The Stewardship of Time get_app
For any of us who have fond memories from our past, most of us will point to time spent with others we care deeply about. Very seldom are our happy memories about things or objects. More often they involve people and time specifically spent to experience something together. We give time to what matters to us. In fact, some will spell love as “T-I-M-E.” It takes discipline and structure to use our time wisely. And so it is with the spiritual discipline of time spent and stewarded to honor God.
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- What is the warning here as to why we need to make the best use of our time?
(the days are evil) - What do you see as evil today in our world?
(murder, destruction, poverty, illness, etc.)
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- How should this motivate you to use your time wisely?
(we are not guaranteed a tomorrow)
We know we should spend time with the Lord each day. We know that at any point we could be taken from this earth and go to be with God; but, do we discipline ourselves to be ready at any time? I know I would say “probably not,” and I use my time unwisely as a result of this. What keeps you from spending more of your time with God? That is the exact thing we can all work on in our stewardship to improve.
Read
- Who is “solid food” for?
(those mature in their faith) - How do they train their “powers of discernment”?
(by constant practice distinguishing good from evil) - What does it take for us to have constant practice?
(TIME!) - What, then, is one key reason why many believers still “drink milk”?
(not spending time with God or practicing their faith)
God is going to hold us accountable for our use of time to grow into spiritual maturity. If we’re going to give an account for everything we’ve done, then it makes sense to value the time we can spend with Him right now more highly than we currently do. The point at which we value time the most is when it’s gone. At every funeral, we wish we had more time together. Same with reunions or family get togethers. Do we have the same longing for more time with God? James 4:14 tells us our time here is short, so let’s make the most of it.
What are you spending your time on instead of spending it with God? Pray and spend time repenting of what has taken the place of your time with God if you feel led to do so. If you don’t already have a set time, mark a time now when you will read God’s Word and pray privately to Him.
Close by listening to or singing "Lord, I Need You" and praying to make it a spiritual and mental priority to spend your time with God, reading His Word and praying.