Don't Waste Time

Here's a light-hearted story to start us off: A young boy asked his grandmother what it was like to be old. She replied, "Well, let's put it this way. I'm so old, I remember when running water was considered exercise!"

Our topic for today is "Don't Waste Time," and the key verse is Ephesians 5:15-16, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil."

Time is one of God's most precious gifts to us, but it's also one of the most squandered. Think of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for forty years, a journey that should have taken only eleven days (Deuteronomy 1:2). They wasted time due to disobedience and a lack of faith.

Contrast this with Jesus' life. In His short 33 years on earth, He accomplished more than any human in history. He didn't waste time. He made the most of every moment for the Kingdom of God.

Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it." How are we using our time? Are we investing it wisely in things of eternal value, or squandering it on the temporary and trivial?

The Bible warns us against wasting time. Proverbs 24:33-34 states, "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man." Laziness leads to waste, and waste eventually leads to loss.

Our time on earth is limited. Psalm 90:12 urges us, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." We are encouraged to live wisely, fully aware that our days are counted and should be spent on what truly matters.

Let's pray: "Lord, thank you for the gift of time. Help us to use it wisely, to invest in things of eternal value, to love well, to serve others, and to glorify You in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen."

As we venture into a new week, let's heed the advice of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4:5, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Let us not waste time but make every second count for the Kingdom of God.

Remember, we are stewards of the time God has given us. Use it wisely, invest it generously, and you'll reap a harvest of blessings. God bless you all, and have a wonderful week.