The Stewardship of Time

We have a problem with time. One hundred and fifty years ago, if a person was traveling from Chicago to New York, it would take an entire week. Today, it takes an airplane one or two hours to make the same trip. That means that person has gained almost an entire week. However, if we look at people today, they do not have more time. On the contrary, so many people claim, “I have no time.” Such a statement is not true, because an equal amount of time is given to all of us per minute, per hour, per day, per week, per month, and per year. However, it is true that the enemy who knows that he has only a short time {Revelation 12:12} tries to keep us occupied. Yet, we're responsible for how we spend God’s gift of time.  

A) Ownership and Stewardship of Time {Scripture references: Daniel 2:21; Job 14:1, 5} God is the Lord of time. He is in charge, and we are dependent on Him, and His decisions.

1) {Psalm 31:15}: Time and life are closely related. To spend time with someone means to give that person a part of my life, and so time is extremely important. Believers commit their time to God and follow His advice in its use. Time can also be wasted and misused.

2) {Colossians 4:5}: Our task is to make the most of our time by using it wisely. {Ephesians 5:15-16} This includes spending time with God and His Church, as well as time with family, friends, and neighbors—being there for them and pointing them to Jesus. We can also take time for meaningful work, unwinding and recharging, and physical exercise.  

Since God is the owner of our time, we cannot remain unconcerned about how we use it. This truth, calls us to prayer and the study of His Word. In Scripture, God shares with us principles of how to use time. Details must be discerned through our daily walk with the Lord, and by listening to His voice.  

B) Principles for the Good Use of Time

The following list is not exhaustive, however, it alerts us to some principles involved in the stewardship of time.

1) Prayer {Scripture references: Romans 12:12; 1 John 5:14-15; Daniel 6:11}

To pray means to seek communion with God, and to enter into a dialogue with our Father. Prayer allows us to step back, to find peace in turmoil and stress, and helps us to refocus and concentrate on what is really important in life. Apart from fellowship with God and a new perspective on life, prayer is also helpful in other ways. Taking time to pray, helps us grow in our relationship with God. There may be periods in our lives, when we do not feel like praying, however, even then it is good to tell God how we feel, and thereby maintain contact with Him. Apart from the daily structured time that we spend in prayer, our thoughts may frequently go to God during the day in thankfulness, and praise as well as in petition.

2) Reading and Studying God's Word {Scripture references: Colossians 3:16; Acts 17:11; Joshua 1:8}

We need to take some time to read and study God's Word on a regular basis; at least once a day. Because through His Word, God speaks in a special way to us, keeping the channels of communication open. God's Word allows us to understand God, to discover Jesus, and to discern what is good, and what is God’s will for us.

3) Witnessing {Scripture references: Matthew 10:32; 2 Corinthians 5:20}

Taking time to share our faith is beneficial to others, for they have a chance to get to know Jesus and/or understand Scripture in a deeper way. We too are blessed because speaking about God helps us to deepen our relationship with Him.

4) Service {Scripture reference: Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 5:7; Matthew 22:37-39}

Part of the Christian life includes serving others: family, friend, and neighbors.

Showing love to our neighbors can come in many creative ways, from giving them a cup of sugar, to watching their children and assisting them in difficult times. Service also includes involvement in various activities and responsibilities in the Church.

5) Fellowship {Acts 2:46-47; Hebrews 10:24-25}

Time spent with believers is very important. Typically, we're stronger together than we are alone. In Christian fellowship we find support, encouragement, and our faith is strengthened. We can also be a blessing to our brothers and sisters.

6) Work {Genesis 1:28; 2:15, 19-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:11}

Some consider work to be a curse, however, it is a blessing to be able to achieve something. It provides satisfaction and fulfillment. Adam and Eve were involved in meaningful work even before the Fall. Although work has to some extent become burdensome {Genesis 3:17-18}, it still has positive aspects. It is even mentioned in the Ten Commandments {Exodus 20:9-11} and Paul warns against idleness {2 Thessalonians 3:10}.

7) Rest {Mark 6:30-32; Exodus 20:8-11}

Scripture also speaks about rest, even an entire day of rest, the Sabbath. Rest is important for our health and for being able to function well. There must be a healthy rhythm between work and rest. The Sabbath is given once a week, not only for recuperation, but also for communion with God, service for Him, and fellowship with family and friends.

One of the most precious gifts we have received from God is time. We belong to God, and our time also belongs to Him. We are asked to use this gift in productive ways. God has also given us guiding principles about how to do this as faithful stewards. By following these principles our lives are enriched and glorify God. We also demonstrate that we are completely committed to the Lord, and that He in turn will guide us into a deeper understanding of Him and His plan for us.

God’s Simple Plan of Salvation

It’s probably the most important question of your life.  Your destiny for all eternity depends upon your answer. The question is: “Are you saved?"  
It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but are you saved? Are you sure you will go to Heaven when you die?  God says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again.  In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again."  

In the Bible, God gives us the plan of how to be born again, which means to be saved. His plan is simple! You can be saved today.  How?  First, you must realize you are a sinner.  "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." {Romans 3:23} Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. "For the wages [payment] of sin is death..." {Romans 6:23}. This includes eternal separation from God in a place called Hell. 

But, God loved you so much He gave His one & only Son, Jesus, to bear your sin and die in your place.  "...He has made Him [Jesus, Who knew no sin] to be sin for us...that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." {2 Corinthians 5:21} 

Jesus had to shed His blood and die to pay our sin debt.  "For the life of the flesh is in the blood," {Leviticus 17:11}. 

And Hebrews 9:22 says that,” ...without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]."  

Romans 6:23 goes on to tell us, "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”  

In Romans 10:9, we see exactly what’s required for salvation: “That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

Simply believe on Him as the one who bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and whom God resurrected. His resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when Jesus is received as personal Savior. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." {Romans 10:13}

In summary, God’s plan of salvation is as simple as A-B-C: 

A = Admit - acknowledge you’re a sinner who needs to be saved.  
{Romans 3:23}: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” 

B = Believe that Jesus Christ died for you & rose again for your justification.
{Romans 10:9}: “That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus  and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,  you will be saved.”  

C = Confess to accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. 
{Romans 10:10,13}: “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation... for whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  

{John 3:16-17}: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,  that whoever believes in Him  should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,  but that the world through Him might be saved.” 

Don’t be fooled - just because God’s plan of salvation is “simple,” that doesn’t mean it was easy...for God. It cost Him His "first" begotten Son.  

QUESTION: Would you be willing to pray this prayer with a committed heart of faith, trusting and believing what the Bible says about Jesus and His love for you? 

The prayer of salvation:
"Oh God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus was my substitute when He died on the Cross. I believe His shed blood, His death, His burial, and His resurrection were all for me. I now receive Him as my personal Savior. I thank You for forgiving me of my sins, and for the gifts of salvation and everlasting life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen." 

Just take God at His word and claim His salvation by faith. Believe, and you will be saved.  No Church, no family pedigree, no good works can save you.  Remember, it’s God who does the saving. All of it!