Verse: James 4:14
What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Devotional Thoughts:
If you read my article from last week, you’ll remember that I wrote about the importance of time. This article is something of a “Part Two” of that one, because I have some more thoughts to share regarding our time.
Think about some of the things we’ve been called to: the Great Commission – to make disciples of all nations. That means we’re called not only to make converts, but rather disciples, those who are living out their faith and following Jesus. We’re to help them grow; Jesus said to teach them everything that he himself taught.
We’ve been called to love God and love others. Specifically, to love our neighbors as ourselves. We’re to serve others. To care for others and look after the interests of others as much as we do our own. These are some of the things we are all called to. If you are a disciple of Jesus then you are called to these things.
Here’s my main point – we don’t have the time to waste our time when it comes to these things.
Points to Ponder:
James says, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
What is our life? Our lives are but for a moment and then gone. Time is one of our most precious commodities, yet many of us treat it as though we have an infinite supply.
And if our lives are here and then gone, can you imagine how fleeting the individual seasons of life are?
We don’t have time to waste.
And here’s where the rubber really meets the road.
Parents, do you realize that, from the moment your child is born, you have approximately 936 weeks before they either head off to college or begin a career? Just 936 weeks!
Have a 1st grader? That’s approx. 624 weeks. 6th grader? 364 weeks. 9th grader? 208 weeks.
Hopefully that puts it in perspective. Parents, there’s no time to waste when it comes to discipling your kids. There’s no time to waste when it comes to teaching your kids about Jesus. And, frankly, there’s no need to be going on big, weeklong mission trips, or being involved in community outreach… if you’re not even making disciples in your own home.
Do you believe in the things that Jesus said? Do you believe in the things Jesus accomplished for us? If you do, then parents, making disciples at home will be of utmost importance. And you don’t have time to waste.
Retirees, one of the things I noticed a long time ago is that, as people get a little older, many times there’s a mentality to “turn over church work and ministry to the next generation.” Basically, my understanding of this idea goes like this – “I’ve spent years volunteering, leading, and working in the ministry of the church. Now it’s time for someone else to step up.”
And I want to plead with you not to take this approach. Here’s why – generally, retirees have walked with the Lord longer than anyone else in the church. Usually you are the wisest among us. So please don’t simply “turn it over” to the next generation. The next generation needs to be ready and willing to listen and learn from you. So even if your role in church ministry changes, please don’t let your involvement in church ministry change too. The church needs your experience, your insight, your wisdom. And we don’t have time to waste.
We only have a limited amount of years, months, weeks, days, even hours… so let’s make them count.
