Redeeming the Time

slide123The way we spend our time has an impact in this life and the life that is to follow in eternity. 

Some things in life that are good or even moderate can become a bad thing if consumed excessively.  Our life on earth is remarkably short compared with eternity.  Live your  life in light of eternity.  Jesus said, "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36).   If careless words are subject to scrutiny how much more are our actions? 

"For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.  If any mans' work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.  If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

When we get to heaven we want to hear "Well done..." as in "Good job" not as in "T-bone steak".

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'" ~Jesus (Matthew 25:23)

How much time do you invest in entertainment?  It is not likely that you will steadily become more like Christ if you are captivated with everything else but Him.  Use self-control to limit your media diet and commit to spending more time reading God's word, seeking Him through prayer and reflecting on the life of Christ.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17 

The following quote is from the famous preacher Charles Finney circa 1874.

"No amusement  can be innocent that involves the squandering of precious time, that might be better employed to the glory of God and the good of man. Life is short. Time is precious. We have but one life to live. Much is to be done. The world is in darkness. A world of sinners are to be enlightened and, if possible, saved. We are required to work while the day lasts. Our commission and work require dispatch. No time is to be lost. If our hearts are right, our work is pleasant. If rightly performed, it affords the highest enjoyment and is itself the highest amusement..." ~ Charles Finney

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