: God, thank You for leading me clearly to the thing You want me to focus on more persistently. Because I wish I had a more creative revelation to share about how to spend my time better, I know THIS is what You are saying to me. Please reveal Your priority for each person praying now. Thank You for the recorded parts of Jesus’ life as an example in the living and active Word that guides us. Amen.
Read: Colossians 4:5; Matthew 18:1-4
Weekly Memory Verse: “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, ESV