“making the most of your time, . . .”
“When Jesus [the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior & Messiah & Redeemer]
(The Gospel According to Matthew 5: 1-2 & 6: 34 NASB)
saw the crowds,
He went up on the mountain;
and after He sat down,
His disciples came to Him.
He opened His mouth and began to teach them,
saying,
. . .
“So do not worry about tomorrow;
for tomorrow will care for itself,
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The year is closing; we are replacing one calendar with a new one. Many are instructing us to consider New Year’s Resolutions. However, it is imperative that we seek to walk through the days the LORD provides as HE sees fit, and not based upon certain resolutions we desire to make.
When Jesus sat down on the mountain to instruct His chosen followers (His disciples), there were many statements He made. Take a look at some of His teachings that are found in the first section—chapter 6).
“Whenever you fast, . . .” (verse 16)
“But you, when you fast, . . .” (verse 17)
“so that your fasting . . .” (verse 18)
&
“do not be worried about your life, . . .” (verse 25)
“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (verse 27)
“And why are you worried about clothing?” (verse 28)
“Do not worry then, . . .” (verse 31)
We could look at chapter 7, at what Jesus says about judging others, about how we should treat others, about the narrow path, about the fruit of the spirit Jesus’ followers are to bare, and about the house of God. Jesus taught with authority and many were amazed by His teaching.
To be sure, Jesus knew His disciples so well; He knew they would become selfish with their time, with their days, and with their focus.
- Jesus knew His time walking as flesh and blood was short. &
- Jesus knew the HUGE task His disciples were called to do.
- He knew the weight of Acts 1: 8 before the apostle Paul was led by the Spirit of God to write the verse.
- Jesus knew Paul before Paul knew Jesus. &
- Jesus knows us!
Therefore, since Jesus knew the salvation of God would require the obedience of His chosen disciples, He instructed them in the importance of “making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 5: 16 NASB)
Thus, He is fully acquainted with the temptation of Satan.
JESUS IS GOD IN THE FLESH.
It is imperative how we realize this truth too.
- Jesus knows how much the devil hates us (Jesus’ followers).
- Jesus knows how the devil wants us to focus on everything BUT JESUS.
- Jesus knows we live in an evil and Christ-rejecting world.
- Jesus knows we are mere dust.
- Jesus knows how we need to be reminded (DAILY) of His Holy Word.
- Jesus knows our hearts &
- Jesus knows how our human hearts are evil.
BECAUSE JESUS IS GOD, HE KNOWS THE PROMISES OF GOD,
how they are always: YES & AMEN!
- Currently, I am fifty-eight years old, and many would say I am walking toward retirement. I do not agree—but God knows!
- In the cycle of life, many would say I am only a few years away from death—but God knows!
- In the time I have remaining to walk on the face of this earth, to do the will of the Lord, to focus upon the lostness of my neighbor, and to testify, some may say my remaining time is brief—but God knows!
Whether we live to 59 or 69 or 79 or 83 or 96 or 103, one truth remains.
It is imperative you should be “making the most of your time, . . .” & me too!
For while Jesus was teaching His disciples on the mountaintop, He spoke about WHAT we are to seek, even explaining WHY we should.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
(The Gospel According to Matthew 6: 33-34 NASB)
and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow;
for tomorrow will care for itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Because it ALL belongs to GOD—
- Our Lives!
- Our Life-Span!
- Our Families!
- Our Days!
- Our Time on Earth!
- Our Possessions!
- Our Gospel Opportunities!
- Our Moments to Speak Jesus to the Lost!
- Our Time to Love as JESUS LOVED.
Yes, EVERYTHING belongs to HIM!
So, in closing, as we close out the last days of this year and step into a new year (God willing), it is imperative that we walk exactly—just as God commands!
“Therefore be careful how you walk,
(The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 5: 15-17 NASB)
[even today, on this very day & walk]
not as unwise men but as wise,
[for we have received the wisdom of God.
Therefore, you & I must be]
making the most of your time,
[for whatever time we have here on earth is brief &]
because the days are evil.
[Satan is prowling, trying to steal, to kill, & to destroy our witness.]
So then do not be foolish,
but understand what the will of the Lord is.”