Today's picture is of the clock that is located in the center of College Avenue in Aledo. I love it, even if the four faces often tell differing times. It reminds me daily when I pass it that there is only so much of the commodity of time that I have been given and I want to make the best use of it. I remember hearing (and swearing I would never say!) older people tell me that time passes quickly and to enjoy it because it will be gone before I knew it. Yep, I now say the same thing to those who think they have all the time in the world to get to the important stuff!
Some verses that have been playing heavily on my heart over the past 8 - 12 month are found in Ephesians 5:15-17 where Paul is talking to the believers in Ephesus. He tells them: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Honestly, I am far from living this well. It has been a lot of trial and error, some willful choices to do what I want to do, and some 'good' mistakes that have taught me a lesson or two along the way. Today, I'd like to share a few of those lessons that the Lord has graciously taught me so far.
1. ROI ~ This is a financial acronym that certainly fits in the concept of redeeming time wisely. It stands for "Return on Investment". As a wise financial manager looks to invest money in products that will give them the largest bang for their buck, the Lord has been teaching me that to be a wise, godly woman, I too need to spend my time in things that bring the largest return in investment. Do not misunderstand...the largest spiritual ROI is always about His glory and kingdom, not my personal gain, happiness or comfort. Oh, He is often so gracious that He allows those blessings to come. However, there are times when the choice is very difficult and may cost me something. That leads me to the second point.
2. Opportunity Cost ~ This is a term from the world of economics as well. The definition of an opportunity cost is the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action. There have been activities, ministries and people that I have had to say no to, reduce the frequency of, or tweak the direction of in order to bring more glory to the Lord. Some have been easy to do, but others have frankly taken me to my knees in prayer and pain. I didn't want to have to let go, but I knew that to not do so would be sacrificing the best for the good. Still, there are many things that the Lord is prying from my white knuckled grip. I am a work in progress!
3. Eternal Focus ~ The Lord has changed my heart the most in this area regarding time. He has methodically reminded me that I am living in an eternal spectrum that began at the moment I trusted Christ as my Savior. It isn't some time off in the future, but here and now. What I do today will affect eternity future. The only thing I can take to heaven with me is another soul. This forces me to ask the question, "How will the time I put towards this activity or relationship change eternity?" Sometimes, He asks me to be involved for a period of time, and then moves me. Sometimes, He tells me that He doesn't want me involved. Sometimes, it's a lifetime assignment.
The bottom line is that I want my life to count, and just not for anything. I want it to count for the most important thing - bringing glory to the One who stepped into time to save me.
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