Memory Verse: I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
Introduction:
In the days of youth, time often seems to be a commodity without end. Oft times it may be squandered shamelessly, recklessly; however, always in the mistaken belief that we have an inexhaustible supply. As man reaches the maturity of his prime, he is inclined to move forward with his career, he establishes a home and may start a family; the days are green and fruitful, and this man uses this time of his vigor to make a mark for himself. But a day comes when the man awakens to realize that the days of his youth are fleeting.
The Christian toiler, like his secular counterpart, must also be a diligent worker if he is to succeed, but quite unlike his unsaved brother, the Christian is charged to do even more. Paul admonishes us to be “Not slothful in business;” but this same verse also goes on to say that we should be “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Romans 12:11-13 KJV). If we can be zealous and spiritual, even in our approach to mundane things of the workplace, we are expanding our Christian witness all the more. A perceptive king once said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Wise and efficient use of time is important to every human activity. Utterly foolish is the man who carefully attends to all the other details of his life while completely excluding God from his plans. Accepting the freely given salvation provided by God through the blood of Jesus Christ must be done in this life. All opportunity for receiving it is past once we are overtaken by physical death.
That famed storyteller, Hans Christian Anderson, was once moved to say: “Time is so fleeting that if we do not remember God in our youth, age may find us incapable of thinking about him.” Realizing how quickly time passes, we need to soberly consider God’s prime purpose for placing us in this mortal life, Solomon says “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Indeed, we are truly using our time wisely if our lives are lived through faith with the values of the eternal God in view, fearing and obeying His commandments. Each of us has a limited amount of time on this earth and we should use as much of that time as possible for advancing Christ’s purposes in this world.
Study Questions:
- What should each person do very early in life? Hosea 10:12. Note: Plowing and planting are preliminary steps for growing a crop, in this same way; repentance would set the stage for growing in God and receiving His blessings.
- What might be sound advice to offer a young person who feels he or she will defer accepting the Lord until a more convenient time? James 4:13-17; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. Note: The problem is not in making a plan but that you do not want to leave God out of your plan.
- What might be a good creed for the daily walk of a modern Christian? 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22. Note: A Christian always has grounds for rejoicing. Christian joy is not based on circumstances but on a growing awareness of God and the certain future of eternal life with Christ.
- God does not expect us to disrupt the workplace or bring production to a halt with our Christian witness, but are we to have a response for fellow workers who might question us regarding our beliefs? 1 Peter 3:15-17.
- Does a person unduly concerned with material prosperity need to be advised? 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Note: The Scriptures teach that a Christian’s work will be evaluated to see what his or her life in Christ has produced.
- Is there a proper way to obtain wealth? Proverbs 11:24-26, 28; 13:4-8, 11.
- What is Jesus’ warning to those who place too great an importance upon the material things of life? Luke 12:13-21. Note: Focus on one’s self is what Jesus is condemning.
- Each of us has been given certain talents and abilities, does the Lord expect these to have a practical application in our life? Matthew 25:29-30; 1 Peter 4:7-11. Note: The proverb in Matthew illustrates that a person must use what God has given or else lose it, this includes abilities and spiritual gifts as well as material possessions. Every Christian is gifted to serve and should use their ability and the power God gives them to do His will.
- Does Paul’s advice to the church at Ephesus have any relevance for the Christian of today? Ephesians 5:15-21. Note: Discerning the will of the Lord is not a matter of feelings or emotions, but of mentally understanding and applying our minds to Scripture.