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Making The Most of Our Time

Updated Blog3

Good Morning wvBc Family!

It’s kind of wild not formally being together for two weeks in a row. We are working hard to creatively keep us connected. More about that this afternoon.

A few weeks ago we talked about Ephesians 5:15-16 and “making the most of our time”:

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

Paul is clearly telling us that if we don’t make the most of our time, the time will be squandered away. Cruising around on the net may not seem like it’s evil but the hard questions are ‘Is what I’m doing making the most of my time from God’s perspective? Is what I’m doing right now most pleasing to Him?’The question shouldn’t be ‘Is what I’m doing ok? Am I sinning by doing what I’m doing?’

The activity may not be blatantly sinful but please consider what James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” So James points out that sometimes we get faced with a choice where what we’re doing isn’t the issue, it’s what we’re not doing that we really should be doing; i.e. watching YouTube videos on my phone rather than connecting to my wife & kids while I’m quarantined at home by COVID-19. In addition we’ve got to consider the kind of example we’re creating for those watching us! Do they see me sitting on the couch on my phone, tablet, or computer all day?

The trap is getting caught asking the wrong question: “Is what I’m doing or want to do good or bad?” That’s not what we need to ask! The better question “Is what I’m doing or want to do best? Best use of my time? Best use of my resources? Best use of my gifts, talents and abilities? Best way to love this person? Best way to love God?

The real battle is ‘good’ versus ‘best’!! Are we settling for ‘good’ when God wants us to experience ‘best’? Please consider the following passage and ask the Lord if your choices today are best!

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” Philippians 1:9–10 (NIV)

Some suggestions from my better half when kids are in the mix (both Mom & Dad):

  1. Instead of turning on the tv first thing, turn on praise music: https://youtu.be/B_GHXAyN8Mw
  2. Let your kids see you spend time in God’s Word
  3. Encourage your kids to spend time in God’s Word (make it a privilege not punishment and age appropriate, may need to read with them)
  4. Ask your kids simple, application oriented questions regarding what they read
  5. Strategize with them on making the most of your time, i.e. How can we best reach our neighbors for Jesus during this crisis?

Let’s make the most of today worshiping our amazing God and King (Romans 12:1-2)!

Because of His Great Love,

Skip & Laurie