NOT ENOUGH TIME
Matthew Griffin
Today’s Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33, ESV
Theme: Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day. It’s really not a time problem; it’s an issue of priorities.
DEFINITION OF PRIORITIES
“The Google,” as my grandfather calls it, defines priority as “the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important.” As followers of Christ, we would say that our relationship with Christ is the most important part of our lives. Yet, if we look back at our day, many times it looks like this:
8 hours - sleep
8 hours - work
1.5 hours - eat
5.5 hours - social media, tv, games, golf, shopping, etc.
1 hour - scripture and prayer
CHANGE THE MINDSET
Let’s talk about the three that we can’t do a whole lot about: working, sleeping, and eating. How can we prioritize God in these three areas? Beginning with work: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23, ESV). We work for money, right? Yes, but that is secondary. We can make God our priority by simply doing our best, even if it doesn’t result in a promotion, compliment, or benefit. We work hard because our Lord has told us to do so.
What about sleeping and eating? “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV). In times of exhaustion or hunger, we tend to say a thoughtless prayer (or no prayer at all) before we go to bed or eat. Prioritize God by focusing, take your time, and talking with your Creator. Sleep and food can come after!
Make It Personal: Now it’s time to get real. Many of us are spending way too much time on our pleasures. What area of your “free time” is being prioritized over Christ? Is binge watching three seasons in one weekend really a good decision? What about my fellow sports fanatics? Take some time away from Sports Center and get into the Word of God. If you’re a teenager or a young adult, it’s most likely our social media. Set limits for yourselves. Whatever it is, I can promise that you will never have “enough” time to spend with God. You must prioritize it to make time for it.
Pray: God, my Creator, You’re so patient with me. I can never thank You enough for the gift of Your Son. As I go about my cluttered day, please instruct me how to prioritize You, for I know that You are always with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. All praise to You, my Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: 1 Chronicles 16:10-12; Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Joshua 1:8
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