This thing called t-i-m-e. How important is it?

Time is very important, isn't it? Even a tiny little minute is important because eternity is in it. Our eternal destiny is determined by how we use our time.

In Eph 5:15-16 (Revised Standard Version) says: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." The Apostle Paul reminds us that time is passing rapidly and evil is getting worse. We must make the most of the time we have to prepare for Heaven. We cannot make up for lost time. That is gone forever. But we can make the best possible use of the time we have left.

In the book Christ Object Lessons, Page 342, we read: "Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time."

How are we spending our time? Are we spending it wisely or foolishly? Are we seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? Are we spending quality time with Him so that we will know Him personally and intimately? When we know Him, as it is our privilege to do so, He will bless us beyond our wildest dreams. He will help us to become what we should be in our community and in world.

Have you ever heard yourself say: "I don't have time"? I have on numerous occasions. I'm sure you have, too. The counsel found in the book, Ministry of Healing, page 208, is definitely for us: "If every moment were valued and rightly employed, we should have time for everything that we need to do for ourselves or for the world."

Perhaps we need to evaluate all the things we do and prioritize them. In this age of computers, information technology, and cyber malls, it is all too easy to be intemperate of our time surfing the net. Again, in Ministry of Healing, page 456, we read: "We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention. These are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing. The highest interest demand the close attention and energy that are so often given to comparatively insignificant things."

"We cannot afford to squander the time given us of God in which to bless others, and in which to lay up for ourselves a treasure in Heaven. We have none too much time for the discharge of necessary duties. We should give time to the culture of our own hearts and mind in order that we may be qualified for our life work."

Another good counsel to heed: "Practice economy in the use of your time. This is the Lord's. Your strength is the Lord's. If you have extravagant habits, cut them away from your life. Such habits, indulged, will make you bankrupt for eternity. And habits of economy, industry, and sobriety are, even in this world, a better portion for you and your children."

In Deut 33:25 we read: "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be." How are our days? How is our strength? If we would improve our time--the hours of the day--we could multiply the strength and power of the body, mind, and soul.

The talent of time is precious. Its value is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and we, too, should regard it as such.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."

So, what about time? Is it important? Yes, time is important because eternity is in it. It belongs to the Eternal God. Every moment of our time is His to be improved and used for His glory. I hope that we are challenged by these counsels and work to redeem the past by making good use of the time that we have remaining.