By: Mike Riley
If we are wise, we understand about making wise use of our time. We arrange our priorities and do first things first (Matthew 6:33). We structure each day the most out of the time we are allotted. We understand the preciousness of living each moment we have, knowing that time is fleeting and our appointment with death and judgment is a certainty (Hebrews 9:27).
Scripture addresses the importance of making wise use of our time while we have it. The Psalmist requests, “So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Paul exhorts us, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Jesus recognized the brevity of His time on earth to do His Father’s will – “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). It is certainly appropriate to exhort our youth to “remember thy creator in the days of thy youth….” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
We need to habitually “exhort one another daily while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Why? because today is all we have (James 4:13-14).
The following poem (by an unknown author) entitled “No Time For God?” further illustrates making wise use of our time in spiritual matters.
“You’ve time to build houses, and in them dwell,
And time to do business — to buy and to sell;
And none for repentance, or deep earnest prayer;
To seek your salvation you’ve no time to spare.
You’ve time for earth’s pleasures, for frolic and fun,
For her glittering treasures how quickly you run;
But care not to seek the fair mansion above.
The favor of God or the gift of His love.
You’ve time to take voyages over the sea,
And time to take in the world’s jubilee.
But soon your bright hopes will be lost in the bloom
Of the cold, dark river of death and the tomb.
You’ve time to resort to the mountain and glen;
And time to gain knowledge from books and men;
Yet no time to search for the wisdom of God,
But what of your soul when you’re under the sod?
For time will not linger when helpless you lie,
Staring death in the face, you will take time to die.
Then, what of the judgment — pause, think, I implore!
For time will be lost on eternity’s shore.”
Brethren, are we wisely using our time to do the Lord’s work while here upon the earth? If not, perhaps today would be an appropriate time to begin making better choices in the proper use of our time. As our Lord warns us, “the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).