Table of Contents
Our time is not our own
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12.
Our time belongs to God. Every moment is his own, and we have a sacred responsibility to make use of it for his glory. For no other gift that he has entrusted to us, he does not require more accurate reckoning than for our time.
Our time now is given us to labor for the salvation of our fellow men. Some people think that by giving money for the advancement of God’s work, they do all that is required of them. The precious time in which they can put forth personal labor for him, they let it pass unused. But it is a privilege and a duty to all who have health and strength to do diligent service for God. All must work to win souls for Christ. Offerings of money can never take the place of personal labor.
Our use of time leads to results for eternity
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11.
Every moment is important and it can lead to eternal results. All of us must stand ready so that we can follow the call to do service at someplace. The opportunity that we now have to give the thirsty soul words of life, will never present itself a second time. Tomorrow is not granted to anyone, and as a result of our carelessness, this soul may not be prepared. How will we be able, in the great Day of Judgment, to give an account to our God?
On the right use of time depends our success in the acquisition of knowledge and mental development. The development of the mental powers should not be prevented by poverty, a lowly background or unfavorable circumstances. We must value our moments and make good use of them.
A practical counsel
A few moments here and a few moments there that are squandered in vain talking, the minutes which are so often spent needlessly in bed in the morning, the time which we spend in travel, in waiting for the bus or the train, the moments when we wait for our lunch to be made ready, or the minutes of delay of those whom we expect to meet with if we had the Bible in our hands and these fragments of time were used in the reading of it and in diligent consideration, how much could be accomplished through this!
A determined decision, a patient endeavor, and a careful use of time would make people capable of gaining knowledge and mental development that would enable them to accomplish a helpful purpose.
Precious time squandered over trifles
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:15-16. See also Ecclesiastes 3:1-10.
Many children and young people squander time that could be spent doing housework thus evidencing their interest in their fathers and mothers. Young people could take upon their strong shoulders many duties which are now carried by necessity by someone else.
The life of Christ was, from his earliest age, a life of diligent labor. He did not live to make his life easy and pleasant. He was the Son of the Eternal God, yet he worked with his father Joseph as a carpenter.
Christ as our Pattern
Christ is the pattern and example for us. Parents must teach their children of the high value of time and the right use of it. Teach them that it is profitable to strive to do things that glorify God and give blessings to people. Even in their earliest age, they can be missionary workers and labor for God.
Parents cannot do a greater sin than to let their children be without work to do. Children will get used to liking indolence and thus they will grow to be indifferent, useless men and women. When they become old enough to find a job and earn their sustenance, they will work in an indolent, slow, and sleepy way and they will expect to be paid as much as they would if they were loyal and diligent. There is a great difference between this kind of worker and those who realize that they must be faithful householders.
The evil of slothfulness
Many who have acquired means through diligent secular work, have then squandered them through inactivity. A lack of work to do, of an elevated purpose and plan, opens the door to thousands of temptations. Evil communications and vicious tendencies result in the degeneration of the heart and mind and the effect is the ruining of both this life and the future life.
Whatever our occupation is, the Word of God teaches us: “Be kindly affectioned one to another… not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…” Rom. 12:11.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10.
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:24.