HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR DAYS?

 

     Time passes so quickly. James 4:14 describes the brevity of our time on earth. "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."  Job 7:6 says, "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle." Another description of how quickly time passes is, "Our days are a shadow." (Job 8:9) Solomon spoke of the passing of times in these somber words, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes" (Ecclesiastes 1:4) Recognizing the brevity of time causes me to ask, “How are you spending your days?”

 

     We should make up our minds to spend whatever time we have left wisely.   Paul wrote that Christians should be, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16) Time should be redeemed as we sincerely repent of sins and busy ourselves with the work of God’s kingdom. Avoid wasting your time in Satan's service. Eternal consequence will result from the use made of time, either wise use or foolish use!

 

          We should make up our minds to spend whatever time we have left doing good to others. Jesus did good and so must we. Luke wrote, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing  good and healing all who  were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) Jesus' business was simple; He went about doing good. His was the business of blessing others. Satan goes about seeking whom he may devour. Christians go about seeking op­portunities to do good. Jesus did good because He was good. Those who are good will do good! Barnabas was a good man and he did good. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:22-26)

     We should make up our minds to spend whatever time we have left being thankful and not complaining. Paul wrote, "Do all things with­out complaining and disputing." (Philippians 2:14) Christians are not to complain, be discontent or murmur. How can we shine as light if our spirit is that of a complainer? (Philippians 2:15) Our attitude reflects which master we serve.

 

     We should make up our minds to spend whatever time we have left going the second mile. Do more than is expected of you. "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." (Matthew 5:41) Christians must serve, bear, forebear and accept injury without seeking vengeance. Make the best of whatever life brings and be a Christian in every circumstance. Always shine for Jesus.

 

          Ask God to help you use your time wisely and yield to Paul’s admonition, Redeem the time.” To be saved you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Acts 2:38), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38) As a Christian we must focus on going to heaven daily. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:10-12)

 

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA