Wise Use of Time
5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
Colossians 4:5 (CSB)
Time is a blessing and an opportunity, not an enemy, as it is part of God’s creation. Believers should view time as a gift to honor and serve the Lord. The apostle Paul urges the Colossians to act wisely and make the most of their time, avoiding misuse. Reflect on how you steward your given time—are you maximizing its potential?
Time Is Part of Our Mission. Time is integral to our mission, reflecting what drives us. How we spend our time reveals what rules our lives. It also provides a chance to share Jesus, as God has given us time to serve Him faithfully. When we seek the Lord in managing our time, it aligns with our mission to serve Jesus effectively.
Time Has No Time for Passive Christianity. Time does not favor passive Christianity. We all have 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute. We can't extend or reduce this clock. Time keeps moving forward, and each of us is limited to a certain amount of it before eternity becomes a reality. This finite nature of time should remind us that passive engagement with Christ is never acceptable. Every moment spent in passivity represents a missed opportunity. Recognizing our calling to use our time wisely as believers, we must strive to live actively in faith at all times.
Time Provides Evangelistic Opportunities. Time presents a chance to share Christ. When we faithfully utilize the time God has given us, we demonstrate Christ to onlookers. Properly managing our time to honor and serve the Lord reinforces the gospel message we proclaim. Wise use of time goes against worldly ways and encourages others to understand through the way we live. When we dedicate our time to the Lord, we create opportunities to direct others to Jesus and showcase the message of the Gospel.
View Time with Eternity in Mind. Time should be understood in the context of eternity. We are called to adopt an eternal outlook on life. By focusing on eternity, we can keep the fleeting nature of this world in proper perspective and stay motivated to keep our eyes on the Lord during times of pain and suffering. This perspective provides encouragement to maintain focus on the Lord as we navigate life's challenges. An eternal viewpoint enables us to avoid becoming paralyzed by fear or overwhelmed by temporary events.
QUESTIONS
How would you assess the use of your time as an opportunity to serve and honor the Lord?
Does the use of your time center on people recognizing you or recognizing Jesus?
