TAKE TIME, MAKE TIME

With all of the modern conveniences and time saving products, isn’t it strange that we seem to have less time to do things? All of these gadgets and gizmos were invented so that we could have more time to do the important things. The question arises, though, "What is most important to us?"

We work fewer hours (for the most part) and pursue more avenues of entertainment (i.e. television, movies, sports, hobbies, etc.) than ever before. Should this be the goal of the Christian? Are we to buy into this "dream" of working less and playing more? What is the most important thing we can do with our time?

Don’t get me wrong. I believe that there is a necessary place for rest and relaxation. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to observe days of rest and holidays (Holy Days). These were days when they were to refrain from work and take a break from labor. These holidays and days of rest were not a time to forget about God, though. The Israelites, while resting, were to take the time to thank God, praise God and worship God.

We sing a song entitled "Take Time To Be Holy." As Christians, we have vowed to change from living as the world does to living as Christ did. When we work or when we rest, why are we doing what we are doing? Are we doing it for ourselves? Are we doing it for our family? Are we doing it for God? Thankfulness, praise and worship of God should be our goal in whatever we do (Romans 12: 1, 2; Colossians 3: 1 - 4, 17, 22 - 24).

As you go about your daily routine, ask yourself some questions. "Why am I doing this?" "Who will this be beneficial to?" "Who is getting the credit, me or God?" "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life" (Galatians 6: 7, 8). Have you deceived yourself? Are you mocking God by saying you love Him, but acting like you love the world?

Bryan Naugle