GLORIFYING GOD WITH OUR TIME 

Bearing Fruit

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23 (NRSV)

It seems that, as we grow older, we can better understand what James was saying in chapter four, verse 14: "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Time does go by quickly, especially as we age. James is telling us that, in the span of eternity, our time on earth is rather insignificant. We are a mere dot on the calendar of time.

In reading God's Word, it is clear, however, that God is more interested in what we do with our time than the length of time that he gives us. As God's children, our focus shouldn't be on asking God for longer lives, but, rather, we should be more interested in asking Him and ourselves the question: "What can I do with my time that will please him and give him the glory that he deserves?" First and foremost, God wants us to spend our time with him in prayer and worship and the study of his Word so that we are then empowered to serve and glorify him. We can give God glory by dedicating our daily tasks to him. Our hands and feet can be doing routine and mundane things, but our heart and minds can be focused on the Lord. ...We demonstrate God's grace at work within us as we do his will by serving him through serving others. By wisely using our time to the glory and honor of God, we can live this life abundantly.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to put you first when planning my daily schedule. Grant me wisdom so that I use my time in ways that give you glory. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.