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TIME! “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but
as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5.15-16).
Later this week we will close the book on 2008 and enter a New Year. This brings
to mind the subject of time and its importance. Time is valuable. We measure time in different increments.
Millenniums, centuries, decades, years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes,
seconds, and even to fractions of a second. Clocks are a testimony to the
importance of time. Most of us have multiple clocks in our
homes. In fact, most rooms have a clock in them. We arrange our days
around the time we have and need. Doctor’s appointments are scheduled for the
day, hour, and minute for our arrival. Why? Because time is valuable. Time is the great equalizer. Each of us have the same 24
hours to use each day. I know of no one that actually has more time in a day
than any one else. Some seem to accomplish more than other people. Once used
time can not be replenished. No one can buy more time. We can try to prolong our
days by taking care of our bodies. We can be more efficient in how we use our
time, but we all have the same number of hours in the day. The days of our lives are unique. Each day is different
from all the other days. I remember in grade school having to date each of my
papers. One day it dawned on me that I would never use that day’s date again.
We may recall the events of a particular day, but we shall never use that day
again. Finally, time is eternal. We are made in the image of God,
Genesis 1.26-27. Man possesses a soul that is eternal, we will never cease to
exist. Jesus spoke of Lazarus and the rich man, Luke 16. Lazarus was in
Abraham’s bosom, the rich man was in torment, both men existed on the other
side of the grave. Job asked the question, “If a man dies shall he live
again” (Job 14.14). The answer is YES. Jesus spoke of the Day of Judgment in
Matthew 25.46, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the
righteous into eternal life.” It is this last point that makes time the most
valuable. If there is nothing more for man than to live and die here on this
earth, there is no real purpose of life. However, because we are made for
eternity, we are to use our time wisely and prepare for heaven. — Dennis
Tucker |