"A SLICE OF TIME
I'm sorry, but people are not created equal, at least in terms of intelligence, gifts, appearances or finances. It would be nice if we were, but we're not. We're not even equal in the amount of time we've been given to live. But to everyone God has given a slice of time, and we're to use it wisely ('Redeeming the time, because the days are evil,' Ephesians 5:16).
The context of this verse reminds us that a life lived under the influence of power and the Holy Spirit will show in the way we handle our time. If your days are short and your life seems overwhelmingly crowded, and hectic, then one of several things is probably wrong:
1. You may be doing far more than you should. That happens when we begin to believe that God is impressed by the volume of our work. He's really not. He's more concerned about us.
2. You may be spending your time the wrong way. The Bible speaks of unfruitful works. That's well meaning activity, but it produces nothing. I always remember what Roy [Hicks] Jr said, 'Just because there's a need doesn't mean it's the will of God.'
3. You may be spending your time on the wrong things. There is a massive difference between activity and ministry. Activity may discourage you and wear you down, while ministry will encourage your heart and build you up.
So how should we approach our time?
1. Pray
Ask God for wisdom. If you spend all your time with people, you probably won't be ministering to people. Talk to God every morning so He can give you your marching orders for the day.
2. Learn to say no.
Once you know time is precious, then be willing to say no to the things that will help you accomplish or further God's purpose, objective, and will for your life.
3. Don't take yourself too seriously.
There's no question but that our time is valuable, but God never called you to win the world... just some of those in the world. All of the work won't be done today, and it won't all be done for you. It's not a sin to enjoy life and relax.
4. Have a disciplined schedule.
Guard your time as a pricelesss treasure. Time can't be saved, only spent, so choose wisely how you invest it.
Redeeming the time,
Ron Mehl"